Long, strange trip ahead

[Keel_Hauled]

Centerboard cleaned and split repaired. I did not bother to fill the scratches or epoxy any small gouges in the trailing edge. It took me much longer than expected due to Easter/family/girlfriend obligations but still only took about 4 hours of work. I know that hurts performance as it produces additional drag but this is enough to get me through the season. I'll purchase a replacement board next season

Centerboard cleaned of all the peeling antifoul and primer. Found that I didn't like the amount of elbow grease needed so used Parks No-Drip Strip from Home Depot-- don't leave it on more than 15 minutes as it WILL begin to soften the gel coat !!
https://picasaweb.google.com/1180056202 ... 9199683394

Split repaired using JB-Weld Industrial. I opened up the split a bit with a dremel to expose more clean surface area for the repair and then packed the JB-Weld in generously. It ain't pretty but it don't have to be (and this part of the board never touches the water)
https://picasaweb.google.com/1180056202 ... 2227279362

Thoughts or suggestions ?

Muchas Gracias amigos!
~K

[Keel_Hauled]

Centerboard reinstalled with new centerboard line, too ! Wow, the old one USED to be blue !! This thing was old, bleached white and frayed on the parts above and below deck (looked one size bigger!) I have to wonder if that wasn't the line that CAME with the X in 2003 Anyway, new line fed and knotted well center board hanger and board in place and looking good. I can see a little fiberglass that needs repaired right around the notch for the hanger swing bolt, though

Next tasks, preference determined by what makes it useable faster---

1) replace standing rigging (got it in the garage)
2) Replace swim ladder with BWY version (already removed old ladder)
3) Replace lights on mast (deck/steaming/anchor)
4) replace corroded grommets for slugs on mainsail (grrrr!)

YAY!!

~K

[vizwhiz]

Wow...sounds like you've been very busy!!
Can't offer an opinion on what to do next...
Good deal getting things going!

[DaveB]

Good touch up but you still need major upgrades. Bow Anchor Roller for your Anchor , Sheet lines to cocpit, List goes to long to prepare for a long trip.
Maybe you were thinking of a 4 day trip?
Dave

OK....Repairs and modifications currently on my list or underway on my :

DONE:
Resurface Rudders
New trailer lights and tires
Replace UP trim relay on Suzuki DF50
Purchase, register dinghy
Purchase Honda 7.5 outboard for dinghy

In progress or on the to do list (all parts purchased and waiting in garage):
Replace standing rigging
Replace swim ladder with BWY's version on port stern and install grab-bar
Install steering quick disconnect for outboard
Install Kicker-mount for 7.5 outboard on starboard stern
Remove and repair centerboard; ex-wife somehow cracked/split it head. I am very surprised it wasn't lost
Build and install TEAK swim platform over steering linkage and rudder sensor
Replace all 6 windows; stopping to repair bubbles and thin spots on black gel-coat (as came from factory and became evident over the years)-- resurface completely
Repair spider cracks in gelcoat along sides of upper deck, the most egregious being along the sides just aft of the windows and beside the cockpit
Remove pedestal from cockpit, remove autopilot head unit from behind 21" steering wheel and Fluxgate compass from front base (remount on removable board that will seat in the Mast support fitting and will also house small compass and Garmin 182C GPS and move Fluxgate compass underneath stairs inside bilge)
Disassemble used TEAK furniture for use as board-stock for projects on boat
Replace pedestal, install new plexiglass sides with speakers installed
Install hour and RPM gauges where autopilot head unit was on pedestal (patch fiberglass hole, first)
Remove VHF and AM/FM/CD from current location
Move GPS antenna so BIMINI top doesn't land on it and crack the casing anymore
Build and install new galley cabinet and counter top with TEAK, install new sink and propane stove
Remove crappy electric water system improperly installed by ex-wife and replace with proper, pressure activated system (maybe use old system as washdown pump)
Install permanent fuel tank under forward v-birth
Install permanent water tank(s)
Install deck fills for each of the above
Move house and starting batteries forward and add second house and spare starting battery (probably starboard just forward of the dinette seat) and move battery switch to easily reachable location
Install VHF and AM/FM/CD in new cabinets along with power panels
Replace grommets on mainsail with SS grommets
Replace anchor, steaming and deck lights on mast (rewire to deck and steaming light to new power panel)
Install fuel locker covers (hopefully for storage instead of fuel tanks, now)
Get boat off of trailer and into marina slip then replace leaf springs and mounting hardware on old crappy steel trailer (cleaning and repainting trailer)
Remove old, peeling and ugly bottom paint
Polish boat then install new custom, full color boat name and logo vinyls.
Wax boat


WOW. This list seems like a lot more now that I finally logged it all someplace.....Now, how to get all this done and STILL GET TO USE THE BOAT THIS SUMMER !!?!?!?!?!?!??!


~K

[Keel_Hauled]

Good touch up but you still need major upgrades. Bow Anchor Roller for your Anchor , Sheet lines to cocpit, List goes to long to prepare for a long trip.
Maybe you were thinking of a 4 day trip?

