Hi Dave:
I have removed the back piece of the engine cover completely after realising that it'd be impossible to change a faulty impeller
at sea (the water pump is at the rear of the engine). Psychologically, it's nice to know you can have access to all the engine parts,
including the gearbox and shaft seal. Without the back cover, there's a small increase in engine noise and the stairs are a bit wobbly but I plan to deal with both soon. As for shortening the tiller, the thought had occurred to me too, but after being caught
in a choppy force 7 I realised that the long tiller allowed me to remain under the sprayhood and still be able to steer. So I've kept it as is.
Nicholas
Moments of Clarity #334
