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I did the same install of a Lewmar V700 last winter on my '88  following Ron's write up exactly and couldn't be happier-flawless performance almost paid for itself last summer saving on mooring fees and my back doesn't hurt anymore!

I was introduced to sailing during my 5 years stationed  at Camp Pendleton, just north of San Diego '84-'89.  The base recreation department offered a 50 hour learn to sail course for $42 which included the USCG manual and that gave you a card to rent their boats.  I recall a Catalina 22 was rented for about $5 per hour.  And if something broke, you simply wrote it down in the "breakage book" and walked away.  While we were there I was introduced to defense department budgeting.  One day an unexpected delivery of 4 or 5 brand new Catalina 22s arrived.  After some investigation, it turned out that when the originals were purchased, somebody put a depreciation expectation on them and in the base budget was an automatic replacement order that simply happened independent of any obvious oversight!   I do miss the year round sailing now that I live in the land of the 5 month season. 

Jim, I replaced my bellows a couple of years ago.  Unfortunately, I didn't replace the old generation black carbon face with the new version that includes a vent hose for air to escape.  When I get the squeal, I find the whole set up is steaming hot.  I need to wear gloves to burp it, the new water sizzles but the squeal goes away immediately.  I have concluded that air bubbles rise up the log shaft until a critical amount of air displaces the lubricating water.   It is likely to occur on busy weekends when I cross the wakes of big stinkpotters frequently.  This Winter I bit the bullet and ordered the newer version of the carbon face and hopefully that's the end of it. 

I've been away from the site a few days so thanks for all the discussion in between.  To Kevin's comment that the Frigoboat is basically the same as the AB, I'm actually considering the keel cooled model, not air or water cooled.  With this, there is no fan but it does require a new 1" through hull.  I was told this creates a much more efficient heat exchange especially since I'm in Massachusetts where the ocean water rarely reaches 70 F.  I suspect this could lead to rapid cooling, therefore shorter cycles and power savings.  The lack of a fan is attractive as I'm a very light sleeper and used to be aware of the fan cycling on and off all night 3 feet from my head in the V-berth.  The down side is that it's almost $1800, double what I'm seeing for a complete Isotherm unit.  I was hoping somebody could report on actual Frigoboat experience although this system may be mainly used on bigger boats than ours.  Brian

To Stu and others, the Kohlman link no longer works.  Looking through the other refrigeration links and replies, still no guidance as far as how to remove and dispose of the old Cold Machine I want to replace.  Anyone have any thoughts/experience and anyone ever use a Frigoboat?  The idea of 30% less power draw and "virtually silent " running is an attractive combination if the claims are true.  I'm a light sleeper and the former cycling compressor and fan used to wake me up. 

My 1988 Mark I has a probably original Adler Barbour Cold Machine that no longer cycles  off, fan doesn't work and is covered in rust.  I guess it's time.  I was advised to look into a Frigoboat keel cooled unit which reportedly runs very quietly and efficiently.  The company says it's a DIY installation.  First, I wonder if anyone can report on their experience with this brand.  Second, I'm nervous about removal of the old unit.  Obviously I should not release the refrigerant but is there a trick to safe removal without calling an expensive technician?  What about disposal?   Like many, my compressor is under the settee forward of the table with the copper tubing running on top of the starboard water tank. 

I'll share an alternative opinion-that the pole is great to use when your course is fairly straight and long.  I use it on cruises with the apparent wind between 120 and 180 degrees  with my 130% genoa and it definitely adds speed, up to 1 knot.  I just completed a training passage with John Kretchmer (who also did the Forespar WP training video) and we had his WP up for almost 3 days straight with minor reefing adjustments from time to time.  I agree it is too much work in racing.

Beautiful!  Thanks for sharing. 

My two cents worth after 18 years with  my 1988 Mark I:  Space is a premium.  You mention oil filter and 4 qts of oil, coolant.  These are  dock side or winter maintenance chores.  You don't change your oil or coolant at sea, during the Summer, or on a cruise.  Leave them home and bring an extra blanket and pillow.   I've never had to use any of these items.  Tools, tools, tools, if you can  think of one, bring it along.  I've used every one I've ever brought along and improvised a few, using my Swiss Army Knife for everything else.  Rescue Tape temporarily fixes every serious leak to get you back to port, Duct Tape fixes everything else.  Thread (and needles), small and medium lines-you always need to use them for something.   Have a great time.  Your life is about to get much better!

I'll repeat my experience that I mentioned in another post this past year as a counterpoint to spending a very large sum painting your mast.  My 1988 mast showed chunks of the original white coating missing exposing the silver aluminum.  Based on a friend's testimonial, I gave it one rough pass with 80 grit sandpaper and two coats of Rustoleum medium gloss white at $8/quart.  Total time was under 2 hours for my wife and I and total cost < $15.  From any distance it gleams white in the sun.  Yes, you can see the imperfections up close but it's 32 years old.  It has held up perfectly through two seasons so far.  With the money saved, I can afford a new main sail!

At our club south of Boston a fellow member painted the mast of his classic NY 40 with Rustoleum medium gloss a few years ago and it looked great.  I followed suit on my tired and chipping 1988 mast last winter-light sanding followed by two coats-took my wife and I < 1 hour for each, total cost about $8 (one quart) and it looks great.  It is now being stored with mast out in the New England Weather for its first Winter but my friends still looks great after 2 winters.  I keep thinking of all the things I can buy with the money I saved...sounds like a new main sail!

I went with the Harken 3 years ago at the recommendation of the local well respected rigger.  Flawless performance so far.  He steered me away from the less expensive Harkin stating that it was cheaply built for the commercial charter fleet where price was the main issue since boats were not being purchased by the charter companies for long term ownership. 

Yes to the last three.  I will have the right inspection ports in the new tank.  The leak was aft, gently sliding down from the  inboard corner of the tank  to land in the depression above the shaft log.  The first time I saw it,  enough accumulated to overflow the first hollow, drip to the wall behind the engine, build up there, then leak around to the bilge mid-ships, never enough to reach the mast area.  I feel lucky.  If the 15 gallons let loose, I can't imagine what my problem (and stress level) might be. 

So, Noah was right.  When I returned yesterday, there was more  diesel only in the hollow above the shaft log and the paper towel between the tank and this area was soaked.  On close inspection, the aft inboard corner of the tank had signs of rust and the board underneath was moist, clearly a pinhole leak.  I was able to siphon off all 15 gallons into jerry cans.  With some online research I found Luthers Welding in Bristol, RI reporting they specialize in custom aluminum marine fuel tanks and have quoted me a price for about $200 less than Catalina Direct (and I can save $90 shipping by  driving down to pick it up an hour from hear).  The order is placed and I should be able to launch on time in May.  I'm very happy to have an answer, a plan,  and grateful for all the advice. 

Thanks for all the advice.  I think my boat is not perfectly level, blow slightly up.  It looks like the diesel (and ice below it) was deeper aft and shallower moving forward with neither making it through the limber hole to reach the mast section.  I don't think the vent tube should come into play as the tank is only 3/4 full.  I'll be looking for the diesel track on Wednesday in the places mentioned.