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Hi All,

the surveyor was happy to pass the boat today with plenty of cosmetic issues but only one or two gotta fix now problems:

1) fuel leak at engine - I'll leave this to the boat yard engine mech - otherwise engine starts easy and runs/no overheat/smoke/vibration

2) the rudder was light (not filled with water) turned easy enough without too much play, but if lifted from below slid up into the hull and off the lower pintle. I haven't a clue about what should prevent this - possibly some clamp or retaining mechanism where the shaft goes into the hull?

Any advice gratefully received.

otherwise : no osmosis - mainsail needs a few patches - wind/depth/speed instruments kaput - lights/electrics need replacement - radio/aerial & epirb need replacemnt, toerails/handrails need repair/maintenance refixing/replacement in some spots.

fresh water is a problem, tank needs a real good clean - it doesn't come out does it?

One more thing - the yard lifted her on a cradle - the keel sits on planks in the cradle - under the keel are the oldest longest barnacles I've ever seen - should these be chiselled off somehow - how does the antifoul get onto the underside flat part of the keel - or do all TopHats have a little fringe down there...?

cheers,
Allen

Good Evening Allen,

Welcome to Top Hats , please don't forget to sign in on the where are you page in Members Only.

Did you take a photo of the rudder? I have not come across this problem before, do you have a Mk2 or 3?

The water tank does not come out as the floor and sides of the keel form the tank.
Look for previous discussion on cleaning out watertanks.

Sounds like you may be rewiring, do put in LED's as its easier on the batteries.

Phillip
SEAKA

Hi Phillip,

Sorry, should have said it's a Mk3.

There is a pic but not much detail is visible.

I've taken the cowards way out and got the shipwright to look at it - a couple of experienced sailing friends are available to help with the delivery on Sunday so I need to get it fixed in time.

Thanks also for the info re water tank.

LEDs are definitely on the list

cheers,
Allen

Allen,

Had a look at my rudder post today and I found I had vertical
movement of less than 20mm.

How much have you got?

The actual rudder should prevent to much movement when it reaches the hull.

Phillip
SEAKA

HI Phillip,
thanks for the info.
the whole rudder would lift by a couple of inches - and the bottom of the rudder would lift off the lower pintle.
The shipwright has built up the top of the rudder to reduce clearance between rudder and hull.
Attached is a pic but it's not very helpful.
The delivery from Rushcutters Bay to my mooring at Sylvania Waters is to take place tomorrow - hopefully westerlies will have eased a bit.
cheers,
Allen

Morning Allen,

Found a photo of SEAKA's rudder, does yours look like this now?

I am planning to be around Sylvania this christmas, are there any good areas to anchor with easy land access?

Phillip
SEAKA

Hmmm,

Interesting arrangements, mine is different again

Mark

Mari Anne

Interesting to note the fairing off upstream of the propellor on some installations.
Two Top Hat people in the past have told me that it is important to fair off in this area to get good performance.
Cheers,
Tom

Afternoon Tom,

I get the hull speed out of my Mk1 (just over 6 knots) and she turns within her length.

I can't see how fairing off would make any difference apart from blanking the prop off a bit.

Any comments?

Phillip
SEAKA

PS Burgees have been ordered.

Hi Philip,
Apologies for being so slow to reply.
I don't actually know about my rudder fix - the shipwright did the repair, at the same time as the yard did an engine repair to fix leaking water pump and leaking injector. The yard needed to do a test-run so the boat was back in the water when I came to collect her to bring her around last Sunday morning. So I haven't seen the shipwright's work, but the rudder hasn't fallen off yet.

I quite like the boat ramp at Sylvania Waters in Hawkesbury Esplanade, there's almost always an empty mooring or you can just tie up to the back of my boat if you like. There is good land access with the new wharf/pontoon, also there is a new toilet block in the carpark, and grocery/bottlo/newsagent/bakery/ice is a short walk around the corner. On the downside it can get a bit busy on a summers day and the fishos go out at top speed at dawn on Sat/Sun.


Out on the bay there are public moorings at Towra Point and Frenchmans Bay, but if conditions are good I don't mind anchoring over sand.
cheers,
Allen