Sailboat Maintenance Explained...

OK, got that sorted...off to the Marina I go!!

Actually, after reviewing the current dilemma facing my yacht, we need to add another option... 

Does it sink? ... Yes

Should it?? ... No

Not Quite The Day On The Water i Was Hoping For...But On The Upside...At Least Now I Know Where The Leak Is...

It's been a while since Maggie had been out for a sail, and Sunday was the day. 
I arrived at the marina and Maggie was waiting for me on the hardstand, with a gentle easterly breeze barely bothering the flags. This would be a good day to get the main up and sort out the reefing lines before hitting the water. After about half an hour, the lines were sorted and i had Maggie moved to the water.
Once in the water i did the normal set up...hank on the jib, run the jib lines, kick over the engine...so far so good. Then time to lower the keels. This is normally the first thing i do, just to resist some of the sway and give a bit more stability under foot...why i did it last on this day is anybody's guess???
Oh and i might add, that since i'd last been down to see Maggie, we'd had quite a bit of heavy rain, so i checked inside the under sink cupboard - where i'd previously found water - for any leaks...and nothing...that's great!!
So now to winding down the keel...as always, i release the handle from the catch and ease the keels down...however, this time as the keel lowers i here a cracking of fibreglass...hmm, that doesn't sound good...so i go below and check the hatch beneath the sink - the previous area of flood related interest (clicky and clicky for previous story) - and well what do you know...we've struck water...hmmm, not so good...!!
So i do what anybody wanting to go for a sail does, wind the keel right down and evaluate just how bad the leak really is...well...on the upside i didn't hear any more 'glass breaking, but a quick look in the hatch shows that the of water in flow has increased...um...so maybe going for a sail isn't such a good idea after all... :(
So back up on the dry i have a bit of a look underneath, and it appears that the keels have corroded to the extent that the induced swelling put too much pressure on the casing and CRACK!!...BUGGER!!!...DAMN!!!!
For the last 18 months or so i've been meaning to put Maggie up in a cradle, drop the keels and tidy it all up and looks like the time has come...
No doubt, once i get this operation under way my award winning literary skills will bring you all - OK the unlucky person who reads this - the next next exciting instalment of...drum roll please... 

...Tim's Jedda Renovation...

until then...Happy Sailing...

New Hatch Ordered!

Just got back from...well another internet window...where i have just ordered a new front hatch from Whitworths... I ended up going with the one mentioned in my last post (again if you missed it).

Now I just have to wait for it to arrive and then the installation fun begins, obviously I'll keep you all informed!!


Until next time...Happy sailing!!

I May Have Found a Suitable Front Hatch...

Browsing through Whitworth's on-line catalogue, as i tend to do, i think i may have found a suitable front hatch for Maggie, made by Bomar...

Key Benefits & Features:
Lightweight, strong, leakproof, low profile deck hatches. Frame and cover are moulded from supertough black polycarbonate and the tops are impact resistant tinted Lexan. All hardware is in non corrosive marine materials. All models include inside/outside handles and a locking vent position to allow air flow when the boat is unattended.

I just need to check a few more things and then...well, it may be time to break out the good old credit card!!

Next Major Ticket Item...New Front Hatch...

One of the very few times we have trailered (not a word i know, but you know what i mean) the Jedda, we (OK I) managed to loose the front hatch. 
Several attempts have been made over the years to build a new one. With the overriding desire for something strong enough to stand on being the major factor.
Here's the latest offering...

...which isn't too bad, but i'd prefer something a touch better.


So it's time to go looking for a new one, something a touch like this one...

It may be over capitalising on the Jedda a touch...but in the current market washing it is over-capitalisation...besides, i like the boat and ain't planning on getting rid of it anytime soon...

The only dilemma i may face is finding one which will fit without too much trimming / building up, etc required.

Anyway, i have dimensions from catalogues so the next step is to go and measure the hole for size...no doubt i'll keep you all updated!!

