I lucked out and found this first (easily accessible) gasket was crimped or kinked upon installation (probably 25 years ago). Actually, this may have been a mistake at the Teleflex factory where the ram was made.

The hydraulic steering system has had a slow “drip” since we purchased the boat 5 years ago. +/- 1 ounce of fluid was added at the upper helm every 2-4 weeks when underway.

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Replacing this cylinder/ram or removing it to service it, would have been a major project because the nuts backing the four mounting bolts were blocked by both a fore/aft stringer and the starboard fresh water tank.

Being able to find the problem and solve it so easily was serendipitous fer sure!

One of my former & favorite Long Island NY marine parts vendors shipped me the Dometic Seal Kit from stock! Lighthouse Marine Supply, aka https://marineengineparts.com

Here is a pic of a new brass ram before Dometic/SeaStar changed to aluminum construction.

Florida Fuel Polishing LLC

904-767-1103

The reason for this project is we either purchase 2.5 gallon jugs of spring water for coffee, tea, making ice, and drinking water, OR we use the marina’s filtered water at the “free” ice machine.

We want to use our boat’s fresh water tanks moving forward. (We fill from the dock. It is municipal treated water in *most* marinas. But hoses and marina plumbing do not “improve” the taste!)

Jekyll Island Marina will not be as convenient as Ortega Landing is for free ice and filtered water. So we are going to try this out. We will add a primary filter at the hose as we fill from the dock.

Today’s filter inline, under the galley sink includes an activated charcoal section in the element.

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Today, Lady Betz, arrived here at P32 Ortega Landing Jacksonville FL flying their gold flag for the first time.

Gold does not tarnish or oxidize like many metals. But there is still something especially shiny and bright on the day when a Looper finishes their trek!

Joe & Betsy Boyd shown here (center) celebrated with us all at the swimming pool. In this pic, they are sandwiched between Loopers Marie of Hakuma Matata and Pete of Spring Fling.

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Water Witch Inc

AND

Dometic SeaStar

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First:

Bryan (Water Witch) called me back after I sent a technical support email to that company’s “Contact Us” email address.

Bryan was fantastic with his questions and technical knowledge of his product, and I am confident he will fix my alarm unit in the salon’s new instrument panel.

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Next:

Gary (Dometic – SeaStar) called me today after I emailed his company’s “Contact Us” email address with two technical questions and one attached photo. He said, “I can explain it better on the phone than in an email. So, I decided to just call you!”

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These two gents have no idea how satisfied and thrilled they made me feel with their outstanding customer service.

Hat’s off to them and these companies. They have earned MY loyalty.

BoatZincs.com

Part# A-25

$31.83+tax+ship= $42.78 total

All the other zincs on this boat are “standard fare” which most every boat yard / supply will stock.

7/16” socket was used on the nylox nuts. 316 s/s Nuts & washers were in good shape so I re-used them.

I considered this 3D space as being totally wastedz, so all I needed was a custom shelf to put the new printer on along with its supplies. (The printer is roughly at eye level.)

It does not restrict airflow coming through the A/C duct-register, and the bunk is still 100% usable (if we were not using it for storage.)

The concave outside wall required cutting & fitting the shelf into that space. It took some fancy cutting as none of the angles are 90° … before cutting I transferred, by pencil, all the angles to my sheet of plywood.

FYI:

Home Depot or Lowes will cut their plywood (a 48×48” sheet was +/- $25) to square angle measurements. So I had them cut mine to 36”x20”, which I then brought to the boat, drafted the final angles on the plywood, and then cut to the final dimensions. (I have a small handsaw aboard.)

A bit of stain helps it fit in with all the interior woodwork.

The printer is an HP Envy 6555e; we use its WiFi capability to connect to it.

Every night they go home to “sanitize” their tip money! … As I say, professional money launder-ers!

These guys are two of the most appreciated guys on the Port32 Marina Crew; we love to see them arrive every Wednesday morn.

I had some business to attend to in the Sanford FL area (Ham Radio Outlet), so I took the opportunity to do some recognizance of potential future marina stops.

The spring-fed St Johns River flows south to north. Sanford area (near Orlando) is to the south on Lake Monroe.

Just north of Lake Monroe is Boat Tree Marina. Very well protected; reportedly a capital improvement plan is underway this season for some new docks.

