Fettling the Lady...

Changes made so far:

1.       We had a rolly night on Taupo (on a buoy with a cross sea) and I was somewhat alarmed at loud clonking from the centreboard and rudder.  So much so that I pulled them up, and we then rolled much more!  When the moon came up at 2am, we motored into a nearby marina.  Peace!  (On a later rolly anchorage we damped the rolling with shore-lines and a half-full bucket on each side hung from the ends of boom and spinnaker pole.)

Centreboard probably needs pivot hole drilling and sleeving, rust treatment & fairing and new shims, but not urgently.

The rudder clonks and tiller play were also due to wear.  I have improved this greatly by

a.       Initially packing out the tiller/rudder frame, and later bent the tiller u-channel back into more its original shape (fixed)

b.      Slightly drilled out the oval(!) holes in the rudder pintles/gudgeons and put in larger bolts (still some play)

c.       Packed around the pivot bolt between rudder and frame (shimmed with large plastic washers cut from ice cream boxes) & tighten bolt (still has a little play)

d.      Added a wood block to stop the rudder going too far forward.  I've just realised that if I replace this with a deeper block with a deep narrow V cut in to take the front edge of the rudder, it will help stop the side to side wobble.  Would line with carpet.

e.      Also replaced rudder holdup cleat and towing emergency holdup strap.  But I now remove rudder blade and outboard for long tows. (Outboard goes in plastic tray on cockpit floor with fenders tied each side of shaft)   

2.       Replaced battery (the old one was shot, as suspected). Fitted trickle charge solar panel suckered inside front window.  Gas cylinder recertified - well worthwhile.

3.       Added double cigarette lighter style 12v sockets to charge phones and tablet (used as satnav) & new stick on battery interior  light for forepeak & lantern for riding light.

4.       New anchor (Rocna 6kg), 5m chain and 70m x 10mm rope.  The old rope is too short for Taupo and its strength is suspect; the old Danforth & chain rust I treated with fish oil & will use as a kedge/stern anchor.  I don't like Danforths for main anchor - if the wind or current changes they drag and don't always reset. Rocna is a 'Rolls Royce' anchor to give confidence & aid unworried sleep…

5.       New much longer 2m mast support (from Surprise's boom) with roller: for boom tent and to aid raising mast.  Well worthwhile.

6.       Bed base to extend starboard bunk to over centreboard, giving 3'6" small double.  Sheet ply fits on over dowel pegs on wood strip on bunk edge, and long wedge cut from 4"x 4".   Uses cushions from quarter berth.

7.       Bed wedge also serves as

a.       Support for table when in cockpit (with telescopic leg on other end)

b.      Emergency tiller (because right size)

c.       New mast support for towing (so one less bit to carry)

8.       Bits and pieces -

a.       Replaced split rings on standing rigging turnbuckles with split pins - on my last boat I found sheets would unwind split rings - even found one lying on the deck and shroud held by loose cotter pin!

b.      Replaced long rusty bolts through cabin roof for cleats, fairleads etc. with shorter stainless ones. 

c.       New plastic tube on shrouds replacing old black moulded ones (instant improvement!)

d.      Tightened a surprising number of screws and nuts loose - some even missing - on quite important fittings.  (The centreboard pivot bolt nut was checked for tightness, but later found to be unscrewing itself, with nothing to stop it coming right off!)

e.      New freshwater pipe and 2 x 10L water bottles (bottles free with 10L spring water -$3 for water versus $10-15 for bottles!)

f.        Washboards reglued to stop rainwater leak.

g.       Cleaning up & replaced domes for carpet & popup top surround.  (Realised that the 4 little spring carabiners were probably part of simple system to lock the pop-top down.

h.      New blocks on the jib sheets at clew. 

i.         Dymo labelling for lines on the cabin roof.

j.        Shifting bits (shackles, quick release clips) around to make rigging mast and sails faster.  Now nearly shackle key free…   

k.       Retired all lethal luggage laccies to garage, and made up new with shockcord & nylon clip hooks/balls

l.         Fitted double elastic cord along boom for securing lowered mainsail.  Split into 4 or 5 sections by being knotted together, with a hook in each section, it means you don't need separate laccies.  Will probably do the same for jib/genoa, along the lifeline, or along the deck edge.

m.    Sorted through cordage for longer mooring lines, springs etc.

n.      Waxing edges of plywood locker covers stops the all night creaking.

o.      Security chain in plastic tube between pop-top padlock and padlock on saddle (next to boom sheet slider) both makes look well locked in trailer park and holds down poptop in gales.   

9.       Trailer/towing

a.       Fitted new bearing buddy & cleaned out & repacked grease.. (Found there was already a bearing buddy on other wheel, so now have a spare!)

b.      Resealed lights and junction box.

c.       Secured drooping brake pipe with cable ties

d.      Glued male garden hose joiners over upper drain holes to make it easier to flush out (not yet tested).

e.      Oiled/greased/zinc primed patches etc.

f.        Bought wing mirror extension.  Good.   Will get a second one.