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 Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society

Dedicated to Preserving our Shipwrecks and Maritime History
"From Prevention to Preservation"



HomeR/V Preservation Work Weekends & Membership - BBQ 2012

R/V Preservation Work weekends - May 21 - 22 & 26 - 28, 2012

and  

Membership Harbor and River Cruise - BBQ June 3, 2012


 

 


 


R/V Preservation in the Slip at the Spirit Lake Marina




R/V Preservation on Boat Lift the Day of the Launch

Ready for Another Season of Projects



Launch Day Cruise and BBQ



GLSPS Members Enjoying the Cruise and Later BBQ


For more Pictures of the "2011 Launch and Harbor Cruise", please click on link below


Launch & Harbor Cruise 2011

 

 

The GLSPS has their own research vessel to use as a dive platform to facilitate most of our Underwater projects.  If you have a boat, you know how much work it takes to maintain it.

 


 

The GLSPS would like to invite any of the members, their friends and companions to join us during the two scheduled weekends to prepare the boat for the upcoming season of dive projects.       

Please contact Ken Knutson, (Boat Committee Chairman) or Phil Kerber if you are interested in helping us work on the boat this spring.  Or, to learn more and view the tasks list of what needs to be completed on the boat before it is launched, please click on any of the dated links below.

On Sunday, June 3rd, and after the initial launch and shakedown, any member and their companion / spouse are invited to join the GLSPS for a cruise on the Scenic St Louis River and Duluth / Superior Harbor.  We will be leaving at 10:00 AM and returning at 12:00 PM Noon to join us for a appreciation BBQ for members that join us.  (Bring your camera's)!

 


If you would like to join us in helping prepare the R / V Preservation for the season, please click on the link below to register for the weekend (s) that would work the best for you.  Or, you can also contact Ken Knutson, or Phil Kerber by phone.  Our phone numbers are listed below and on the "Contact Us" web page by clicking on it.


To view the tasks list that needs to be completed on the boat before launch, please click on either one of the work weekends of choice below.


R/V Preservation Work Weekend (1st Weekend) - 5-19, 20, 2012

 

 R/V Preservation Work Weekend (2nd Weekend) - 5-26 - 28, 2012

 

R/V Preservation Launch / Shakedown And Member BBQ - 6/3/2012 

 

 

You can also view the GLSPS 2012 Programs and Projects Schedule by Clicking on

"2012 Projects" on left side of this Page.

 

 


 If you have any further questions, please contact one of the below project leaders.


Ken Knutson

Boat Committee Chairman

knutson1@aol.com

612-578-1551



Phil Kerber

GLSPS President

pkerber@glsps.org

612-720-2825 

 

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 R/V Preservation Work Weekend, Launch and Membership Appreciation Cruise and BBQ Report


May 19 - 20, May 27 - 29, and June 2- 3, 2012

 

 

 

 

The GLSPS Volunteers completed most of the tasks listed below the first and second weekends.  A few of the lingering tasks were completed Saturday AM just before the boat was set into the water.  Thanks to all that helped and participated.  The R / V Preservation is now ready for the upcoming season of dive related preservation

projects.




 

Miscellaneous Tasks That Were Completed on the Boat:

 

1. Removed boat cover frame from Boat - marked it with paint at joints for easy assembly in the fall.

2. Re-attached divers ladder with new adjusting rod modification

3. Installed tachometers that were sent out for repairs.  (They sent us brand new ones at No Charge, thank you Faria Instrument Co for the great customer service)!

4. Installed new tachometer sender on port engine.  (Old one faulty and presenting erratic readings).

5. Installed all electronics - test radar since it was removed from mast - we wanted to make sure the wind didn't damaged it.  It was a bit beat up but still works very well after testing it.

6. Placed new updated Pilots Log book with new contents and with Operators Requirements, Rules and Guidelines inserted in "Boat Operators Manual"

7. Inserted legal paper work, license registrations and Insurance info in designated areas.

8. Hooked up fresh water system for sink in Galley / Install new water filter in canister.





Engine Maintenance - Beginning Hours - (Port Engine = 448  Starboard Engine = 401)



9. Install both engine fresh water pumps, New shafts were made, new packing seals and new impellers installed. 

10. Install new studs in mounts on starboard engine to provide an easier removal process

11. Replaced hard-wall water hose to fresh water pump for starboard engine.  (Old one damaged when pump was removed last fall.