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They do have some slips rented out, but unfortunately zero availability for transients and new customers.

There is a bit more to the St Johns River further south from here. But most cruisers are satisfied with the trek to Lake Monroe.

Information about the many fresh water SPRINGS that feed this river can be found here:

https://gardenandgun.com/feature/voyage-st-johns-river/

This whole Avondale/Ortega/Lakeshore part of JAX combines to form a favorite geography for the best restauranteurs to land and subsequently attract the most curious and discerning palates.

“Highly recommended… our eight thumbs are up.” Bring friends with confidence.

Bonus for mariners: Mesa is walking distance from Port 32-Ortega Landing Marina!

Shelly’s “Chili Chili Bang Bang” got this year’s FIRST PLACE!

Omar, Kathy, and Shelly with their trophy spoons!

It was SOOooo much easier and faster to simply replace old for new!

Highly recommended!

The aft bilge pump and switch was also replaced. Everything is clean & new!

Linda and her family, John, Stephen, and Sarah came and visited us in JAX for a couple of days. Here we all are after polishing off a meal at Longhorns.

Hot tub tomorrow!

They safely drove here from Maine in 3 hops, and veered around damaging winds and resulting traffic as violent weather came across the middle of the country this weekend.

Addendum

St. Patrick’s Day

I met Anthony at the local hardware store, Jacksonville FL.

Spring is coming!

I asked him if he could re-screen our sliding screen door with a finer mesh to keep out No-See-Ums. “Phifer has a 20×20 grid screen which keeps them out. [Normal screen is 16×16 mesh.]

I have the good stuff in-stock!”

Within hours he was at the boat to take the frame, and returned it all fixed up with the new stuff installed!

While on the bridge or outside, Catnip Spray (a natural herb) also works!

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/08/010828075659.htm

Repels: No-See-Ums, mosquitoes, green-head flies, etc.

Available at: Petco, PetSmart, Chewy, Amazon, and Walmart.

Pleasant smell and feel on skin too.

Capt Gene of Galene and Capt Ray of Shellerina gave testimony to the state senators of the Transportation Committee today.

RE: Senate Bill 594 anchoring restrictions in FL ports.

A month ago, on February 1, I started swimming laps again. I did almost 1/4 mile (4x 4 lengths of a 25 yard pool.)

Today, I did 7x 10 lengths +2, to go over a mile!

Not bad to recover one’s wind in 1 month’s time!

Addendum Sunday 3/2

3 reps of 20 + 11 for another mile!

Addendum – June 2, 2025

Historic success for Ukraine military prowess!

Books and movies will come from this.

“31-81” is reportedly THE official lifestyle brand adopted by several merchants with shops on the island.

The reason for moving from Port 32 Ortega Landing is yacht insurance and hurricane seasonal restrictions. We will still have our car, and access to the facilities at Ortega Landing. I expect visits to friends, that hot tub, pool, laundry when we are in JAX for doctor and dentist appointments. We will skip the cruising all the way to Maine and/or Canada for this summer.

Half your wood and half your hay, you should have on Candlemas Day.

Halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox.

https://shellerina.com/2022/02/01/february-1/

Aka Groundhog day.

I guess for us cruisers, it means we should have at least half of our winter projects completed by now!

Today’s project: install larger lights in two places where we really needed it. Galley sink and in the Head.

$22 (w/ sales tax) for two LED light fixtures, galley & head.

From the manual:

Addendum

March 19, 2025

While the original propane stove served us well for 4.5 years, and a reconditioning project went great a couple years ago, the oven continued to have issues.

Shelly makes a great home made pizza; the air fryer isn’t large enough for a whole “ZA”. (Though its great for reheating the left overs).

So the 25 year old range was replaced today.

This stove, found on Amazon is the closest physical fit that we found. It was only ($538 delivered) 25% of the cost of the top quality brands like Force 10.

The Admiral is very happy!

Shelly and I both grew up with propane, as a chef it gives her more control over the heat. Most Mainships were finished with electric ranges. We are so glad we found one with a propane integrated system on-board.

Addendum Sunday 1/19/2025

Our first home made pizza:

Our friend and dock mate, Kellie Norrgard, in front of the “shingle” across the street from European Street Cafe.

Ray sought her help with a medical condition of chronic neck pain. Meds, PT, etc. was simply not making the marked improvement he sought.

