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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

R/V Preservation - Work Weekends

The summer project season is fast approaching, and we could always use the help from our membes to prepare the R/V PRESERVATION for an exciting season of education, fun, and exploration.  We invite you to join us and get to know the R/V PRESERVATION and a few key people in the GLSPS that run the boat often. If you are a seasoned veteran or novice member this is an opportunity to learn about all the systems of the R/V Preservation. There is no better way to learn how the RV Preservation works, than from people who already know the GLSPS boat and to share their knowledge on a weekend (or two) of boat work.

Please review the "To Do List" and "Dream List" to see if there is anything that you could help with the annual preparation, including a possible donation to the boat fund by clicking on the Donation button on the front page of the website. We have a lot to do but, we mainly work on the cosmetics such as painting and cleaning.

To review the results and completion of all the RV Preservation work weekend tasks, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click the results button. 

 

Registration
 

 

This event is split into multiple days of the week or weekend. Please register for each day you can attend so we can plan a headcount, tasks, and sleeping arrangements. We also need to know your skill set(s), so we can assign a task to you. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Phil Kerber, GLSPS President - RV Preservation Captain



The First Two Weekends:



1. Remove Tarp and tarp frame.  (Place under boat until hauled back to the Cities for storage).
2. Mount the swim ladder on the swim platform.
3. Clean up the inside of the boat.
4. Organize and put away the PFD's. 
5. Mount the Radar Dome back on top of the radar dome mast. Make sure the wiring is not pinched and goes out the rear (aft) of the dome and down through the mast. Ensure the four bolts holding the dome down are snug and the dome is level with the boat's roof and mast. 
6. If all the above is completed, start on the Main Mechanical and Annual Maintenance lists and check off the items completed.  Please check Phil Kerber to review the tasks that must be performed.
7. Please send Phil Kerber a report on what tasks were completed.

Painting 
    1.  Pressure wash entire outside of boat - required each year
    2. Repair/touch up the bottom paint
    3. Sand, clean (Prepare) the port side hull for painting.
    4. Sand, (or sand blast) clean and paint rear overhang. (May be an annual process)
    5. Grind/clean and repaint any additional areas where they are pealing or rusted. - (annual process).
    6. Strip paint clean and prepare the right-side helm area (where instruments are mounted) repaint area. (install wiring mounts before primer is applied).
    7. Clean interior walls from mold.  Prep and paint areas if needed - (annual process).  
    8. Inspect the rear wall and door. Clean and repair as necessary.
    9. Clean the bilge areas in all compartments. If bare metal areas are noted, these high-moisture areas may need some prep, epoxy primer, and paint work. 
    10. Check for saturated engine absorbent pads and replace them with new absorbent pads.
    11. Inspect and clean out mid-ship deck drains and pipes if needed. 
    12. Clean and possibly paint the rear deck. (Diver Benches and rubber mats will need to be removed).  After painting, re-install the rubber deck mats.  (Some mats may need replacement)?
    13. Reseal wood benches in the aft deck. (Phil K has the sealer/paint stored in his shop).

Mechanical / Electrical
    1. Re-Check the rear fittings on the hydraulic steering system – a slight fluid seep at a fitting still may be present?Still seeping just very small amount.
    2. Refill/top off hydraulic steering reservoir as needed.
    3. Re-Checkfor oil leaks in the engine room and attempt repair as needed.
    4. Check all outside lighting, including the Anchor light.
    5. Mount the dive ladder to the dive platform. (Annual project).
    6. Recheck operation of "Battery Switches" a document was created in 2023 when 120 volt wiring was done. Please enter into the operating manual.
    7. Should a new wiring schematic for the new 120v system be written to supplement the original wiring schematic with changes?Who can rewrite the schematic?
    8. Check the freshwater pump impeller and packing on both engines. (Change every other year). (Was change last in May 2022) It will be due in 2024
    9. Front bilge (Square hatch) clean, sort items, remove items that don’t need to be there, and vacuum.Go through all the items in the tubs and all around the bilge. Remove anything that’s not part of a project, and if there is, give it to whoever is doing that project to bring home with them, and if that project needs to continue, please bring it home each time. You can bring the items back up when you work on the boat again. DO NOT STORE IT IN THE BOAT! (Annual Process)!
    10. Recheck the possible leaky Faucet on the sink in the galley.Checked 5-2019 - No leak (s) were found at this time.Re-check 2022 Leak is still persistent. Water is still present under the sink area. It may be rain?? We need to verify when it's raining!
    11. Go through the "Save a Dive Kit” to see if we need to renew/restock any items missing from the previous year.
    12. Review new 120 volt wiring and make sure it’s working properly and go through procedures. Create a checklist for the system to place in the boat operating manual.