12. Installed new barbed water connections to make the new hard wall hose replacement easier.

13. Changed oil and oil filters in both engines

14. Changed all fuel filters (2 on each engine Four all together)

15. Changed oil in both (2) fuel injection pumps

16. Replaced oil sending unit on starboard engine.  (It wasn't reading any oil pressure)  (We checked oil pressure with a master gauge and found it was good with a reading of 43 PSI).

17. Repaired seal leak on rear shaft of starboard engine fuel injection pump.

18. Started both engines / hook up water supply to them before starting

19. Installed both brass props, stainless steel keys are stored in the orange water proof case in front (Head) compartment

20. Checked cooling system antifreeze PH and acid content in both engines. (Both engines need Changing).

21. Changed antifreeze in both engines.





Other:


21. Ground out rusted areas of the boat bottom of the hull with grinders and applied bottom paint.

22. Paint top of boat forward of radar mast. (White part).

23. Paint any areas that are flaking

24. Install water muffler for Scuba Compressor.  Muffler mounting was redesigned and new inlet and outlet spigots were installed.  Bring Compressor up to boat when ready.

25. Wired plug from GPS to Marine Radio (to give coordinates over the marine radio)

26. Adjust both rudder posts to line up the rudders.

27. Grease both rudder posts and linkage

28. Grease steering chain and recheck tension

29. Checked steering gear fluid level, used 80w-90 GL5 gear lube

30. Replaced batteries in CO sensor, smoke detector, bilge heat sensor and digital clock

31. Pressure washed entire outside of boat

32. Prepared and Painted back deck floor

33. Prepared head system (toilet) for use

34. Remounted engine bilge pump and Check the other 3 bilge pumps / Cleaned engine bilge and charged pads

35. inspected all fire extinguishers.  Two of the fire extinguishers were replaced with brand new units because they were too old to hydro and certify.

36. Put all safety equipment on boat including the First Aid Bag, AED, O2 pack, extra O2 bottle.

37. Cleaned and vacuumed carpet after all volunteers have left

38. Replaced both wiper motors and blades with new and improved wiper motors.

39. Check both main batteries.  Added water (used distilled water).

40. Checked and tightened steering chain with idler sprocket.  (Watch chain to sprocket, it fell off from being too loose).  

41. Rebuilt and Replaced steering arm with two worn out tie rod ends.  

42. Realigned rudders and adjusted steering linkage. 

43. Started Installation of hot water heater.





Scuba Compressor Service:  (Beginning Hours = 68.3)


1. Change Oil in 5 HP Honda Engine with Amzoil 10w - 30 Synthetic Small Engine Motor Oil.

2. Changed Oil in Bauer Compressor - with human grade synthetic oil.

3- Removed, cleaned then O2 cleaned and repacked filter canisters on both primary and secondary filtering systems.

4. Checked paper air filters on both compressor intake and boat intake hose that leads up the the radar mast.

5. Checked belts (OK).

6. Checked all hoses for wear and any damage.  (OK).

7. Check CO Monitor to see if still showing pink (Which is considered OK).

8. Re-designed and replaced water inlet on Water Muffler and installed on boat.

9. Checked all bleed drain valves.

10. Cleaned any Debris and dust.





Note:  All service, materials and supplies on Scuba Compressor were supplied by:

Phil's Quality Automotive Inc.


 Thank you again to the volunteers that helped prepare the boat for the season.  We hope you can enjoy the boat by participating in a project or two.  If any of the projects are of interest, please register for a project on this website by clicking on the link below. 

