Email from George Barth on April 19, 2010 in Charleston SC
Spring has sprung. I spread Sweet Forever's stern wings with little wedges to get in some caulk. Then I repaired the rotten splash rail with some white oak. I replaced the nuts that hold the propeller to the shaft and drilled a hole through the nut and shaft and put in a cotter pin. I also ground off the old iron strut nuts and replaced them with stainless steel.
Now hear this!!! The head mechanic at Pierside Boatworks where I work, came over last weekend to go over the engine to see if it was worth saving. The starter wasn't up to the task, so I took it apart and fixed a loose wire and bolted the starter back on, I crossed my fingers and turned the key. She fired up!!! For about three seconds. Then the starter died so I couldn't try again. I have since found a new starter online and expect its delivery soon, and I can't wait to hear that engine roar again. How long has it been? 15 years? You won't believe the black crap that got blasted out of the exhaust! Mostly rust from the exhaust manifold.
Amway, just keeping you posted on the progress. Roy named the boat well. She is Sweet, and she is Forever. Roy's spirit has been with me from the start in getting the boat back into shape. We've had a few arguments about procedure and quality control, but I always win the argument because, hey! Who's doing all the grunt work here? hee hee
I know Roy will win in the end when we get Sweet Forever's bow teaching the Folly Beach surf a thing or two.
