The start of the crusing day and the usual checks need to be done. engine oil, coolant levels, belt tension and a general look over the engine to check it all seems correct, no dangling wires etc. So I set off and instantly noticed she seemed to be lacking power and speed. You get used to what your boat does, and she was certainly not right. Moored up and thought it best to check the weed hatch.
The weed hatch is an inspection hatch inside the engine bay, giving you access to the propeller. All sorts of things get wrapped around the prop: plastic bags, ropes, fishing line and weeds! Low and behold my prop is completely fouled up, outcomes the knife and I sink my arm into the hatch up to my biceps in the hope of freeing it up. After a few pieces were cut off, the rest was easily spun off the prop. During my time on the Grand Union & Oxford canals, I never needed to dip into the hatch. 3 days on the Thames and it’s completely fouled.
Time to get the cover securely back on. If I don’t, then she’ll be at the bottom of the river, one of the quickest ways to sink a boat.