 

 

 2012 Projects

Ken Knutson

GLSPS Boat Chairman

 

 

 

 

 

 Tasks that need to be performed on the R/V Preservation for 2013:

 

1. Prepare and paint red water line around boat

2. Complete hot water heater if not done in 2012.

3. Prepare and Paint the very top of the boat where the radar is and where the Dingy is stored.  (White in color).

4. Raise platform 4 inches and make available solid when down rather than flopping.

5. Remove steering gear in rear bilge in fall to rebuild over the winter to re-install again int he spring 2013.

6. Replace starboard transmission output seal.  (Starting to seep a bit).

7. Replace prop shaft seals on both shafts.  Order new ones during the summer of 2012.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Sunday June 3, 2012 - Membership Appreciation Cruise and BBQ




GLSPS Members Enjoying the Day and BBQ

 

 

7:00 AM  wake up call.  The day started out sunny and it was a great day for a BBQ and a boat cruise on the river and to tour the Duluth and Superior Harbors.

 

8:00 AM  Started setting up the tents and tables in front of the dock where the R/V Preservation is slipped.  We proceeded to prepare all the food and drink (A special Lemonade mix prepared by Phil Kerber).  (Non alcohol)!    Then Phil donned his cooking hat and started to cook hamburgers, brats and hotdogs.  25 people attended the special event and it was big enough that we needed to take the boat out twice to accommodate everyone. 

 

10:15 AM:  We departed for the first cruise up river.  The river was very beautiful and full of life with birds and fish jumping out of the water all around us.  We also saw a few animals (Deer) on shore. 

 

 

 

GLSPS Members After a Hardy Meal.
 

 

 

11:45 AM:  After absorbing the solitude of the cruise and river, we returned to port / marina at 11:45 just in time to enjoy the food we prepared for the BBQ.

 

12:00 Noon:  Everyone started to eat and more people started to arrive and it turned out to be a great day!  After a little conversation among members and friends we were ready to depart on the second cruise of the day to the Duluth and Superior Harbors.

 

 

 

The S.S. Meteor from the Water Side

 

 

 

2:00 PM:  The harbors cruise consisted of cruising down river then visited the Meteor in Superior and from the water side (see above picture).  Then cruised up through the Superior Harbor Entrance.  We cruised out onto Lake Superior and motored back to the Duluth entrance under the bridge and were announced by the loud speaker at the LSMMA that the GLSPS was returning from a cruise for its members and would like all people standing at the break wall to wave at us and thank us for the many things we do to preserve maritime history.   

 

 

 

Anna Pranke and Liz L Sitting on Bow enjoying the Harbor Cruise

 

 

We then proceeded to Lake Head Marina to take on fuel.   This was the first fill of the year.  So we took on 50 gallons.  WE still had 33 gallons left in the tank from last year.  A load of fresh fuel can make it run so much better, cleaner and more efficient.

 

We then proceeded to tour some of the Duluth Harbor and turn up river to return to port / Spirit Lake Marina, where the boat will be slipped for the summer.  Although there was some discussion among the GLSPS Board of Directors to slip the boat up the North shore a little farther.  Possibly the Silver Bay Marina where the water seems to be much clearer and most of our projects are in that area this year. 

 

 

 

Kari Craig, GLSPS Member and Phil Kerber GLSPS President and Boat Operator For the Day


 

6:00 PM:  We returned to port.  Everyone helped in cleaning up and said their good byes and were sad to go.  Some of us continued to work on a couple of unfinished tasks on the boat.  We wanted to finish them since we started them before the launch.  After finishing, we closed up the boat and headed home for the weekend of great fun.

 

All of the attendees said they were sad to leave because we presented such a great time for all of them.  They can't wait until we have another adventure cruise and they couldn't wait for the next time the GLSPS has a membership cruise on the R/V Preservation. 

 

Thank you to all the folks that attended the Membership Cruise and BBQ.  A special thinks to the folks that helped with the event!

 

A good time was had by all once again.

 

If you are a member of the GLSPS, and are not taking advantage of being a member like this, you are missing so much of a good time it can't be put into words.  As you can see, many have joined us and are active in the GLSPS.  We all have a great time working with each other learning more and more about preserving maritime history.

 

Please come join us as an active member.  If you are not a member.  It is easy to join.  Just click on "Join as a member"  and submit $25.00 and you are in.  You can enjoy all the benefits as the rest of us.  WE welcome everyone.  Some have said this is a "Good old Boys Club"  on the contrary, it's not a club and it's certainly not a good old Boy Club.  You don't have to do anything special to gain our approval to join us.  just show up and be active.