Happy sailing!!

New Blocks & Deck Organiser

So after having the got the new sail for Maggie a good month or two ago, and last month attaching the reefing hardware to the boom, i finally got about doing the next stage. 


Originally i was only running the foresail and mainsail halyards to jammers located near the cockpit on the cabintop. However as part of the reno, I am now running a couple of extra lines, the cunningham / reefing line and the topping lift, back to cockpit I needed to re-organise the blocks at the mast base and replace the old twin deck organiser with a quad to accommodate the extra lines.


Anyway enough words...time for pics. 


First pic shows the new blocks at the mast base and the deck organiser.

And the second pic shows the new jammer (shiny one on the left), with the organiser and blocks in the background. 

Now I just have to wait for a day with nothing on so I can get her back on the water.

Cheers!

New Reefing System installed for New Mainsail

Well finally after much deliberation, conversation and general stuffing about, i finally got the slab reefing system for Maggie's new mainsail installed...YEAH!!

I went down to Yaringa, after the weatherman telling me it was going to be a nice day, to be greeted by teeming rain... :( ...

so the decision was made to bring the boom home to work on...probably should have done that a while ago... oh well...

...so now with a couple of hours free in the morning, i set about drilling, lathering everything with duralac and riveting...and what do you know...i've got a reefing system...
 so here's the general set up...(i hope you all like my mdf mainsail!!)

once i get it back onto the yacht i'll tidy up the bowline around the saddle...

I've decided to cleat off the reefing lines on the boom, primarily to save room on the cabin roof. The cabin of the Jedda goes from gunnel to gunnel and doesn't have the "track" around the edge which many other yachts have...

If i don't like how it works...i'll just change it...simple...!!


And if you're wondering why that reef point looks a long way forward on the boom...it's the 3rd reef...it's really, really deep - 50% area reduction!! Hopefully deeper than i'll need but it's there just in case...


The reefing at the tack is done via the cunningham, which has also just been set up!


Hopefully, i'll be able to get Maggie on the water soon and test the system!!


Happy Sailing...


Just a quick edit:


I'm not actually going to end the reefing lines on the saddle as shown on the earlier photo. What I'm going to do is loop the line around the boom and tie off with either...

...a bowline...

...or Huw's Slippy Knot...

This way the boom is taking the load from the line and line isn't just trying to wrench the saddle out.


Bye...

NEW SAIL

I have my new sail...WOO HOO!!!

It's currently on the lounge room floor...i must find a moment to take it down to the boat, install the new reefing system and get it up!!

New mainsail for Maggie

The time has come to replace the existing mainsail with something a bit less blown-out, grubby and mould riddled...

I've been running the idea past some sailing buddies and gathering general advice prior to talking to the sail maker - who will be Peter Green Sails. While I'm getting a new sail I thought it also a good time to update the reefing from roller reefing to slab reefing - linky thing for wiki explanation of different reefing systems - which will help maintain a better sail shape once reefed and with all the lines led back to the cockpit, no reason to go forward to reef the main.

The general consensus has been to go for a loose footed main - so I will take that idea to the sail maker.

Other things which need considering are:

1. Reef Points: I'll probably go with 2. But has been pointed out to me - if I want to race to Cat5, I must be able to reef to 25% reduction in luff (which is the bit that runs up the mast) length.
2. Material - I'll stick with dacron, which is the standard stuff.
3. Batten - do I just go leach battens or full battens.

The other point to consider is am I going to remove the main after each use or leave it on the boat? If I am going to leave it on, do I get a sail cover also and do I install lazy jacks??

I think I will probably remove it and keep it below.

Finally, I think is the reefing system. I am probably sold on single line reefing with the lines running to the cabin top.

I'll keep the updates coming...

A New Trailer for Maggie

Well, lets just say that sailing the MPONR has got me inspired to get Maggie and my family down to the Gippsland Lakes for a sailing holiday ASAP!!

