After losing power some several weeks (has it been 6 weeks...) ago, and replacing the fuel filter, and the entire exhaust system, I finally got an opportunity for a good sea trial. My son and I went out yesterday into a bouncy seam and under motor, we gave her a good run.

First I was very pleased at how well she started right up (been doing that since the clogged elbow was replaced); second, the engine sounded just a bit smoother and a bit quieter. Was there more power... well hard to say in those bouncy seas, but she had no problem holding over 5.3 knots, a speed that was the rarely reached peak, in the past.

All in all a satisfying event.

I have to chuckle... last weekend when I was picking up some hardware to put in the new waterlift muffler, I ran into three other sailors also doing exhaust system work. I guess it was "exhaust season."

One fellow had this great all stainless riser and mixing elbow he was carting around... said it cost a pretty penny, but he was convinced it was the last elbow he would ever buy.