Three queries about hauling and winterizing a 272LE

[dennis young]

(1)The manual that came with my 1987 272LE tells how to install the mast but not how to remove it. It would seem there is an open jaw on the mast foot that locks onto a pin on the tabernacle (to make a "hinge" for those who install without a crane?). I acquired this boat with the mast already stepped and shall lift off with a crane. Anyone know how to negotiate round the "pin" during the removal process? Anyone have other tips concerning removal?(2)The manual urges owners to decouple the prop shaft before hauling. Anyone have an opinion about that? Is it really worth the pain of recoupling next Spring? Suppose it's never been decoupled in 14 years: any point in starting to decouple now?(3)Ref the salt-water side of the heat exchanger: Is there any reason against gravity-feeding antifreeze into the system while turning the engine under decompression until the anti-freeze starts to exit the exhaust pipe? (the manual warns against the danger of flooding by over-grinding during start-ups so I'm fearful).

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

272 questions

Dennis - With the mast supported by the crane you should be able to maneuver the foot off the pin without too much trouble. You may wind up hooking up the crane, lowering the mast slightly to free it, then removing the mast.As far as decoupling the propshaft I don't know anyone who does this. I'd hold out to make sure you don't get a contrary opinion but I can't see why to start doing it now.I'll defer on the engine question.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Bob Todd]

Justin's right on the money...

With regard to dropping the stick. As far as disconnecting the prop shaft, I never have nor has any other 272 owner. I checked with Rudy and Hunt Associates and they've never heard of this practice either. However, you'd be surprised at how easy it comes apart. I had to disconnect mine to install the dripless packing which, by the way, worked fantastic this season. Linkage to my web page with pictures of it and other mods I've made is below. As far as winterizing the raw water side, just close the seacock at the raw water intake, disconnect the raw water line, hang it in a bucket of antifreeze and start the engine. One other thing I always do before haulout, after I disconnect the raw water intake I feed a garden hose down to it and flush the raw water side for about 20 minutes before I flush with antifreeze.Cheers,Bob

 

[dennis young]

Thanks Justin, Thanks Bob

Thanks to both -- your kind advice has dispersed the fog round here. And once I've hauled I'll look for that drip-less packing (if I ever get my locking nut to unfreeze). This sure is an A+ website.

 

[Bob Todd]

Unfreezing jam nut

To remove old stuffing box, spray liberally with WD-40 and let stand a week. Should come apart no problem. My dripless took less than 3 hours to do including removal of old stuffing box. If you run into a snag, e-mail me.Cheers,Bob