Gypsy Wind Banner

HOME   OUR BOAT   OUR STORY   CAPTAIN'S LOG   HEIDI'S JOURNAL   PHOTOS   VIDEOS   MAP   BLOG   LINKS

 

Transmission

We had our mechanic, Zach, look things over for us prior to our departure.  We didn't want to leave the dock without his OK.  He did the once over and found transmission fluid in the bilge.  Unfortunately, the survey done when we bought the boat did say that the rear seal in the transmission was going bad, but should last a several years.  Given the fact that we rarely used the boat, we didn't think of it.  So, we had to hoist the engine, pull the gear, and found the rear seal was blown.  As such, our departure date was pushed back and the gear was shipped to Ft. Lauderdale.  Once received in Ft. Lauderdale, Transmission Marine tore the gear apart and advised us it was shot.   A new gear was ordered and was to arrive in Ft. Lauderdale on Monday, July 13.  Although we were unable to confirm whether or not the gear had arrived, Harry got up early Monday morning (6:00 a.m.), took a gamble and drove across the state to pick it up.  Zach was going to be leaving town on Wednesday July 15 so we needed to get it in ASAP.  However, when Harry to Transmission Marine, he was told that the gear was not in and that they did not know whether or not it would be in today or tomorrow.  We already had our mechanic lined up to install the gear when Harry returned with it.  We were also hoping that if all went well, we would head south on Wednesday or Thursday.  Needless to say this news let the wind out of our sails.  Then, the gentleman at Transmission Marine turned to Harry and said, it just so happens that someone else needed this exact same part.  It was ordered a few days before ours and, of all of the transmissions they carry, this one just happened to be sitting there on the shelf.  He told Harry that if the guy who ordered this gear didn't need it right away, we could have it.  So, Harry waited while they called the other guy.  He chanted "Come on Karma - I need you now...come on Karma, work for me", and it did!  The other guy was in no hurry to get his gear, so Harry was on his way back with a brand new gear before noon.  "Other Guy" - whoever you are, thank you!  May good Karma come your way too!

Below are photographs of the removal of the old gear and installation of the new. 

Hoisting the Engine



Our Buddy Zach letting the engine down after hoisting it in order to get to the transmission.  Zach was doing a once over for us and found a leak in the seal of the transmission.





How to lift an engine




As you can see, we used a strong metal beam to hoist the engine in order to remove the gear box. We used another technique, (you'll see below) which we do NOT recommend, to hoist the engine to install the gear box.



Zach points out the leak




Zach points out where the gear seal is bad and the transmission was leaking.





Harry checks out the damage







Harry assesses the damage.

Leaky Seal


The gear was shipped to Transmission Marine in Ft. Lauderdale on Monday, July 6, 2009 to be repaired.  While there, it was determined that the gear was shot, and a needed to be replaced.  Thus taking this job from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of boat units.  (for non-boaters BOAT stands for Break Out Another Thousand)







New gear




The new gear for the transmission.  The gear will be installed and then painted for protection.





How NOT to hoist an engine




Zach did not have a beam with him when he came to install the gear.  He thought the ledge of the hatch opening would be sturdy enough to hold the engine.  I was skeptical, so I suggested a 2 x 4.  I'd rather not have to be doing fiberglass repair as well...The guys worked very slowly raising the engine.  The board was stressed, and cracked slightly, but it held and got the job done.  Again, as stated above, even though this worked, we probably wouldn't do it again.  

Zach passes gear to Harry






Zach passes the gear to Harry for lubrication.

Harry adds lube






Harry adds lube...a little dab?????

Ready to install




The gear is ready to install.  Zach is in the engine room on the other side of the engine waiting for Harry to pass the gear to him.

Passing gear to Zach




Harry passes the gear box to Zach.  Come 2x4 - don't give out on me now!

Installed





Harry and Zach work together to maneuver the gear box into place.

Installed





And it's installed.  Just needs some paint and we're good to go!


More information about Gypsy Wind:

    Rudder                                                Bookshelves and other woodwork                                Re-Naming                                    Cleaning Fuel Tanks

    Transmission                                        Portholes                                                                      Logo on the Mast                          Teak