  We discuss the potential for detection of gravitational waves from a rapidly
spinning neutron star produced by supernova 1987A taking the parameters claimed
by Middleditch et al. (2000) at face value. Asssuming that the dominant
mechanism for spin down is gravitational waves emitted by a freely precessing
neutron star, it is possible to constrain the wobble angle, the effective
moment of inertai of the precessing crust and the crust cracking stress limit.
Our analysis, suggests that, if the interpretation of the Middleditch data is
correct, the compact remnant of SN 1987A may well provide a reliable and
predictable source of gravitational waves well within the capability of LIGO
II.