This was the first time Ray ever got a professional massage therapy session. “Now, hours later, my neck is feeling great!”

Thank you Kellie! We’ll be back.

https://healingartscollectivejax.comhttps://healingartscollectivejax.com

And, related post:

https://shellerina.com/2024/12/14/happy-birthday-kellie-dock-mate-here-in-jax/

Addendum

Wednesday’s sunset 1/15/2025 off the stern of Shellerina.

We’ve got some pool days coming up!!!

https://www.instagram.com/share/BALiailT4_

Blowers are SO important in gas inboards or stern drives.

Hillside Cabins

Linda Klein notes the lake is starting to freeze there.

Happy Holidays to you and Erik Norrgard of Islander!

https://svislander.com

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Wigs and other paraphernalia were “in” for this great party at Port 32 Ortega Landing’s beautiful captain’s lounge.

Shelly & Erik!

Thanks for inviting us to help you celebrate your BD!!!

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ADDENDUM DEC 4

We could not get that parameter to work with the more expensive/advanced unit even working with great tech support at Citimarinestore.com staff.

That energy saving option is more important than the WiFi option… since we will attempt to run this system on solar energy. The “soft start” hardware option is also acquired, and it may be installed tomorrow or the next day.

All the “pot luck” sides were outstanding! So much to be thankful for. 30 plus attended.

Our grandson, Lucas:

Coming soon:

Janthena’s turkey preparation!

Below:

Captain Gene of Galene and I tested out the 3-blade spare we carry on-board last week. Results: not as good as the 4-blade, but it works as a good spare.

The fish will certainly like this new polished wheel!!!

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FYI (full disclosure):

Our 2000 Mainship 390 has a CAT 3126.

There is quite a bit of variability among Mainship 390-s in engines, transmissions, gear ratios, props, and typical cruising RPM-s.

e.g. Yanmar, CAT, Volvos, etc. So, in my experience, taking one MS390’s prop spec for another may not yield the desired / optimum results!

It is more “FUN” putting in the new unit compared to pulling the 24 year old unit out.

Tomorrow, I must finish mounting the electrical box, and A/C unit to the deck, and finish the enclosure. It appears that the same plywood panel covering this enclosure will be able to be used.

No major changes to plumbing or electrical was necessary.

Doing this project myself, with the alternative brand new unit came in at about $2500, much less than the $5800 quote to have it done by others. Admittedly, getting the old unit OUT was more work than getting the new unit IN!

Seems strange to be putting so much work into an A/C project when tonight’s outside temp is 47°F !!! LOL

But the reverse cycle means it can heat as well.

Florida is certain to give us plenty of chances to test the A/C mode, even in late November.

A good and successful project!

Special thanks go out to:

Woody Sherrod, MTOA member. He generously provided very valuable advice and technical assistance over the phone!

Thanks also to Gene Rutkowski of Galene for referring me to Woody.

Finally, my great vendor recommended by Woody;

https://citimarinestore.com/en/. Their customer service is great.

Addendum Nov 26

The red “up” button on the new wall mounted control unit has gone “soft” and unreliable.

So a new wall unit is expected tomorrow Wed 11/27/2024.

We may likely opt for the sexy touch screen WiFi capable control unit on “Black Friday” when the price comes down.

In any case, this 16k BTU a/c unit is delivering great a/c and heat with less vibration and noise as the compressor cycles on and off.

Very happy. Citimarinestore.com has provided great customer service as we work through the issues.

Only works if you have a WiFi network on your vessel.

My dad passed away this afternoon after a short but painful fight with liver cancer. Thankfully not a long extended fight.

Mass Maritime Academy graduate

USN (retired) served on the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga CV-14

Served in the US Naval Reserves and Merchant Marine

Sales Engineer and sole proprietor of Linekin Industries for most of his career.

Past president of Maine Chapter ISA – Instrument Society of America. The ISA was a large and influential technical trade group in the 1970s and 80s when pulp and paper mills and wastewater treatment plants were all adjusting to the regulations of the Clean Water Act, AND the technology changes from analog / pneumatic controls and signaling transitioned to digital / microprocessor-based controls and telemetry.

I remember one large annual ISA meeting that Dad presided over with over 250 members present. During this meeting he knew every members’ name as they would raise their hand to ask a question or weigh in on an issue. Very Impressive to everyone.

