Warming up

If at all possible, on cold lumpy days, we try to run the ILB engine for a few minutes to get it warmed up before launching. This gives the helmsman and crew some confidence that when the boat does hit the water and goes beyond the point of no return, that power will be there when it's needed.

Of course, it's not that our outboards are un-reliable, it's just that outboards will be outboards sometimes and why take a chance when you have an alternative?!

Our system is not complex. Indeed it is nothing more sophisticated than a length of hose with flush mutts attached.

Once the crew and helmsman are happy that all is ready and the engine warmed, the mutts are removed and the boat launched.

And when the first wave breaks over the bow...off she goes in a shower of spume and spray.