 

Ken Knutson

GLSPS Boat Chairman

kknutson1@aol.com

 

Phil Kerber

GLSPS President

pkerber@glsps.org

 

 

 

 

GLSPS R/V Preservation Work Weekends
and
Boat Launch June 4 & 5 2011

Photos below by Randy Flacksbarth



R / V Preservation Docked at Spirit Lake Marina


R / V Preservation Departing Duluth for Another GLSPS Project


The GLSPS has their own research vessel to use as a dive platform to facilitate most of our Underwater projects.  If you have a boat, you know how much work it takes to maintain it.

We performed three major upgrades to the Boat in 2011. 

1. Brand New platform with new aluminum ladder for easier boarding with dive gear and a much greater safety margin.  Thank you Dick Giese, Bob Olson, Ken Knutson and Phil Kerber!
2. Sound proofing both Diesel Engine covers for less engine noise in cabin area while cruising.
3. Installing a new 110 volt shore electrical system for more convenience and safer 110 v service to all of the boats appliances.  It will also be great (and safer) to use a portable generator on board during the projects.  A new Marine inverter will also be added soon. 

This is why the GLSPS would like to invite any of the members or friends and companions to join us during the two scheduled weekends to prepare the boat for the upcoming season of dive projects.       

(See "2011 Projects" on left side of this Page).


Please contact Ken Knutson, or Phil Kerber if you are interested in helping us work on the boat this spring.  Or, Register online by clicking on any of the dated links below.

The first weekend in June and after the initial launch you will be able to join the GLSPS for a shakedown cruise on the Scenic St Louis River.  (Bring your Cameras).




If you would like to join us in helping prepare the R / V Preservation for the season on any of the weekends, please click on either link
below to register on the weekend (s) that would work the best for you.  Or, contact Ken Knutson, Bob Olson or Phil Kerber by phone.  Our phone numbers are listed in the "Contact Us" field of the GLSPS Website.
 

If you would like to join us for the Launch and BBQ cookout, please click on the link below to register.
(We will need a head count to order food).


I hope you will be able to join us for a great time!!


GLSPS Board of Directors and Committee Chairpersons


____________________________________________________________________________


Tasks that need to be performed:

1. Prepare and add a coat of white gloss paint to the top of the boat.
2. Paint dark blue areas of boat. 
3. Paint other parts of the boat where needed.
4.
Prepare and paint both rudders.
5. Prepare and paint red water line on port side.
6. Prepare and paint back deck floor.
7. Replace outside loud speaker / haler.  (Purchased new speaker, mount  on mast).
8. Install folding and locking mechanism for ladder.  
9. Wash all Curtains inside salon area.
10. Carpet clean and vacuum.
11. Install new exhaust / water discharge pipe on starboard engine.
12. Pressure wash paint  and other 
debris from outside of boat.
13. Install 110 volt Service. 
14. Install Engine cover sound proofing.
15. Check water pump to dampen exhaust for Scuba Compressor.
16. Install oil absorbents under both engines and transmissions.
17. General check over per shake down cruise list. 
18. Prepare for Insurance required Boat Survey.

19. Service fresh water system. 
20. Replace CO sensor, bilge heat sensor and digital clock batteries.
21. Install the new dive platform and new attached aluminum ladder.
22. Prepare both engines / change oil in both engines and fuel injection pumps.
23. Change all fuel and oil filters. Treat fuel with conditioner
24. Check cooling system fluid condition and change if PH is not within normal range. Treat with conditioner if needed.
25. Check lube in steering gear.
26. Check chain tension on steering gear under helm, lube chain as needed.  
27.
Prepare waste system (Head, toilet) for use.
28.. Clean bilges, remount and test bilge pumps.
29. Repair leaking auto oil changer hose leading to starboard engine. 
30. Install both propellers.  (We have a new back of SS cotter pins). 
31. Remove port side engine fresh water pump to replace packing on input shaft.   
32. Install all electronics and test. 
33. Prepare paperwork for Captains to use. 
34. Secure sounder  transducer wiring through transom.
35.
Inspect all fire extinguishers  (2).
36. O2 tanks will need hydro's by 10/11  (We will send them out for hydro's over the winter season layup).


