Monday, March 19, 2012

First Day of Spring Fit-Out

We got a lot accomplished today at Northport Bay Boat Yard.  The crew (all captains!) painted the bottom with anti-fouling paint, and we removed the rudder and propeller shaft in order to replace the stern bearing (tomorrow).  Thanks to Don at NBBY for his help with the fork lift.  That rudder is heavy!  I worked on rust repair in the LPG locker and took off at lunch to talk to the Traverse City Optimist Club (only 32 miles each way).  Also picked up the alternator that was rebuilt by Art's Auto Parts. 

Allen Wolfe and Jan Hale painting the bottom

Allen and Don of NBBY going over the process to remove the rudder.  No room for error.

Ben Hale driving out the final titaniam bolt on the rudder flange.  The rudder is supported by a fork lift (out of the photo frame)

Success.  The shaft has been removed also.  The rudder is in the background.

The 18 year old stern bearing.  We'll find out tomorrow how difficult this will be to remove!
Thanks to Ben, Allen, Jan and Don for all their efforts today.  ---Capt. Tom

No comments:

Post a Comment