Sopwith Camel

I had planned to build a Sopwith Camel in time for the planes 100 anniversary. I gave it up but a guy in Sussex England bought the plans I had collected over 5 years and is building it. I will post a shot once in a while. Snoopy would be proud.

Tranny blues

This winter it is time to rebuild the transmission. It works great but leaks oil. The rear seal at the output shaft is the culprit. A new tranny is $1500 ! I found the parts for the rebuild in Florida (thrust washers) England (7.5 MM ball bearings) Oregon (spring retainers, seals, bearings and clutch plates) All added up, 250 dollars. My friend Jeff is a mechanic who repairs Bobcats. The motor is a 3 cylinder Yanmar in most of these machines. He was a lot of help and the best part is that I know how to do it now . I also learned that many parts for my diesel are available from tractor dealerships at a better price than marine store. Good to know.

Here we go

I am starting this blog in order to learn how to...blog. Yes, I am an idiot on a computer.
I own a 30 foot O'day named Gimme Shelter. My wife and my favorite Rolling Stone song. We have owned the boat for two years now and we are becoming OK sailors.

We sail on Lake St.Clair with the occasional trip out onto Lake Erie. The first season was like war. long bouts of boredom with occasional moments of shear terror. That said; we didn't die. We rock! The plan is to get better at sailing and move up to a 40 footer. Then it's off to the Carribean. When? 10 years from ...wait for it...NOW!