 Annual Maintenance - Engine

(See Parts Receipts Under Documents Section)

    1. Change oil on both engines. (New spin on engine oil filters are now installed for easier changes)
    2. Change diesel fuel filters for both engines. Fill with fuel before installing and bleed afterward.
    3. Change oil in both injector pumps. New drain cocks have been installed. Please use them to drain oil.
    4. Grease all four grease zerks on each freshwater engine cooling pump. (2 on each pump)!  (After new impellers are installed.
    5. Check both alternator belts for wear and tighten if they are loose.
    6. Check both engine's Love Joy couplings set screws for tightness.  Where they couple the freshwater pumps to fuel injector pumps.
    7. Check fuel Additive stock. (Use up bottles in front bilge before we order more). Order one case of the best priced and quality fuel additive.
    8. Change both transmissions oil (Due again 2024).
    9. Flushing tee or bleeder method on starboard motor for hot fresh water and cabin heater system. ????
    10. Spring 2023; Port engine _1281.6_ hours, and Starboard engine _1272,7_ hours.
    11. Fall 2023; Port engine _______ hours, and Starboard engine _______ hours.
    12. Total Hours put on engines the year of 2023 - Port ___________ Starboard __________
    0.9 hours difference between the two engines. The starboard ran 0.9 longer than the port engine.

Annual Maintenance - Boat
    1. Remove tarp and PVC framing from the boat. (Haul back to Cities and store in PK's Barn.)
    2. Check all Anodes/zinc pencils - On Hull, Rudders etc, and zinc pencils in heat ex-changers on Transmissions (2 each trans). Zinc pencils can be purchased from Marine Parts Resources. pt# CME0 Link to website, https://www.marinepartssource.com/marine-parts/anodes-corrosion-prevention/pencil-anode-cme00 - Please Note: Both freshwater inlet piping to transmissions and engine the Zink’s have been replaced spring of 2021. The bag of extra pencil Zincs are located on the front shelves in the head, (top starboard
    3. Grease both rudder posts and steering linkage.
    4. Check both main batteries - add water if necessary (distilled water only).
    5. Check both coolant reservoirs to clean them out of debris collected over the year. Check PH and strength with test strips.
    6. Inspect and install both brass props (Install the weekend of the Launch) - brass keys are stored in an orange case in the head or attached to props. (Make sure we use a large brass washer on Port side prop). A slight vibration was noted in the 2022 season.
    7. Check tightness of Cutlass Bearing screws (8).
    8. Check wiper blades and wiper motor operation. An extra wiper is in the top cabinet port side under the microwave oven. (Both were replaced in 2022).
    9. Replace drinking water filters and prepare the system for the season. Please clean the canister that holds the filter before installing it.
    10. Prepare the head system (chemical toilet) for the season.
    11. Replace batteries in CO sensors, smoke detectors, and digital clocks as needed.
      1. A new smoke and CO Detector was replaced 5-2023.
    12. All fire extinguishers (3) need to be visually inspected and tag signed by who ever inspected them. Please Note: Every two years, an inspection is required by an official fire extinguisher inspector. See Phil to get that done. Otherwise, flip and roll dry chemical extinguishers to prevent chemical compaction - date and sign tags. Replace the other mount/holder on the starboard side. Hopefully, Tim P can make another one for us? Please Note: All three fire extinguishers were tested, and hydro was performed by an official fire extinguisher Official and passed as of 5-2022.
    13. Inspect and install all safety equipment and check expiration dates for applicable items. Inspect AED, (battery and pads) O2 pack & extra O2 bottle. First Aid bag contents have been gone through May 2023. Thank you Kathy Meek. Please check to see if a hydro test is needed on any of the O2 bottles. O2 Bottle still good for one more year (2023).
    14. Inspect all distress signal equipment and check expiration dates for applicable items. Please Note: There are eight expired hand-held flares and six flare gun flares. Both have current flare updates but saved old, expired flares that are still available in sealed bag under /inside helm area. New flares were purchased for the 12-gauge hand flare gun. Remove flares that are over five years old and fire off somewhere. They are taking up a lot of extra room in the bag! eight flare sticks and six flare gun shells that are expired have been placed in a zip lock bag and placed under the helm for extra use. six new flare gun shells and four handheld flares were replaced with new ones and put into flare bag hanging on the back wall, 05-2022.
    15. Insert legal paperwork, licenses, registrations, and insurance info in designated areas.
    16. Install and test all electronics to verify proper function!
    17. Verify the operation of all switches and indicators on the boat console!
    18. Check all inside and outside bulbs, including the Anchor and Navigation lights (4). We changed them all to LED bulbs in 2019 and 2020.
    19. Add air and install aluminum floor to the new Zodiac Dingy/Life raft and check for leaks. Check Oars.
    20. Inspect and clean debris out of all deck drains if needed.
    21. Replace scupper flaps. Phil K ordered and received the flaps in 2019. They need to be installed. (2022)? Discuss whether we really need them or not??
    22. Inspect engine compartment intake ducting.
    23. Final cleanup - clean and vacuum all carpet prior to leaving final work weekend!