However, before this can eventuate two things have to happen: Firstly, Emily needs to be able to fit into a life jacket; and secondly, Maggie needs a new trailer.

At present Em weighs in at about 8kg, and our small life jacket is designed to carry from 10kg up. Based on her current weight gain - this could take another year or two!!

Then comes the major dilemma - the trailer, or more accurately the lack of suitable trailer. The trailer on which Maggie currently resides can best be described as a gathering of rust between the boat and the ground, which is held together be some anomaly outside our current understanding of the laws of physics...

I've been having a bit of a look at getting a new trailer made and it appears that we are going to be up for about 7.5 boat bucks!! ($7500 for those non-nautical folk) This has got me thinking maybe I could learn how to weld and build my own trailer...or better still go and spend a few weeks up at Claire's uncle's farm and get the bulk of it done, bring it back and fine tune it to suit...hmmm...stay tuned on this one...

'til next time...here's wishing for 15kts right on the nose...     

The "to do" list

For those of you who don't have yachts, one of the great (or otherwise) things about them is that there is always something that needs to be done. Whether it be a major project or simply washing it because it's got dirting since you washed it yesterday - having a yacht that was built in the mid to late 70's (I really must try and find out exactly when it was built) there is always something that needs replacing, fixing, improving, changing, etc....

The things that are on the "to do" list generally fall into either the cheap and just require time or expensive ($$) category.

Just so I can keep track of my thoughts, as much as anything, I'm putting together my official "to do" list.

Trailer ($$$$) - the current trailer is suitable as a yard trailer only, i.e. covered in rust, etc, and we therefore need a new trailer prior to taking ourselves to new waterways.

Sails ($$$) - the sail we are currently using are quite old and grubby and not really holding a good shape. The jib is also not quite the correct shape for the boat and appears to have been a genoa for a smaller yacht with a shorter mast. Also, toying with the idea of a spinnaker.

Tidy up Keels- the keels, which are a big lump of steel (possibly cast iron - tbc) are also suffering from a bit of surface rust. This just needs to be ground back and tidied up. This however requires Maggie to be put up into a cradle for a few weekends - might be a winter lay-up project?? 

Hard wire capability for GPS - to save running through a shed load of batteries, the plan is to run the GPS off the boats internal battery system. This just requires a cable and a bit of jigging of the electronics.

New storm boards - which is as simple as getting some ply, cutting it to shape and water proofing it / painting it - probably yellow??

Length makings on anchor chain / warp - actually check entire anchor system is satisfactory for over night holding and potentially look at anchor suitable for current changing direction and different ground conditions

Replace lines - mainsheet, main halyard, topping lift

Sort out once and for all how this water is getting into the cockpit locker.

Bilge pump  - I need to get some way of getting water out of the cabin other than with a bucket - the positioning of this may be a little tricky as the cabin floor and lower sides are all compartmentalised.

GPS "talking" to autohelm 

Install wind instrumentation - probably Raymarine ST40 Wind to go with the existing ST40 bi-data (depth and speed log)

General check of all the lighting to allow Maggie to venture out into the darkness and anchor overnight

Re-jigging the electrics in general re-charge off the outboard, greater capacity, larger solar input (inc. mounting panels.)

I also need to get one of those horseshoe lifebuoys and a stainless steel frame for it to attach onto 

The numbering on the hull needs to be redone and we need also need to put the name on Maggie - once again nothing tricky, just need to order / buy some vinyl lettering/numbering and do it. Yes I know I could be ordering it on-line now instead of crapping on - must remember to measure letter heights!!

And of course the perennial, sandy and varnishing timber and restoring the gelcoat to a really bright yellow!! 

And yes, I know it would probably be cheaper in the long run to buy a newer yacht with all of these things already done...but where's the fun in that!! And this way I can do things as I find the debris that has fallen from the bucket of money!

Most of it is just little bits of project work and it's getting to the stage where James is able to be entertained for a couple of hours at the Marina, which makes me feel less like I am abandoning my family on the weekend.


