Like Drift Away, the Whaler sat unused and uncovered for 20 years.  I had fixed the electric hoist used to get it on and off the flybridge a long time ago, but then focused on the big boat’s systems and did nothing with the Whaler.  Before we left, though, I bought a new gas tank, battery, and fuel filter in anticipation of working on the Whaler.  We didn’t have an ignition key for it so I bought a new ignition switch.   Since we’re here in Beaufort for a bit of time, I decided to tackle the Whaler.  The first thing to do was to install the new ignition switch.  I disassembled the control, not  too bad of a job.

I then spent the better part of a day trying to find the new switch.  Like many things on this boat, it simply disappeared.  So next I decided to work on the steering, which seemed loose.   I tried to unbolt the old mechanical helm and, in no time flat, snapped off a rusty bolt.  In the process, the old wooden console broke apart, the victim of decay and wood rot.  I was left with a train wreck. I got on the laptop and, amazingly, found a place in California that sells a mahogany replacement console for only $179, so I ordered one, which I am now awaiting delivery of. Back up to the Whaler to disassemble the steering controls.  There was no point in being gentle or methodical, so I just started taking things apart.  The mechanical helm was a little tough.

 

I finally got it unbolted from the console.  Now to take it apart.

 

 

Part of owning a boat is figuring out how things work.  As I analyzed at the steering mechanism, I realized that there was no reason to take this apart.  It was working fine.  What I snapped the bolt off of was this….

 

a simple bezel that connects the steering wheel to the mechanical helm.

 

Now here is the amazing part.  When I first tackled this job, I had thought that the steering mechanism was the problem.   After considerable googling, I found that the unit was made by Teleflex.  I looked on their dealer list and found that Butler Marine here in Beaufort was on it.  I emailed them inquiring about a replacement.  I soon received a call from Billy in parts.  By the time Billy called, I had learned that I only needed a new bezel.  Within the hour, Billy was at the marina with a couple of possible replacements.

 

How’s that again?   While all my cruising friends are sitting here reading this with their jaws hanging open, let me explain for my landlubber friends.  Customer service in the marine business is practically non-existent.  Yes, that’s right.  Generally speaking, service in the marine biz stinks.  Nothing is ever done within estimate of cost or time, and customers are generally viewed as the enemy.  Yet here was Billy in the parking lot of the Beaufort town docks with parts in hand trying to help me out with my small project.

 

Not only did I buy the replacement bezel from Billy, but I ordered everything I could think of from Billy, which wasn’t much but included a couple of bottles of two cycle oil, two spark plugs, and an ignition switch.

 

Pam and I walked the dogs over to Lady’s Island yesterday, and on the way we came upon Butler’s Marine.  We stopped in and I picked up the ignition switch.  Billy had it sitting on the parts counter with my name on it, intending to deliver it on his way home from work.  One of the ladies who works there saw the dogs and had to go outside to see them, and then even invited them into the store. 

 

What a great place.  Nice folks at Butler Marine.   So here is a shameless plug that I make no apologies for.  If you’re anywhere remotely close to Beaufort, South Carolina and need any kind of parts or service, you call Butler Marine, 70 Sea Island Parkway, Beaufort South Carolina.   843-522-9461.  Email Billy at parts at butlermarineinc.com.  They’re fine folks, and the owner should be proud of the employees he has.  They represent him well.

 

Good old fashioned customer service.  Imagine that.  What is this world coming to?