How to repair TRAC stabilizers on a Nordhavn 43

[@stephenscott963]

New Subscriber as of a few days ago, and just a quick THANK YOU for these technical videos for us not the sharpest pencil in the box types! Great video, keep them coming!

[@LouisJackson6]

Another job well done, saving $$$ DIY

[@fvpotential8512]

Those type of bronze bushings can be easily removed by filling the hole with grease and tapping the mating pin into the hole. By compressing the grease it will lift the bush out squarely. As the bush starts to rise you just add a bit more grease to raise the pin again. Hope this helps. Nice job and nice boat!

[@skunkjobb]

That's exactly what I was thinking. AvE demonstrates it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWeVlGeEhqmqhpI It might be harder with these bushings since they are thinner than the ball bearing and has less area for the grease pressure to work upon.

[@colleenellis6577]

Great idea as we used that method many times. We always used a press, will a hammer and pin work and not make a complet mess ? Thanks

[@lesvoguer3756]

I want to thank you for this video, it helped me to no end when I had to replace the cylinder itself. I needed a slide hammer to pull the pin. I never heard of a slide hammer, and neither did 95 pct of the people I know in Grenada know what one was. So after 3 different méthodes of trying to pull that freaking pin, first was yours, then a make shift slide hammer, the a combo sledge hammer / 😂- all of which failed. The slide hammer, three pulls and out she came. But you video was a great help. James Le Voguer N5028 Les Voguer

[@lb7wade518]

Looks like some new Allen wrenches for Christmas!!

[@markduncan6690]

Liz is the camera person ... and the tool pusher! Some huge savings are going on here!

[@mvfreedom]

mark duncan yes without Shawn’s mechanical abilities owning a boat wouldn’t be possible 👍

[@colleenellis6577]

Hind sight being 20 20 if you thought about it earlier. You can make a small puller out of used steel parts, drill and tap small holes on the bushing and pull it out. Just another idea.

[@garypoltonowicz7950]

Like the “techie” videos a lot! Great work!

[@julieboard5203]

Great Video! Thanks. One trick I may suggest is to put the new bushes in the freezer to help them slide in easily. Then let them warm up before remounting the ram.

[@mikeseitz2792]

Great job Shawn

[@stevecieri2755]

Nice job. You make it look easy! Which is a tribute to your mechanical skills.

[@colleenellis6577]

Great video. As I have worked in hydraulics many years. It was a bad practice to turn a. Cylinder to remove a tie rod end. All O rings are not designed to rotate. You may ask the builder to be sure. Still a great video. Very informative, Thanks Skipper

[@mmanut]

I thoroughly enjoy maintenance Videos, especially when the person knows what he's doing‼️ GREAT JOB. R U a Nordhavn Technician, Obviously very mechanically inclined‼️‼️👍👍 PS, Your boat is in FANTASTIC SHAPE, Can't believe it's a 2004 model. WELL MAINTAINED. Vinny 🇺🇸

[@jeffgassen9328]

Totally late in getting around to watching this, but a fantastic video! Being a 15 year wrench, I nerd out on these types of videos. You take nice care while working and have great attention to detail, and it shows that you know your way around a wrench and how to do a job well done, even with difficult parts like pressed in bushings!

[@michae8jackson378]

Nice video! Helps those of us who are going to be on a boat after retirement know what truly life is like! Always fixing or repairing something! Lol

[@leonardkevin12]

The boat DIY projects at my favorite videos. 😀

[@heidienglish9385]

Nice video. Very informative. As always you guys are so adorable. 💖

[@petelepage27]

Excellent video, and Wicked awesome description of your work. I’m impressed Shawn!! I enjoy all of your Videos, thank you.

[@cruisingcircadia6574]

Another great video. We are headed up to PassageMaker Trawlerfest at Bell Harbor Marina in Seattle in a few weeks.

[@mvfreedom]

Melissa Hamilton we might be there as well!

[@gotthyme]

MV Freedom would love to meet you guys and see your yacht 🛥 at the festival?

[@pap91rt50]

Super job! Love your thoroughness..

[@Deerwood1985]

One of your best videos, love it, great job. Thank you for share. Regards from Argentina.

[@mvfreedom]

Mario Dunayevich awesome thanks for watching all the way from S. America!

[@caspercat007]

From a TRAC Engineer, not a bad job, however you did break all our rules by putting your fingers under the Top Plate with the Fin free and not pinned, that can be the quickest and easiest way of losing your fingers, always pin the yoke before working on the unit unless the yacht is out of the water and the fin is chocked.

[@cd4222]

Dude! This is a user video and not a manufacturer how to video! If you work for TRAC why don’t you do a video?

