Hey Duncan. Well, it' been a while. We replaced everything from the engine all the way to the transom with new exhaust system. Not a good idea to hack into asbestos with a sawzall because it vibrates the crap out of it. We cut the wrap away from any metal that was being cut and then bagged the sections and removed them from the boat. Cushions were out and the boat was pretty much stripped of stuff. I did a good scrub and wash of the bilge and all the underseat lockers etc. because I wanted to paint before the new system went in. Get it wet, wear masks, keep the air misted. I think it took about an hour to get the old exhaust system out.
When I was in 6th grade I won the fire chief award for my school. One kid from each school went to meet the Mayor at a big picnic in Griffith Park. There was an assembly in the school auditorium the day the award was given. I went up on stage and the guy from the fire department put this big heavy coat on me, and a fire hat, and they took my picture. The coat was this dusty grey heavy thing and I asked what it was made of, and the guy said "that's asbestos son, that there is a fireproof coat" and he smacked me on the back. Dust probably flew out of it. Who knows, maybe I'm already doomed. In the 60's they actually used asbestos in cigarette filters. People just didn't know then about the danger of breathing it.