 

Annual Maintenance - Compressor
    1. Change oil on 5-Hp Honda engine - use AMSOIL 10W-40 synthetic small engine motor oil. Start and run!!
    2. Change oil in Bauer compressor - use human grade synthetic oil.
    3. Check Spark Plug. Replace again in 2023!
    4. Remove lines and filter canisters (2) and O2 clean them, repack with new chemicals in both primary and secondary filtering systems. (Was replaced in 2023)!
    5. Check the paper air filter on the compressor. One on the top of the radar mast. Checked air filter on intake of compressor. Air filter on intake by Radar mast has been changed in 2023! Replaced intake hose up the radar mast in 2023.
    6. Check the main belt.
    7. Check all hoses for wear and any damage.
    8. Check the CO monitor to see if it is still showing pink (Pink = OK). It needs to be replaced in 2024!
    9. Check all water bleed drain valves.  The compressor was brought to cities for the staff to replace one more air bleed and possibly redesign the water bleed system? Or, one more water bleed on primary breathing media filter needs to be installed if anything!
    10. Check engine air filter and replace as needed. Used Napa Pt # 2323. Needs to be replaced by 2024.
    11. Clean any debris and dust from external parts of the compressor.
    12. Install filler whip quick disconnects.
             The Scuba Compressor has ___260.5___ hours on it at the beginning of 2023 and ________ hours             on it at the end of 2023.
             Total Hours at the end of 2023 is ______

 Misc ongoing Tasks List During the Summer
    1. Reconfigure and install Hooks for hanging pots and pans. Under the helm seat.
    2. Scuba compressor mount permanently in it's spot with detachable fill whips.
    3. Lift Air/Microwave off cabinet – door rubbing on trim).
    4. Install Dash Light Dimmer Phil K brought up to boat.
    5. Make sure all switches are marked with name tags. 
    6. Recheck AIS System. Verify operation.
    7. Test AIS System transmitter. - Need to test the SWR of the antenna.
    8. AIS System - Is still not working as of 6-05-2022 After installing the new antenna, we will need to retest the system!

 Dream List / Projects
    1. Design and build compressor containment for permanent outside mount. Research what is needed to permanently mount it for the season. Started in 2015
    2. Rear Canvas- May need some revamping and redesigning to extend the sides to keep rain out of the back deck. Also, may need more supports in the center to keep rain for pooling. Or tighten up canvas by redesigning the side to pull down harder to keep rain from pooling.
    3. Install vent fans in the back wall for ventilation.
    4. Install high temp and low oil pressure light and buzzer alarms on both engines? (See Phil K and Joel T).
    5. Check all sacrificial anodes & replace as necessary - swap any zinc anodes with aluminum (note: rudders and heat exchangers are currently protected by zinc anodes)!
    6. Hard plumb O2 whip to both bow and stern. Or install quick disconnects on both the O2 Regulator for easy application on boat and for fill whips on main compressor.
    7. Hard plumb an air reserve tank on rear bilge for faster fills. (Dream big)!!
    8. Install Auto Pilot if the Organization can afford it.
    9. Remove plexiglass under grating and weld diamond plating over grating?
    10. Rewire Helm to extend wiring and clean up the mess inside the helm.