[@toma5153]

Any possibility of adding DURABLE warning decals about this to the top. I see one worn out one dealing with alignment. For the money I would recommend it. Ref: CFR 1915.89 - Control of hazardous energy (applicable to ship building and maintenance on board).

[@tee4222]

@@cd4222 As a user, I appreciate any advice that might keep my fingers attached to my hand. His comment was useful, unlike yours.

[@neo297xxx]

@@cd4222 I realize this is an old post but it is a good thing the Trac tech commented before someone does this and gets 🤕. Criticizing them for it makes no sense

[@richardreweti8671]

Apart from the health and safety check, he did a damn good job for a first timer and shock horror he kept his digits intact.🤣

[@normtrainer3429]

Great Video enjoyed watching the whole procedure. Great filming as well. You two are quite a team!!

[@ryanconrad9811]

Great DIY video! One of the best I've seen.

[@lancemichael7566]

Fantastic display of patience! There would be many expletives with me on your side of the camera.

[@jonathanbrooks917]

I’m so happy for you guy’s!!!

[@rickhackworth5421]

You just saved yourself a nice little chunk....Great work

[@helderferreira1610]

Thanks a lot. You brought me joy! In Morocco with a leak on a stabilizer piston. Tech in Spain that did last job, not very well, I shall say, told me that I couldn't remove the plate because the sensor very delicate and a password required to set it back. I think the password is: bullsh***t. Thanks again

[@darensphotos]

Well done video, super informative. I have Naiad system on my boat, but very similar install.thanks

[@CEOsario]

Great job...Thanks for sharing...

[@vraymond108]

You make it look easy. I would have had to resort to more specially chosen words to get the job done. Thanks for sharing.

[@waynemcphail7825]

Great video. You made it so clear.

[@mudflap8448]

I don't have a zero stabilizer fin nor can I afford one, but when I do I'm going to know how to fix it thank you Sean has a good video I like it..

[@seatravel8536]

Excellent video.

[@cliffordb47]

That certainly impressed me where in the hell did you learn how to do that? It seems like you know every system on that boat and there's lots of systems great video

[@raiderx7410]

u learn it by watching Inet vids like this one!

[@James-seafan]

interest video nice vessel shawn and elizabeth

[@ronaldcockayne9489]

Very nice job 👍🏽 clean

[@barrysummers1622]

Great video guys, thank you, can't understand how your number 1 helper said it was going to be boring, though, lolololoo.

[@stephenfleming7918]

Nice video. My wife and I recently retired and are buying a larger boat to cruise the Bahamas and Caribbean. I hadn’t thought too much about stabilizers. I need to check just how well they work.

[@stevecastro22]

Stephen, they are money well spent.....

[@stevenholton438]

Not THE Fleming surely!

[@seikibrian8641]

*Stephen Fleming* There are three main types of stabilizers, each best-suited to different kinds of boats and boating, and you can also combine types. They work quite well in most cases, and are what really allow relatively-small power boats to cross oceans. (On sailboats, the action of the wind on the sails acts as the stabilizer.) The stabilizers shown here are "active fin" stabilizers, and the work well to reduce rolling while underway. Another type is gyro stabilization, in which a gyroscopic flywheel mounted rigidly inside the boat, secured to the hull, reduces roll either while underway or at rest. The third type, the oldest and least expensive, is the paravane system, in which "fish" are suspended on cables supported by outriggers on both sides of the boat, and hydrodynamic forces reduce roll when the boat is underway. The latter can also be used as passive stabilizers when anchored or docked, by replacing the paravanes (the fish) with "flopper stoppers." HTH.

[@helmsman3838]

That was a cool vid thanks you two.

[@billsmith5042]

Well done!

[@johngoncalves]

Very informative. Really de-mystified stabilizers for me.

[@wybster9804]

Brilliant job

[@ckm-mkc]

Nice video, very details, seems extremely doable assuming you have easy access to the top of stabilizers... Highly suggest a set of Wera Tool Check Plus or Zyklop 1/4" tool kits. They are nice, compact and very high quality German tools.

[@okay777]

Elizabeth I saw your thumb up cute, my son when he was little would have said about you “you crack my up” 🙋‍♂️🖖👏😷🇳🇴⛵️

[@souzas57]

Very nice video..bravo!!!

[@urabus7875]

nice--make a film.. launch of the tender...ty

[@jonrau5988]

There seems to be a universal rule that tools fall into the most difficult place possible and that it was the only one you had.

[@mvfreedom]

And they roll in the complete opposite direction in which they fell 😏

[@organblower]

Give that man an ice cream cone!

[@mvfreedom]

organblower and a 🍪! He’s a Cookie Monster!

