Tractor Troubles
Friday, October 28th, 2011One of the challenges of operating in such a remote environment as Go Dive does in Port Gore, is keeping the machinery up to a reliable standard of maintenance. The salt water environment is naturally harsh and machinery maintenance is paramount to a reliable operation. What would normally be a simple repair such as a puncture or replacing brake pads, can turn into a major and expensive task.
Adrian from Tractor Spares & Repairs sorts out Fergy
Normally a major repair, like a tractor clutch replacement would be done in a well tooled, well staffed workshop. Fortunately Port Gore isn’t one of those places, thus it’s main appeal, unfortunately when things go wrong you need to deal with it the best you can. This proved to be the case recently when Fergy our tractor decided to spit the dummy big time and demand a new starter motor, a new water pump, a new trust bearing and to top it off, decided that it would only steer in straight line. All these issues happened one after another, as I had several attempts to get the beast back to Blenheim by road to Tractor Repairs and Spares in Renwick to sort out the dickey thrust bearing and clutch. Finally we decided to do the major job of splitting the tractor in half on-site. Surprisingly a job that was much easier than first thought, due to the experience and service Adrian from Tractor Spares brought with him.![]()
Mikhail Lermontov prop
Other than the issues Fergy has presented me, we have just run a series of very successful trips over the last few weeks. In fact last weekend, which was a mainly all club member weekend, we experienced the best visibility I have seen on the wreck for over three years. Michael Keller from Christchurch completed his TDI Adv Nitrox and Deco Procedures course with Go Dive over an extended 5 day period, doing 10 dives on twins and slinging deco gas. The visibility was such on the Lermontov, that on some days you could see bow to bridge, thats well over 20m.
Next week sees Go Dive heading into our busiest November yet, with nearly back to back trips right through to December, we have a new compressor and huge air storage set up now at the Lodge and are looking forward to the settled weather Nov offers. There is still the odd day left unbooked, with space over Christchurch Show weekend still available.
Although I might be a bit busy to write regular Blogs over the next few months, I will still try to stay in touch with club members via TXT and email, for visitors I will be able to answer your messages and emails most evenings from our new improved cell coverage service in Port Gore. Tania and Sarah will be monitoring the phones during the day, for course, local and Lermontov trips.
Have a great summer.
safe diving
Brent

. If your keen on this trip flick me an email or call on 0800GODIVE, if you want to put your hand up for the FOC spot and help with the trip again email or call.
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remember Go Dive do have vouchers for dive kit, courses and trips.
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