Letters

Irresponsible

It’s plainly irresponsible for Captain Martel to suggest working on engine drive belt pulleys while the engine is running, regardless of the warnings he included. Bad judgement on his part for doing it; bad judgement on PropTalk’s part for publishing his suggestion.

Dick Worth Churchton MD

Missed Launch Ramps

Eric Burnley’s May 2018 “Fish Spot: Havre de Grace” (page 85) missed several launch ramps in town, namely: Tydings Park on Commerce Street, Tidewater Marina at the foot of Bourbon Street, The American Legion on St. John Street, and Jean Roberts Park on Water Street.

Don Lacey

Dept. of Corrections

In Capt. Rick Franke’s Boatshop Reports (page 71, May PropTalk), a caption incorrectly identified a boat as a Composite Yacht 36. The boat was a Judge Yachts Chesapeake 36. Find the photo and correct caption on page 58.

An Engineering No-No

I’ve been an avid reader of PropTalk since you started your great publication, usually picking it up at Double T Diner in Annapolis. One of your strengths has been safety in and around water, for which I commend you. The reason for this note is the article in the May 2018 issue, “Preventing Premature Drive Belt Failure” by Capt. Mike Martel (page 44). The basic premise is super: keep your drive belts and pulleys clean and smooth. However, the methodology of doing so as indicated in the article leaves something to be desired as far as safety is concerned.

Some history on me: I’m a retired Navy Engineering Officer, former Engineman Chief Petty Officer, hold a 100 ton Masters License, and have been around boat engines of all sizes for more years than I can count.

The article states that an alternative method of cleaning a rusted drive pulley is to hold a piece of folded emery paper in the groove of the pulley while the engine is running. This is an engineering “no-no” of the first order. Just about any engine repair/operating manual will say “never, never, ever, ever put your hand or fingers into a piece of rotating machinery,” for obvious reasons. The placement of all but the largest marine engines is, for the most part, in a small compartment, with limited access, so attempting an evolution like sanding a rotating pulley containing a moving belt is not only dangerous but not too smart.

I would opt for stopping the engine, removing the belt, and then sanding the pulley as indicated in the author’s first option. Approaching this type of repair in this manner will assure you that when the job is complete, all 10 of your fingers will still be attached as designed, and there will be no damage to eyes, face, etc. from flying tools getting caught in a moving piece of machinery.

It would be interesting to hear what your resident repair expert, Steve D’Antonio, has to say about this type of repair evolution.

All that being said, you have a great publication with lots of good information on our favorite body of water, the Chesapeake. Keep up the good work.

Paul Dix Annapolis

Send your questions, comments and stories to editor@proptalk.com

F arewell to F riends Jerry Harrison

In mid-April, our longtime distribution driver Jerry Harrison passed away. Even before PropTalk came to be in 2006, Jerry distributed SpinSheet for us in the Norfolk and Hampton Roads region. He was part of our expanding team as we launched PropTalk and later, PortBook and FishTalk. You may have met him at the Annapolis Powerboat Show, where he occasionally showed up to pass out magazines and meet readers.

As a distribution driver, Jerry was a dedicated and important part of the PropTalk team. “One thing I loved about him is that he closed all his emails with ‘Keep the Faith,’” says publisher, Mary Ewenson. “He was well loved by our team and by the people he delivered the magazines to.” He will be missed and not forgotten.