[@cd4222]

Shawn, that was awesome! Thanks for doing the video! What is your background?

[@billyjay4672]

Surely they must be a special tool for that and would be beneficial for you to get one.

[@ranchhq8014]

Great instructional vid. Only thing I can add is every time I find the need for another tool I purchase "another tool". Sooner or later you will have every tool you can possibly need. EDIT: Plus I find I can always use a few magnetic bowls to place screws/bolts/etc into when working. When I manage to knock the bowl over I don't lose too many parts that way. Northern Tool has them for $3/ea once in a while. Worth X2 that price.

[@ankissy]

Love the teamwork! How did you learn what to do to fix the stabilizers?

[@mvfreedom]

ankissy Cap is an Engineer by trade so he’s good at looking at things, tinkering and figuring it out. A lot of the parts used are ones he’s familiar with so he knew how to diagnose/repair.

[@georgelambertson300]

Great executing a job well done I noticed the stabilizer appears to have had repairs or maintenance prior to just how old is your Nordhavn also we all noticed the Sandy and First Mate Elizabeth but no Sully....and everyone eared Ice Cream right ...Many Tanks...good content keep them coming...

[@mvfreedom]

george lambertson check out 17:50 in the video. Little Mr Sully makes a quick cameo appearance 🐶

[@georgelambertson300]

@@mvfreedom, Elizabeth darn it one of my Ex-wifes use to complain about that and udder things...oh well Many Thanks...

[@karlbass7895]

Really nice work and great narration... including the oh sh*t when that screw succumbed to gravity and went looking for a hiding spot. You made it look like you've gone through the service tech training and been there done that at least once before. I recently purchased a boat with Naiads that are in good shape, but will need maintenance in the future. Your video was great since I'm thinking the maintenance concepts will be similar. Can you tell me what lube & anti-seize products you used in the video? If they've been working for you, I'm guessing they'd do the same for me. Thx.

[@mvfreedom]

Karl Bass the anti seize is made by Permatex and the lube is Super Lube Synthetic Grease. Must haves for these types of projects!

[@karlbass7895]

@@mvfreedom Thx!

[@michaelrhodes6033]

Brilliant

[@dominiquejacques4726]

Good job Shawn! looks like you've had to do this once or twice before!?!? Oh and good job to you as well Elizabeth! :D

[@gbsailing9436]

Yes! As Shawn correctly stated, without Elizabeth, he could not have done the work on the boat's stabiliser's. The job would not be finished, the boat would cease to run. If the boat does not run then the bottom would quickly foul and everything else would then ceaze up. This would then cause a catastrophic shift in their ability to get work done in America - ultimately slowing all production in that country. Clearly, this would impact International trade, causing failing economies world wide. Eventually, the world would stop. Clearly, Shawn and Elizabeth understood the enormity of the situation and consequences of this work needing to be done, and so, they calmly and quietly - without concern for their own safety - and without altering others to the obvious dangers and potential calamity facing the world's population, they under took the task without hesitation. Yeah....So, well done Elizabeth!

[@billbaker9623]

Job well done and only one "aw shit". You make it look easy. I'd have had busted knuckles and a strained back from fishing out all those screws that my fumble fingers dropped into the bilge.

[@NervusEnergy]

Hey guys, great video (as usual)!! Capt Shawn, I kinda like the fact that used blue Locktite instead of the more permanent red stuff on the new cylinder rod end. I wonder why the part you replaced had red Locktite on it? It's a replaceable part, red is more for permanent stuff, isn't it?

[@tonkacaptain]

Great video guys! Really shed some light on the process. From start to finish how long would you say it takes to service each stabilizer? Guessing the 2nd went faster than the 1st if it was your first time doing this....?

[@mvfreedom]

Captain Jeff Morris total project for both was about 3 hours...1+ for each and then the prep/cleanup.

[@gbsailing9436]

@@mvfreedom Did that include the shower with Elizabeth...? just curious...

[@ts-er8ex]

Good informative video.. Too bad that Shawn didn't have a mic on him, very hard to hear.. Keep up the good work and for heavens sake, Have Fun !!

[@Newcomb360]

Thank you for the videos! Where and how we get the knowledge as you have on all the boat maintenance and repairs, is there a Nordhavn school for it or you’re do it by provided maintenance instructions, if any? Thank you!

[@williamcrislerjr9699]

Educational

[@pilotdane]

No matter what your day job, owning a boat seems to turn everyone into a mechanic.

[@mvfreedom]

pilotdane luckily Cap actually was a mechanic in his earlier days!

[@johncanalese588]

Along with Electrician, Plumber and occasional bartender!

