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I started last year re bedding the 6 Beckson ports on Kindred Spirit, There were some leaks that were annoying, and after my 20th season with the boat I decided with the help from the Teck Wiki instructions to take on the project. The first one I tackled was a breeze, the trim ring came off easily, and the port nearly fell out on it's own. The second and third went well, the third needing the port puller tool to remove. And yes, you need to give yourself about 2 hours a port.
This year I'm attempting to finish the job, Port 4 came out using the puller. In about 3 hours I had it installed. Yesterday I went after port 5. From 9:30am to 4:30 pm I was pulling, peeling, and praying that it would come out. It seems that 3M 5200 was used to install it. I broke one port puller, made another, with thicker wood, and broke that one too trying to remove the port as I scraped and peeled around the port. My wife came to help and suggested putting some solvent around the port. So I tried Interlux Paint remover, which seemed to dissolve the 5200 into a curdled milk consistency. It came out finally.

Here are my questions:
1. Was the 5200 used in 1986 by Catalina to first install the ports? I believe the PO was the one who wrote the Teck Wiki directions and would not have used it.
2. On my final one, if I confront 5200 again should I just silicone on a new trim ring and install a new gasket and screen?
3. Is there an easier way to put the gaskets on the port? It seems inches too small to get around on the first try. We had 4 hands, and a partially closed window to hold and manipulate the gasket into the groove, which is still not fully installed.

I tried numerous methods to install the prior gaskets. I super lubed (BIG MISTAKE), boiled to soften them,  left in the sun to warm them. They are in, and the ports don't leak. But I have one partially in and 2 more to install. My dock neighbors are getting annoyed with my language as I curse my way through the process. Help!

Let me set the stage: currently my raw water pump is not working. Every 2 years I replace the impeller although I regret doing it as I take out a working one in very good shape and replace it with a $58 new one that currently is not working. (This has happened before.)
I take out the pump shaft with the impeller, remove the snap ring, install new impeller, replace snap ring. I lightly sand the inside of the pump, sand and polish the face plate, install new paper gasket, remove o-ring on pump, polish the face of the pump, reinstall the old o-ring.( i spent 2 hours trying to find a new one, no luck).
Tighten the 4 screws evenly, open the thru-hull, bleed the air out of the pump, and when I start the engine it seems to be pumping at 50%, but maintaining the 158 degree engine temp. I go sailing and when I start the engine to return to the dock, it is not pumping. I make it to the dock before the engine  temp exceeds 180.
The last time it was this bad I replaced the entire water pump, as it was also weeping. This pump is less than 10 years old, not weeping and had been through 4 successful impeller changes.  What is going on? 

I received this from Safe Harbor, Greenport, NY

Marina Temporarily Closed
We're working hard to remain current with respect to all state and federal regulations, as well as their guidance. We're typically out ahead of them. During this temporary closure, we only have essential staff on property to protect vessels and the environment on which we operate. Please know that all launching and service has been postponed.

We are actively assessing the COVID-19 situation and will continue to take all necessary actions in the best interest of the health and safety of our employees and Members. Please continue to check your email for updates and we appreciate your understanding during these times.
Sincerely,
General Manager
SAFE HARBOR GREENPORT/STIRLING

I am scheduled for a mid-May launch. Maybe...
Dave Comando

Last season I started to hear a high pitch sound when Kindred Spirit was under power. It would occur at a certain engine RPM (2200+ or - 100 RPMs). It would go away at lesser, or higher RPMs. The sound is like if you run your finger around the edge of a wine glass. This year, after its launch, I heard the sound again. It goes away at in between RPMs but occurrs again at a higher pitch if I power up to 2500. Some things to note: I do have the packless fittting on the drive shaft. I burp it after launch and SCUBA bottom cleanings. I did have a problem with the seal sticking and after I popped it I sprayed on some WD40. I have suspicions that it's the packless fitting, but how do I get rid of the sound?

Dave Comando
Kindred Spirit #55

About 2 years ago, a website was listed that had shirts and hats that could be custom printed and embroidered with the C-34, sail numbers and vessel name. I believe it was mylogoshop.com. That site no longer exists. Is anyone aware of a site that would be able to do this custom printing? Spring is just over a month away, and there is Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthdays...
Dave Comando
Kindred Spirit #55