S/V Morning Star

[Dan Dow]

I really have been remiss in keeping up with this blog, but as usual life has gotten in the grand plan a few weeks back we sailed to the Farralone Islands for a good shake down cruise, sucking up a crab pot and sheering off the bolts between the transmission yoke and the flex coupler.   These bolts don’t appear all that difficult but a machinist is required to produce them.  With a little redesign to make them removeable and replaceable in the future we are now awaiting delivery.  Raritan hold n treat system and new head have arrived and are awaiting installation.  But they will have to wait as we have to run to Louisiana to enjoy our daughter’s graduation, receiving her masters degree in education next week.  Upon return the boat will be in a creat fury to get things accomplished.

[Dan Dow]

We are replacing the all bronze full size with a new Raritan, as there are very few parts available for the 50 year old Skipper head.

[Dan Dow]

Peter,  the bolts aren't from a compact head they are from the flexcoupler between the transmission and the propshaft.  We have a full size Raritan head.

[Peter Scott]

OHH Compact heads stink, literally and figurativey, I just replaced my Raritan compact with a Jasco large size, (I can do my crossword puzzles in peace), there is nothing like a new throne. Damn TMI...I always worry about the stress on those bolts, its a good idea to have a plan to replace them  before the sharks at the Farralone Islands, get cha!