I thought I would get in another update. LOTS going on! I kind of feel like I've got a shotgun approach going on here. I'm pretty much working on everything at the same time - it ALL needs work!

Engine - the engine is still at the machine shop. I'm really hoping to have it back when I get back to Michigan, so I can start the reassembly. It has already been bored .030 oversize for new pistons. The block has been decked, and the crankshaft polished. Just need to finish up the valves. The machinist said he would probably have replace a few seats.

Windows - the front windshields are horizontal aluminum sliding windows. These are more like a house or trailer window than a marine window. The seals are shot and they are leaking badly. The leaking windshields are a major contributor to the rotting wood at the forward bulkhead. I would like to replace them with a forward opening hinged windshield more appropriate for a boat. I have gotten a couple of quotes, but they cost almost as much as I paid for the boat! It looks like I will be going back with new mobile home windows for now. As a future project, I think I will build my own aluminum welded frames and have them glazed. One of the side jalousie windows was removed to install a window air conditioner (hillbilly style! ). The crank out louvered windows are really hard to find. I have ordered one from Home Depot of all places. I am crossing my fingers that it will show up.

Rudder and prop shaft - The stuffing boxes on both of these were unbelievable. The hoses had to be original equipment and were as rotted, cracked and deteriorated as you might imagine after 50 years of living in a bilge. No wonder the boat sunk at the dock. The rudder construction was pretty interesting. It is an aluminum rudder plate welded to an aluminum shaft. The rudder shaft was bent and seized to the stuffing box. I pulled out the sawzall and whacked it off. I am almost finished with a new one made from welded stainless steel. There was no top bearing, or thrust bearing on the rudder. I guess they were using the stuffing box for this. I think I am going to make a flanged bearing out of plastic and mount it to the top of the rudder tube. It will be inside the stuffing box hose.

Wood - I picked up a large load of mahogany marine plywood at Johnson Lumber in Charlotte, MI. I can't wait to get started with this. But I still have to finish the windows and electrical wiring first.

Electrical system - I made good progress on this this weekend. Wow, the original design was pretty poor. But, the changes and additions made over the years were a nightmare! I'm pretty much going back with a clean slate. I'm happy with it so far.

I'm hoping to get it in the water later this year. But, I realize that will be a stretch. I still think I can do it though. I think I have settled on a name too, "Greybeard". That is a relection on her age and status as first of the Marinettes. It is also a reflection on her hairy and grizzled owner.

I'm working on getting more pics up on photobucket.

DD