He has five children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

FCC Ham Radio operator N1MHC

Certified Tennis Pro, United States Professional Tennis Association

Loving husband to the late Agnes B. Sirois and surviving wife Shirley Sirois of East Boothbay Maine.

https://tributearchive.com/obituaries/33829687/albert-sirois/damariscotta/maine/strong-hancock-funeral-home

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My grandfather Albert R Sirois is in the broader pic next to Uncle Ron, far right side in back. Albert Rene my “Grampy” died a short time (weeks or months?) after this pic was taken.

I was old enough to remember MANY outings and events with my “Grampy”. He and Dick Charette (Shelly’s dad) were also very close.

L-R: Shelly [aka Shellerina] is on her mother Nora’s lap. Andre Charette is on his father Dick’s lap. My sister Suzanne Sirois is on her/my mother Agnes’s lap.

The fellow in center bottom is Capt. David Albert Dragonas. My father was his godfather and Andre’s as well. (We lost Andre of Rockland Maine to a heart attack a few months ago.) Nora is still with us and is frequently driving around her home on the north shore of MA!

David is one of the last remaining persons alive that calls my dad by his childhood nickname: “Buster!” (David and I reconnected on Linked In this morning.)

Family was clearly important to my father early on, having hosted events like this one and others for many years that followed.

These types of shops are getting harder and harder to find!

A late season hurricane, Raphael, which made landfall in Cuba is becoming disorganized and is heading away from Florida.

We are the 15th cruiser to anchor in here tonight. Many of us have insurance that won’t allow us south of this island until November 1.

Day off tomorrow!

64.22 miles for today… we went 2 hours longer than originally planned to give ourselves a day off tomorrow.

Friday: All the way to our Slip C-103 at Port 32 Ortega Landing, Jacksonville.

This Beaufort SC marina is on Factory Creek (which is also a well protected anchorage IMO) can take your reservation using Dockwa.com. However, I suggest you call Kimberly at their main telephone number and make the reservation in-person. She is a sweetheart and will make you feel like YOU are their most important customer ever!

Of course, she will say, “While I am helping YOU, you ARE my most important customer.”

Across the way, in-town Beaufort, are large public docks (free for the day/evening) with lots of great dining choices and shops.

The famous and popular “Gene’s Anchorage” is just south of town. Any chart will show you how to safely enter from the south.

When we plan to come to Beaufort for a few days, we mix it up with a free dock stop or two, some anchoring out, and always a visit with Kimberly at Ladys Island Marina to do laundry, shower up, and re-provision. We usually have our mail and packages forwarded here as well. This marina also has a discounted WEEKLY rate!

There is a wonderful write-up about Kimbery and her husband’s cruising experiences in the Oct 2024 marina newsletter.

https://ladysislandmarina.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/October-newsletter.pdf

48 miles from Church Creek (ICW mm 488.2), noon to 5:30pm… to ensure some tide beneath our keel and prop through some skinny water.

Solar had no problems bringing the bank of two Battleborn GC3 LiFePO4 back up to the max.

We winter in the St Johns River in FL. We are getting close! We have a car waiting, and our slip, dentists, physicians, and scheduled maintenance.

Today we completed a 53 mile trek to Church Creek (aka New Cut Landing) mm 488.2, longer than we like. Here is our float plan for the finish of our trip to Canada that started on April 1.

Sat Oct 26 Ladys Is Marina mm 563.3 (48 mile day tomorrow).

Sun Oct 27 Bull Creek mm 565 (28.7 mile day)

Monday Oct 28 Delegal Marina + visit Marlyse & Phil Libby mm 601 (36 miles)

Tuesday Oct 29 Dupline River mm 649 (48 miles)

Wednesday Oct 30 Cumberland Island South mm 711 (62 miles). “Rubber Day”as our yacht insurance won’t cover us south of this island until Nov 1. We can also split the 62 miles by staying in north Cumberland THEN move to south Cumberland Island… breaking up that 62 mile day!

Friday November 1 Sisters Creek FL mm 740 (29 miles)

Saturday November 2 Port 32 Ortega Landing Marina mm 740+25=765 (25 miles), and then Clay County.

We plan to vote in-person on November 5. Then Shelly flies to BOS on Nov 6 to be with family for brother Andre’s “Celebration of Life”.

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Addendum Nov 1