© 2009 Brian L Johnson

.Avoiding weed problems

4. Always check the weed trap during any extensive cruise With the engine running you should be able to see

water circulating through the weed trap.

5. If the trap has started to fill up with weed it will be necessary to remove it. This requires unscrewing the lid.

Push gently down and turn to unscrew it. Lift out the steel backet and tip the weed into a bucket before you

6. As this is part of a airtight system, it is then essential to refill the weed trap with water before replacing the

top. Close the stop cock on the water intake whilst you do this. This is better demonstrated than described so

take an early opportunity to be shown this procedure.

7. When cruising check the temperature gauge carefully, even a continuous run of 2 to 3 hours or more should

not lead to a rise much above an indicated 70 degrees. If it rises above this and if you notice excessive smoke

coming out of the exhaust then stop the engine – you almost certainly have a weed blockage. Early action will

prevent the impeller being damaged or destroyed by a lack of water in the system.

Finally – don’t worry excessively about this problem. Hannah and Douglas cruised over three days, including

the Old West River, and whilst there was some weed in the trap at the end it was not sufficient to cause any

problems. In most cases you can cruise without concern.