FreedomYachts.org

I had a lighting strike in 2017 and replaced my RayMarine autopilot chartplotter and course-computer with a B&G system. My RayMarine system worked fine, once I installed a gyro into the course computer, but I have to say that the B&G system does a much better job of anticipating and correcting for t...

The black stuff that you see working out is the ribbed plastic material which is on the inside of the bearing. It holds the prop shaft in place. It has channels that allows water to run alongside it and cool it. Do not run the engine with the prop shaft spinning outside of the water. Don't ask me ho...

You don't need to replace the cutlass bearing as long as you're willing to have it fail (at probably the most inconvenient time possible). Based upon your description, it's clearly in the process of failing and it's just a matter of time before it does. When it does fail, your prop shaft won't be su...

I've placed high density plastic on the rails, but Dwight's solution sounds easier. That wasn't a product option in Central America. However, I would place the Teflon on the wooden rails (assuming that we have similar builds) and not on the slider.

-- Geoff

Laisve,

I used nylocks on mine. Make sure that the bolts are just long enough, as you don't want to spend any extra time tightening down a nylck.

Access to the coupling is bad and it takes a LONG time to tighten up the bolts. I've never found a good solution.

-- Geoff

Click on the 3 horizontal bars or 'Quick Links" on the upper left hand corner. You'll find "Active Posts" under that.

-- Geoff

I performed a major update to the underlying software (phpBB) that runs the FreedomYachts forum. As a result you will see some changes on how things look, but in general it should function as usual. Note that I still have to update the Digest software, which e-mails you new posts. I'll work on that ...

I've had a SSB on BlueJacket since 1999 and use it extensively. I have a 24' Shakespeare whip antenna mounted to the transom and have had zero problems. Many people comment on what a great signal we have. I do suggest that you paint or epoxy it, as it will get rough/splinterey after a few years. I u...

Congrats!

Wow, a Bitzer compressor! I didn't know that Gruenert made belt drive systems.

And wow, your access sucks...sorry...I'd say that enlarging the access panel is about your only option.