 
A few weeks before any Project starts we service and prepare the Scuba Compressor for the season.  If anyone would like to help with this task, and learn more about the servicing of scuba compressors, please contact Phil Kerber to volunteer one night after work during the week.  The date we serviced the compressor to get it ready for the season was June 29, 2011.

Tasks Performed on Compressor:

1. Changed oil in 5 HP Honda gas engine.
2. Changed oil in compressor with Human consumable oil.
3. O2 Cleaned all lines and filter canisters and repacked filter with new air cleaning components.
4. Installed new CO Detector inline with filtering system.
5. Cleaned outside of compressor of debris.
6. Repaired water muffler PVC piping and made a new stand.
7. Checked belt and its tension.
8. General check over.
9. Fill sample air bottle to send out for testing the air quality.


__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


R / V Preservation Report


5-02-2011

Sent the first email blast to the membership to invite any of them to join us in preparing the R/V Preservation of the summer Season.  On the front page of the GLSPS Website, scroll down to the bottom and click the link of the weekend you would like to join us.  Then click on "Register Now" to help us prepare the boat for the season or save your spot on the boat for the BBQ and Cruise.

Report by:  Phil Kerber


5-16-2011

Sent an email blast out to the Membership to remind those that would like to help prepare the RV Preservation get ready for the season.  We also stressed that it was very important that you register for the weekend so that we would know who was coming to be able to assign the member to a task and to make sure we had enough free lodging. 

Report by:  Ken Knutson.


5-12-2011


Bob Nelson ordered engine cover insulation for Preservation for added noise reduction.  Bob Olson ordered electrical supplies for the 110 Volt wiring for the boat.
Order Scuba Compressor parts / CO detector add on. 

Report by: Phil Kerber.



5-17-2011


Ordered oil for both Diesel engines.  Gathered new filter pack for fresh water system.  Ordered scuba compressor parts.  Purchased bag of stainless steel cotter pins for prop nuts.  Ordered bag of oil absorbents.  Purchased gasket making material to repair leaking oil hose to starboard engine.  Ordered packing for front shaft of fresh water pump on port engine.  Purchased Misc paint and hardware to complete new platform.  Can of lube for steering chain under helm to lube and prevent rusting of the chain.  Checked battery supply, need to order more AA batteries. 

Report by:  Phil Kerber


5-21 - 22 , 2011  Boat Work Weekend


Completed Tasks:

1. Service fresh water system. 
2. Replace CO sensor, bilge heat sensor and digital clock batteries.
3. Install the new dive platform and new attached aluminum ladder. 
4. Prepare both engines / change oil in both engines and fuel injection pumps.

5. Change all oil and fuel filters.  Treated fuel system with conditioner.
6. Check cooling system fluid condition and change if PH is not within normal range. Treated with conditioner
7. Check lube in steering gear.

8. Check chain tension on steering gear under helm, lube chain as needed.
9.
Prepare waste system (Head, toilet) for use.
10.. Clean bilges, remount and test bilge pumps.
11. Repair leaking auto oil changer hose leading to starboard engine.
12. Install both propellers.  (We have a new bag of SS cotter pins). 
13. Remove port side engine fresh water pump to replace packing on input shaft.   
14. Install all electronics and test.
15. Prepare paperwork for Captains to use. 
16. Secure sounder  transducer wiring through transom. 


R
eport by:  Phil Kerber.




Work Weekend On the R/V Preservation 5-21 to 5-22-2011
Pictures by Steve Daniel


5-23-2011 Sent another blast email to the Membership to invite them to join us to help work on the R/V Preservation the weekend of 5-28 to 30, 2011.  No additional response from any of the membership at this time!!  Perhaps at the last minute a few may join us??

Report by: Phil Kerber.


