[Rhodes22-list] 20 year inspection/refit

[Michael Weisner]

Jay,

I would definitely consider the following items:

  1. Replace the wooden tiller with the composite design. The tiller is often overlooked as a wear item. My old tiller snapped from rot at the front of the rudder assembly when overpowered in heavy seas and winds. I jammed what was left of the tiller into the assembly to get home.
  2. Replace and/or re-bed ports. Replace gaskets and screens on opening ports.
  3. Re-bed all deck fittings.
  4. Replace cockpit drain fitting and hose.  In fact, since the nylon and gaskets deteriorate after 20-25 years, I recommend replacing all fittings below the waterline at this time.
  5. If you haven't already upgraded to the diamond centerboard, now would be a good time. While the centerboard trunk is open, replace all line and sheaves as well as the gasket for years of good sailing.  Don't forget to apply a multi-season antifouling product to the inside of the trunk and the board.  Check the pennant hose and cam-cleat, replacing as necessary.
  6. If you still have the original small stern drains in the cockpit seats, have them replaced with the new, larger drains to avoid clogging in the future.
  7. Since you are replacing the motor mount with the electric lift, you can skip this step. Any of the original gray sliding motor mounts should be thoroughly inspected for wear and item or the entire assembly replaced.  My 26 year old motor mount failed while under power in 3-4 foot seas. Fortunately the safety chain saved the engine from a salty grave but I had to pull the emergency shutdown lanyard to stop the engine from flailing about.  I put the sails up and tacked onto the mooring in the dark without the benefit a moon.
  8. If you have the Rubbermaid container for a fresh water tank, have it replaced with a poly tank and a pressurized delivery system.  The tank seals better and the plumbing actually works well. End of the year emptying is as simple as turning on the sink faucet. 

That's just a few of my suggestions.

Mike
s/v Wind Lass ('91)
Nissequogue River, NY





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