GSL SLIP Renters, Good news! After another couple of hours up on the hoist this morning we were able to completely repair and service it. Turned out to be an easy fix once the hoist was disassembled on-site. *%$*@ Mud Daubers!! They had built a nest inside the hoist jamming the pawl. The hoist is now totally functional again. But a little caution so we do not damage the chain. As you look at the hoisting mechanism you will see that there is a looped chain (gear chain) which works the gear up and down. And there is the actual hoist chain which lifts or lowers the mast. You will notice that the hoist chain has links that are welded shut. The looped (gear) chain just has links that are pressed together. When you secure the hoist after use please follow the following procedure to prevent damage to the looped chain: . There is a line attached to the cleat on the piling. Clip the hook of the hoisting chain onto the loop of the line. . Tighten the hoist so that the hosting chain is fairly snug. This prevents the jib boom from swinging around in the wind. . Take the chain that works the gears and LOOSELY wrap it around the cleat on the piling There MUST be some slack in the chain between the cleat and the hoist. This MUST be done. If this chain is SNUGLY wrapped it will explode or separate in strong winds as the jib boom tries to move around. If the chain explodes a repair could be VERY costly. . Please MAKE SURE BOTH CHAINS are secured as listed above. If they are not and begin to swing around they could cause significant damage to the rescue boat or could cause injury to someone on the dock. None of the above caused the failure of the hoist. That was completely the fault of the before mentioned pesky mud daubers. But not following the above instructions over the last four years has caused some damage to Rescue One and has caused damage to the gear chain. Thank you, for your patience while we repaired the hoist. Please feel free to use the hoist again. Use it safely and at your own risk. Harbor Master