Recent content by Ted Smith

Have attached photos of 4 foot swim platform with dive ladder...about twice the size of the original Hatteras grid.

I bought the last 53 ever built New in 1989. It's a 53ED. We like to boat year round and loved the huge interior salon. We had thought about adding a cockpit but instead we replaced the Hatteras swim grid with a 4 foot custom. Never thought about a cockpit again. We have owned Prime Time IV...

My 30 year old 32 volt Galley Made heads have been flawless!!! This week the midship head stopped. Checked the breaker in the port engine room which had not tripped. Next thought was to check the Galley Maid wiring diagram DWG. NO. 40-1-2. This shows an inline fuse between the solenoid and the...

My 30 year old 20KW MDL4 Onan only has 500 hrs but may have seized from lack of use. Like they say...use it or lose it!!! It's been a year since I ran it and it won't turn over. Tried the big wrench and it won't budge.It looks brand new but is suffering from lack of use. Problem is not the...

One of my shaft logs is correctly adjusted for a slight drip when running. The other runs completely dry. Should I be concerned or happy? I've backed off the nuts slightly but there is still no drip. Thanks in Advance. Ted

Am replacing a cracked plexiglass cylinder on my 6-92TA raw water strainers. The Previous gaskets were cork. The Marine store says I should use cork again even though neoprene gaskets are available. Not sure why. Any Advise??? As the cylinder sits horizontal I don't want to crack the new...

Bridge 1988 53 ED Prime Time IV.

1988 53 ED Prime Time IV

New Blomberg Fridge Freezer for Prime Time IV. Measured carefully and it fits like a glove. Exact height of old Frigidaire and is counter depth taking up far less space in the galley. Mary is very happy with the job!!!

Out with the 27 year old Frigidaire in 3 pieces...Shipwright said they sure don't build them like that anymore!!!

After 26 years of service the Frigidaire Elite on my 1988 53ED is being retired and put out to pasture. It owes me nothing. I would greatly appreciate any advice on replacing it with either a counter depth model or on modernizing my galley with under counter drawer type refrigeration options...

The exhaust fans in all my heads take a minute or so to spool up. Is this normal? Does anybody know why? Do they require lubrication? Thanks in Advance

I have the last 53 built in 1988. Only 1200 hours. Have just been out for my annual bottom jobs. On relaunching I noticed a singing or howling sound only around 1000 RPM. If I speed up or slow down it's gone. Could this be cutlass bearings? Is it doing any damage and should I ignore it till next...

As 32 volt bulbs are hard to find these days I've noticed there are a few more 12 - 48 volt screw ins available. Before I buy a lot of them and change over my whole boat does anyone have any "intel" to pass along??? Thanks Ted

Thinking about replacing my Big Frigidaire with a new Under Counter Fridge/Freezer with pull out drawers. There are now several manufacturers. It would simplify the installation and add counter space in the galley of my 53ED. Has anyone done this??? Any suggestions most welcome. Thanks Ted