Actually, I have the bow anchor roller, too Lines aft is last thing to do after everything else and before Bimini and the Exhumas

Just pulled the factory ladder and etched out all the 5200 and some gel cracks from where they tightened the nuts at the factory. Have to fix that tomorrow and then install the BWY ladder and on to the rest of my list

~K

[DaveB]

What I ment is for your boat be equiped with a long off shore trip to Bahamas extended to The Exumas. Min. 3 anchors with Rode so you can do The Bahimian Moor and anchor in a storm. Haveing a storm Sail or a temp Trisail. List only begins with saftey issues. Jack lines with saftey harnesses tied to everyone on board to prevent Man overboard in a squal or storm that just happens.
Been there done that and equip. your boat to handle it.
Nothing worse to get caught in a storm. There is no way for safe heaven and you have to depend on your knowledge to face it without letting fatuige and worry get in your thoughts. When the tough gets going, the prudent sailer always survives.
Hope you will never find this out, it is like a place in your dreams you cannot excape as you probabbly be well offshore and no place to hide.
Dave

Good touch up but you still need major upgrades. Bow Anchor Roller for your Anchor , Sheet lines to cocpit, List goes to long to prepare for a long trip.
Maybe you were thinking of a 4 day trip?

Actually, I have the bow anchor roller, too Lines aft is last thing to do after everything else and before Bimini and the Exhumas

Just pulled the factory ladder and etched out all the 5200 and some gel cracks from where they tightened the nuts at the factory. Have to fix that tomorrow and then install the BWY ladder and on to the rest of my list

~K

[Keel_Hauled]

Nothing worse to get caught in a storm. There is no way for safe heaven and you have to depend on your knowledge to face it without letting fatuige and worry get in your thoughts. When the tough gets going, the prudent sailer always survives.

I couldn't agree more, Dave. I've been caught in a nasty thunderstorm in the middle of the Gulf Stream at 2am and that's not an experience I take lightly (nor will I aim to be there again, but crap happens ) Needless to say, I learned a few things about storms, Bahamian mooring and protecting myself, my passengers and my

Thank for looking out for me, Dave. By the way, have you seen Captain Mark lately ? 'No Stress' is looking kinda lonely in the marina

~K

[Keel_Hauled]

OK, time to finally mount the new BWY swim ladder (the one that mounts outside the rudders).... This thing looks fantastic but there are no mounting instructions with it ? Can anyone who has mounted this ladder give me some advise as to where exactly it is designed to be mounted ? I mean, it should be simple enough but the inner mounting plate doesn't seem to lay flush with the hull no matter where I've tried placing it. Maybe it doesn't have to, I dunno

Much Thanks,
~K

[DaveB]

On My X I mounted a outboard motor bracket on Port side for my 2.5 hp motor.
Was a Major job as there was a fiberglass bulkhead in the way to attach the outward bolts and had to drill access holes from outside to get to them. Holes were 1/1/2 inch Diamiter and pluged them With 2 Inch cover plates by BWY.
Lower down you may have access to the bolts, ck and measure before you drill.
Dave

OK, time to finally mount the new BWY swim ladder (the one that mounts outside the rudders).... This thing looks fantastic but there are no mounting instructions with it ? Can anyone who has mounted this ladder give me some advise as to where exactly it is designed to be mounted ? I mean, it should be simple enough but the inner mounting plate doesn't seem to lay flush with the hull no matter where I've tried placing it. Maybe it doesn't have to, I dunno

Much Thanks,
~K

[Keel_Hauled]

Swim ladder installed. Looks nice and seems very sturdy. It's certainly A LOT more comfortable on the feet!! Does anyone have suggestions for the grab bar placement and/or pics of their own installation ? I've done some forum searching and haven't found anything yet, but still searching.

I am really enjoying working on all my mods, so far. Guess the cabinet work will be the real bear...

~K

[DaveB]

Pictures?
Dave

Swim ladder installed. Looks nice and seems very sturdy. It's certainly A LOT more comfortable on the feet!! Does anyone have suggestions for the grab bar placement and/or pics of their own installation ? I've done some forum searching and haven't found anything yet, but still searching.

I am really enjoying working on all my mods, so far. Guess the cabinet work will be the real bear...

~K

[Keel_Hauled]

Ladder and grab bar installed. Should work just fine as grab bar is about the same height as the rudder lines everybody used to grab with the factory ladder.






Don't mind the dirt; work in progress

~K

[Keel_Hauled]

Another timesink on top of the mods and repairs... Please provide feedback as I'm not new to Information Technology but am certainly new to HTML and the like:

http://keelhauled.comuf.com

I decided not to add the ability to post comments or forums therein as I really prefer coming HERE for that !!

~K

[andre1982]

I actually just completed one project that I forgot to put on my list... I completely stripped and repainted the Suzuki DF50 as it was corroded and pitted from a life in saltwater from the previous owner and what I think is bad grounded in the fresh water marina I had it in for 2 years. Well, I'm still gonna add one or two more coats today... Anyway, that and a complete tune up and replacing all the fuel filters, IAC valve and Exhaust Manifold Temp Sensor (corroded away completely!!) and the motor runs like new !! Now on to the rest; first stop- dropping and repairing the split head on the centerboard and maybe adding some weight to it while I have it out...



~K

Looks good! Pretty hefty to-do list you've got there so I wish you luck!

[Keel_Hauled]

Next step, mounting the pedestal guard with table. I got mine from BWY but there were no mounting instructions. The thru bolt that goes into the pedestal itself is centered and if I drill there the bolt and nut supplied won't work because the metal pole insert that holds the mast support pole for trailering is in the way. Anyone else have one of the BWY pedestal guards (mounts to floor and 1 bolt to pedestal) and know how to mount this ? Argh, always one more thing I need help with

~K