5-28 - 30, 2011  Boat Work Weekend:


Completed Tasks:

1. Replaced outside loud speaker / haler.  (Purchased new speaker, remounted on Radar mast).
2. Wash all Curtains inside salon area.
3. Install new exhaust / water discharge pipe on starboard engine.
4. Install Engine cover sound proofing
5. Drinking Water filter wrench mounted in bilge next to filter canister system.
6. Some painting completed but delayed by rain again.
7. Vacuumed and Cleaned Carpet in the entire boat.

Report by: Bob Olson


6-1-11

Wednesday Bob O and Ken Knutson traveled to Duluth and finished painting critical areas of the boat before it launches the weekend of June 4 and 5.  Paul Imsland also completed a few painting tasks and stayed up at the Marina an extra day to finish the final coats of paint.  

Completed Tasks:

1. Paint dark blue areas of boat. (Gunnel area).
2. Painted second coat on new dive platform.
3. Started touch up Painting on top / roof.
4. Measured inflatable boat
(dingy) for new hold down strapping.

Report by: Ken Knutson


6-4-11

Saturday morning we finished a few odds and ends before the scheduled launch at 12:30 PM. 

Completed Tasks:

1. Bob O, finished mounts for new inflatable boat attachment straps.
2. Ken Knutson finished the wiring and water proofing for the new load speaker.
3. Steve Daniel finished some touch up painting on the boat.  Including re-staining and re- varnishing of some wood trim on the boat.
4. Phil Kerber cleaned the entire forward compartment / Head.  Including cleaning out anything that didn't need to be on the shelving.  Cleaned all accumulated mildew.  We are now going to put accessories on the starboard side shelving.  Food and perishables with First Aid, AED and O2 on
port side shelving.

6-27-2011  (A few weeks later when all the wiring parts were delivered)

1. 110 Volt shore power wiring was completed.
2. Installed 1000 watt Marine Inverter.
3. Replace cooling system temp sensor on starboard engine.


The launch went very well.  After the Marina staff lifted the boat and placed it in the water, we did a thorough check for any possible water leaks, (which there didn't seem to be).  We motored the boat out to the river for a shakedown cruise.  It ran great and was much quieter that in the past, since one of our upgrades this year was sound proofing the engine covers.  Everything was going great until about a mile out we noticed that the starboard engine was getting a little warm.  We shut it down and while still underway Bob O and Phil K diagnosed the problem.  We found that the fresh water pump wasn't pumping water through the heat exchanger which cools the engine.  We then cruised back to the dock and pulled the pump off to discover that the brass center of the impeller that is vulcanized to the center, tore loose.  So the shaft and bushing were spinning within itself and not pumping.  We had a replacement but it turned out it was the wrong impeller for that pump.  We then drove to Lake Head Marina and picked up the correct impeller and gasket.  The shaft looked a little worn so we inquired about that as well.  The shaft would have to be ordered but is fine for this season.

We assembled the pump and installed it on the engine and ran it to make sure it is pumping and had no water leaks.  Everything checked out and were now ready for the BBQ and cruise the next day.


6-5-2011

Sunday came and we prepared the boat for departure by 10:00 AM.  It was a great day to BBQ and cruise with the super weather that was presented to us on Sunday.  WHAT A GREAT DAY FOR A CRUISE!  

We cruised North on the River to the Duluth Harbor and then to Lake Head Marina to take on the first tank of fuel for the season.  Then we departed on a tour through the  Duluth and Superior Harbors.

We cooked out on the boat while underway.  The food was great and so was all 14 folks that joined us for the cruise.  All but one person that registered for the cruise was at the dock by 10:00 AM.  So, we changed the plan from having the BBQ on shore to the boat.  Later we picked up the last registered person when he called us on his cell phone, and boarded at Lake Head Marina.

The boat ran great throughout the rest of the cruise.  It was so quiet we could actually carry on a conversation in the cabin area while underway.  We could now hear the 2 way radio and have a conversation on our cell phones as well.   

Thank you again for the great times we spend with our friends, colleagues, associates and supporters of the GLSPS.

A good time was had by all!


 
Phil Kerber - GLSPS President
Bob Olson - GLSPS 1st Vice President Co Boat Chairman
Ken Knutson - Boat Chairman


     
  Report Completed 6-28-2011