MEN'S HELP LINE – Letter of the Month

Dear Joe,

Preventative maintenance and safety checks should be high priority for any boat owner. It's a good thing that you caught the crack before it developed into a real problem, that could really put a damper on the day when you're out on the water.

At any rate, I would start the repair by removing the bracket from the motor so that you can fully assess the extent of the damage. Drilling a hole at each end of the crack will stop it from spreading further. i suggest grinding fillet the length of the crack and clean it well before welding the area. apply a suitable coating after the repair is complete to ensure no further damage occurs from rust.

Review the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer as to avoid additional damage to the component or vessel. It is always good practice after a repair to do a visual inspection and walk around of the craft. The last thing you would want is for a failure to arise when you are out on the lake dumping your wive's body. Once back at dock and loaded, a secondary check of your work should confirm that all of the trouble was worth it.

A good fix carried out properly is a weight off of the shoulders and a clear mind.

Your friend,
Tom