End of Year Winterizing and Layup
    1. Middle of October the GLSPS typically determines that all their projects were completed for the year and the boat is pulled out for winter layup.
    2. The boat is brought over to lift and lifted out of the water and placed on land.
    3. A GLSPS representative winterizes the two diesel engines by turning off sea cocks, running RV Antifreeze through each heat exchanger and, fogged both engines.
    4. Winterize the water system including draining the hot water heater, removing water filter from canister, and draining water from the canister. The lines also need to be blown out as much as possible. Disconnect freshwater sink pump lines to drain any water left in lines.
    5. Drain water muffler to scuba compressor.
    6. Disconnect large shore power cord, put it inside the boat for winter and pulled out and connect a regular extension cord to power the battery charger over the winter.
    7. Loosen both GPS antennas to push sideways before we cover with tarp.
    8. Lower both FM Antennas.
    9. Lower the Dive flag holder so it doesn't cut into the winter tarp.
    10. Remove both brass props.
    11. Install rear aft canvas cover frame. Slight modification for covering the boat with winter tarp. We added an aft frame for the new tarp, which makes the covering in the back much better for winter storage. We use the same tarp size as we always did. 50 x 40.
    12. Remove all soaps and cleaning liquids so they are now freezing.
    13. Remove safety equipment such as first aid/Oxygen and AED.
    14. Remove all electronics in helm and bring home to store in heated area.
    15. Remove Radar Dome to bring home to store in semi warm place.
    16. Remove Anchor light to drop below radar dome mast for tarp frame to work.
    17. Pull all PFD's out of the storage space to out on lower bunks to dry and air out.
    18. Winterize chemical toilet by dumping water out of upper reservoir and making sure lower waist reservoir is dumped, cleaned, and rinsed.
    19. Put all tools away. Charge cordless tool batteries.
    20. Store as many paper products in plastic Tupperware containers as possible to keep any critters that may want to make a nest from it.
              Install the tarp/covering over the entire boat for winter layup. This year we tried a different way to            install the tarp. We put up and left up both the new aft frame for the canvas top and left both                      benches bolted in. One less thing to mount back on the boat in the spring!

 In Closing

All of the above is what the GLSPS active Members do at the beginning and end of each season for members to be able to use the RV Preservation Research Vessel. WE ARE PROUD OF OUR RESEARCH VESSEL!! We continue to need more new people to perform the tasks every year. The tarp covering of the boat at the end of the year is another very important task to complete, which takes place the same weekend as the Gales of November Conference. We all have a great deal of fun and it’s very rewarding to help with the boat. Thank you so much to all that helped with working on the boat from getting it ready for the season, to any breakdowns that occur throughout the season. If it wasn't for our dedicated volunteers, we would not have a boat we can all enjoy preserving maritime history.

"EACH YEAR” WEDO HAVE TONS OF FUN - JUST COME ON UP!

Please join us for this rewarding time of working with“GLSPS Members”on one (or more) of the work weekends. Let's get the“R/V Preservation”ready for an exciting season of dive projects.



RV Preservation Closing and Summery Report For 2024 Season

The RV Preservation preparation work weekends were a bit longer this year.  We had a lot of painting to do as it has been a long time since the entire bottom hull has been painted.  The bottom hull took the lions share of the weekends we had to prep prime and paint the bottom of the RV Preservation this year (2024).

The rest of the tasks in 2024 to prepare the boat for the upcoming seasons of projects are as normal.  Please check the list by clicking on the Button below to see what was accomplished and what is needed to be completed yet.


RV Preservation Work Weekends Preparation for 2024 Season Task List as of 06-20-2024


Please check the list of items that we need.  (Wish List) to see if you or any one your know could help us achieve.  It would also be nice to donate funds to help the GLSPS add more comfort features to our proudly taken care of research vessel.

Please donate to the boat fund or just join us in preparing it each year in May.

Thank you to Tim Pranke, Jimmy Christenson, Ken Knutson, Wim Wilcke and our President that's ALWAYS there Phil Kerber,  Also a special thank you to Kari David for her help one weekend in cleaning, painting, preparing and donating the food for us as well.