Launch next weekend

There were a few jobs to be completed before the seasons first sail, planned for next weekend. The first was to mend the loose lower rudder bearing. The best description for doing this can be found at Tim Pettigrew's website, where he provides very detailed descriptions of many different maintenance and repair jobs.

http://www.pettigrews.org.uk/lm/page025b.htm

It was much easier to complete than expected. I only replaced the two loose screws with bolts, unlike Tim who used four bolts. However, I did use plenty of resin to bed the casting down well. I was surprised how small the two screws were and therefore not surprised they had come loose.

Last year I found the roller reefing to be quite difficult to use, it was quite stiff and reluctant to unfurl. I simple modification, of adding a stainless washer below the drum seems to have fixed this. It was necessary to cut this washer so it could be bent over the forestay wire and then straightened once in place. The cut can just be seen in the photograph below. This washer provides a bearing surface and means the drum is much easier to turn.  The washer has a 13mm I/D.

Latches

Fitting hinges to the rear hatches was one of the first jobs completed but it was not until now were any latches fitted. This secures the hatches down when on the water, the latches also provide a handle for easier opening. They were obtained from www.protex.com, easy to order and pay via paypal. There is a considerable range to choose from, these come from their ProLatch range. There are detail drawings on the Protex website, so it is easy to check for any location.

 

It was necessary to raise the catch plates using some 3mm thick plastic and also to cut away the lip of the opening, to clear the nuts and washers from the actual latches, enabling the hatch to fully close. With the hinges and latches now fitted the boat is certainly more secure to rough weather. There seems little point in adding a rubber seal on the hatches, as if the boat becomes swamped to that point, then the situation is very serious and a good VHF radio will be the most useful piece of equipment.

 

Having now sailed with the latches in place, I noticed on a few times ropes could get caught under the end. So I've now cut these short and rounded the ends, so hopefully any rope will slip out.