[@richardmartin404]

I love a plate with a notch-in-it, when are you gonna do the other side?... HAHA!... Nice job is good to be stable!...

[@seccat]

There are two different types of Locktight. Hopefully, you’ll never have to replace those parts.

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya, I think you've done that before? Only one negative & that is when you go to music it is far to loud & strident compared to the voice. You do know your fingers will never seize now? Nice job, thank you. Take care & stay safe...

[@sailinstyle]

Thanks for this awesome how-to. This is going in my list of maintenance resources for my future Nordhavn. So 6 years expected life on the seals? Shorter than I expected but now I have a time table thanks to you. Did you post a parts source list somewhere? The spherical rod ends are obvious enough but those copper bushings must be unique. Also I don't understand why you're calling that sensor coupling "helical"? I get the need to account for lack of concentric fit but... a helix is shaped like a corkscrew. I'm just not seeing it. And then you said "provides misalignment" (sounded like it anyways) - I know what you meant but it sounded pretty funny! :) - Chris

[@mvfreedom]

Different vintage stabilizers and different manufactures dictate the service interval for the seals, so some intervals may be shorter or longer, just depends on what is installed. All of the parts I sourced directly through ABT although I would suspect now having the original parts to measure that I may be able to find alternative sources. Regarding the coupler; the coupler has a helical cut through the center portion which provides its ability to provide misalignment compliance while retaining zero backlash. If you search on the internet you can likely see some better pictures where the helical cut is more evident; it didn't show up that well in the video.

[@sailinstyle]

Fabulous, thanks for that. Now I see how that coupler is designed. That is fascinating. I'm sure my mechanical engineering friends know all about these; I'm on the electrical engineering and software side of things. I just look on in amazement at the things they come up with!

[@gotthyme]

Thanks. Was starting to fear stabilizing fins until I saw this. Is this the only fin maintenance? And how would one need to do this or any other maintenance. Where did you learn this? Thanks again

[@gotthyme]

And how often would...

[@sailinstyle]

I would think the main seal replacement might be a bit more challenging... nothing on a boat is maintenance free!

[@mvfreedom]

Rob Meyer there’s a seal that needs replacement every 6 years, oil and filter periodically but other than that these are the norm for maintenance. There’s also a zinc on the fins that would need replacing as needed and requires a dive under the boat or haul out.

[@stephenscott963]

Is this something that needs to be done periodically, or did you see something wrong, and if anything, what was it please? Thanks!

[@billdomb]

We like to tuck a sheet or big plastic bag under and around everything when doing this sorta stuff. Not a question of whether but simply WHEN we'll drop sumthin and listen as it rattles down into the deep, inaccessible bilge... Now, how did you LEARN how to do this top end rebuild. Manual? KZbin??

[@defshepherd9042]

Would a simple hand wind car wheel bearing extractor work rather than all that drilling and hammering to remove the bushing

[@mikejohnson7601]

Awesome, where did you learn all that mechanical stuff?

[@stephenscott963]

How in the world do you know how to do this? Trial and error or do you have engineering background? Great job!

[@suunto61]

Job well done. But would have been too easy if not for the dropped set screw. Got lucky on that upper bushing as well.

[@Colinpark]

I remember having knees like that that could stay bent for a long time....

[@markjensen1155]

How did you learn all these fixes ?

[@raiderx7410]

Inet vids like this

[@vikenwellman7888]

Next time get a cheep blind bearing puller. Looks like a slide hammer. Cheep from harbor freight. Good job.

[@craigweems]

Can operate a Bridgeport mill and knows what an Oiltite bushing is? He is way smarter than he looks!

[@fw1421]

You need a heat gun to heat up the piston and melt the Loc Tight.

[@YellowbirdRS]

Sure a power steering tool is what you needed to remove the bronze bushing.

[@Al.W7263]

Feels good when there's no "spare" parts at the end.

[@malamute327]

yea--your always gonna save money when you DIY--and not paying a "professional" to fix the easy stuff--have fun

[@br5498]

So glad to see you do the work on your Norhaven and not hire it out like others, then claim they did it......

[@trailerparksupervisor7046]

Why change the opening theme music? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

[@Duh_Huh_24]

I guess you've never lost a unique machine screw down a drain hole. I always use a tray when I take stuff apart, especially when working in a space with a drain hole in the floor. Watching you put those screws on the floor made me cringe.

[@Mrsnichols1965]

Well, either he's really good, or that is fake anti seize... Most of the time that stuff is on everything by the time the job is done. lol

[@adamfrey6166]

yikes, buy yourself a bushing/bearing puller set and a pull/gear puller set.

[@peteroestenberg8490]

professional Minus the goggles