Grace: a replacement engine found in Falmouth

Grace - 18' Lyman - 1957

It's been worrisome since the moment a bit before sunset that my venerable 1957 Graymarine Model 100 straight six seized up and died at sunset just off Black Island in the Muscongus Bay where I had to be rescued by Barrett Lynde of Gay Island Oyster Farm.  But today, with the help of Russ and Joel we picked up a replacement.  A Graymarine  Model 112 flathead six with dual carburetors.  We loaded it (675 lbs.) onto Jeff Marine's pickup and brought it back to Thomaston for winter transplant surgery.

The engine came out of this 1953 Chris Craft - which spends summers on Sebago Lake.  It will now be re-powered  by this Hercules engine - the original equipment.  

Hercules

1953 Chris Craft

Russ and Joel

18' Lyman inboard - 1957

When the engine started making a hammering sound I slowed, and slowed some more. When it died 10" before sunset a mile south of Gay Island with no one moving on the water to hear a call on Ch. 16 there was Verizon wireless! Fortunately Barrett, Gay Island oysterman was in the vicinity.  He rescued me, towing me to the island where we tied the boat up for the night to the farm.

Sad death of a 53 year old engine. Ran like a sewing machine 'til the last minutes. Checked the crankcase oil and the lubricants. All appeared to be OK. Time to get something more prosaic and less delicate.  Next stop Craigslist.

18' Lyman inboard - 1957

Why I like my boat

I know...it's 52 years old, the battery isn't charging, six volts is a pain in the ass, it's not a saltwater boat, it's an indulgence.............

Images: all on the St. George River

Southbound, James, Tasha, Annabel, Muffy, Sanaa, Mom, Dad,James.

For the kids in Maine 2009 click HERE.