Hmmm...i need more photos....






Number 1 thing off my "to do" list was to buy the headlamp for a bit of light at night. I ended up going the Princeton Tec Quad. It will also come in handy for cycling at night. And yes I realise it wasn't on my list to begin with - but I needed one!!

http://www.princetontec.com/?q=node/66

How the swing keel operates and replacing the gaskets on the keel control rods

I've just remembered the other reason why I didn't sail Maggie between late October and Christmas - I was out for a quick spin to try out my new GPS in about a 10kt SW-W, below is the track - jeez I love the novelty value of this thing!

OK, so it doesn't look like the most exciting sail - but due to the strong current running and the variable wind, our speed relative to land was between 0 and 2kts heading south and between 6 and 8kts heading north. The south bound trip took the best part of 2 hours and the return took 20 minutes!

Before I set sail, I noticed that of the cabin lockers had a little bit of water in it - oh well, so I bailed it out and set  off, assuming that the water was just from a leak through the cabin top somewhere. Upon returning I thought I should check to see if any water was in the locker, well we probably had about 5-6 litres. On closer inspection it appeared that we had a leak where one of the keel control rods passes through the hull. OK, looks like I've got a project!

So here's a basic run down on how the swing keel mechanism works. The keel winch handle, located between the outboard gear control arm and the red tool box, is the only bit of the mechanism that you generally need to worry about. What is interesting, is that most of the swing keel Jeddas have the keel winch handle in a different spot!

The handle is connected to a drum (I think - Mental note to self : crawl into that little space and see how it works!!) which is in turn connected to a cable. The cable is then connected to a control rod on each side of the yacht, via various sets of blocks.

The rods (1 per keel) pass through the hull, as shown

The rod is connected to the keel, and raises and lowers the keel as pulled and pushed - I haven't seen the exact configuration of this bit as it is all glassed in and the fewer holes in the boat the better!!

Anyway back to the leak and replacing the gasket...

Step 1: Lower the keels slightly so they rest on the trailer. This will release the tension from the cable.

Step 2: Undo the "D" bolt thing connecting the rod to the block

Step 3: Undo the thumb screw and then remove the big "O" ring thing, remembering to measure where it came from so you can put it back in the same spot!

Step 4: Remove the steel plate and rubber gasket and remember where you put the nuts - I screwed them back on so I wouldn't loose them!

Step 5: Acquiring the gaskets. The gasket is heavy duty rubber about 6mm thick which the local Clark Rubber store had to purchase at minimum meter lengths. The roll was a perfect width for two gaskets, and if I remember correctly I have enough rubber left for another 6 gaskets. The best part was it was only $20!

Step 6: Drilling the holes in the gasket. I used the steel plate as a template for the locating of the holes. The smaller holes were drilled with a standard 6mm (?) drill bit. However, drilling a hole in thick rubber which was going to fit snugly around a 25 mm (maybe 1inch) stainless steel rod took some thought. Initially a machinist who worked with belts and the like was considered, but then once I realised how much excess rubber I had I thought I could experiment. So the winner was making a template out of ply - using a 24mm spade bit on the drill, clamping the rubber between the template and a baking piece of ply and using the spade bit to drill the rubber - worked on absolute treat!!

Step 6: Put the whole lot back together with a bit of Sikaflex between the steel plate and the gasket and the gasket and the hull and Bob's your Uncle no more leak!

So I finally get back down to the boat for the first time after replacing the gaskets and have a look in the cabin locker which had been collecting water and see a nice dry locker...well, actually no - it's got water in it! Well, fancy that (or words to that effect)!!

Looks like the water is coming from above not below - well...maybe...the side...hmmm... looks like it's time to check the window seals and maybe the hull to cabin connection behind the rubber bumper...

Alternatively, I just go with Plan B - heaps of silicon sealant and a bilge pump!!

Stay tuned....