Rick,

I'm a new I36 Association member, located in Long Beach. I used your Association for assistance/experience prior to buying Svanen (ex-BACKDRAFT), our new 1982 I-36. Your membership was wonderful in giving me pointers and addressing some of my concerns re: reliability of Pathfinder engines. Plus, your maintenance pages were a comfort in preparing me for what I might expect, as well as what to look for in the survey. Well, I need the association's assistance again.

The gooseneck fitting on my Kenyon boom has broken where the horizontal bolt goes across. Rather than having a complete hole on the tang where the bolt goes through from the starboard to the port side, I now have a half-circle, C. I believe I need to replace the entire boom-end fitting.

Do any of the membership know of a used one or a process I might use to get a replacement without getting a new boom? I believe Kenyon no longer makes spars?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Ken Kropf - email: mkkropf@gte.net work: (310) 771-6432

From: BrendanG@aol.com
Date: 07/26/99 11:32:49 PM GMT

Sail magazine publishes an equipment guide that covers almost anything and gives manufacturers names and phone numbers. When my boom was stolen in Florida in a boat yard, I ended up getting a replacement from Metalmast in Putnam CT. Unless you find a used part, a good spar company should be able to help.

Larry Gotch

From: "Kropf, Ken" <ken.kropfk@nissan-usa.com>
Date: 07/28/99 05:23:58 PM GMT
Subject: RE: Gooseneck

Dear Skipper Wall,

Appreciate your prompt reply. I have been able to locate:

RIG-RITE,INC.
63 Centerville Road
Warwick, RI 02886 USA
Phone (401)-739.1140
email: www.rigrite.com

They bought out the old Kenyon stock and have other discontinued spar stock. Their web site is extensive and lists the Kenyon 3550 Boom section and replacement gooseneck and outhaul cast aluminum parts as well as all sheaves, tangs, pins, etc.

I spoke with them on Monday, however, they have not answered the phone yesterday or today. I'm assuming that they have the stock to backup their web site info. Don't know pricing.

On another issue (this note for Harry Farrell and other Pathfinder owners), I have discovered in response to my earlier request about Pathfinder diesels (installed in Islanders late 79 - 83) that

Pathfinder Marine
PO BOX 1284
Champlain. NY 12919-1284
Phone (514) 695-6676
FAX (514) 695-1080
email: pathfndr@pathfindermarine.com

has a very active support organization and parts/technical service program. In fact, they have a Pathfinder Service Club (application $95) one of which benefits is a complete service manual tailored to your specific engine serial number and transmission. Another benefit is an engine exchange program (old 1.5 liter engine traded in for newly rebuilt 1.6 liter) for $6000, including shipping.

Inge and John are the owners/stewards, and they are very fussy how their engines are being maintained in the field. They say they have about 1500 Pathfinders registered in their Service Club. Their mail drop is US, however, they are located in Canada - no tax, 10% parts discount to members.

Let's hope that this RIG-RITE lead works out for me. Otherwise, I may be looking for a new boom.

Thanks again,

Ken