Tyrolean Storm update

[Jeremy]

Update:

Last week....

After experiencing one metal fabricator attempting to rip me off blind, I went to a different place and had the bow fitting straightened and re-welded for less than half the price the other place wanted- looks great - fits great. The metal fabricator had an Adams 8 previously and liked to talk boats which helped the cause I think.

Can I mention them on this forum or are recommendations not allowed? Located Rydalmere, Sydney if anyone is in need of metalwork.

A slow weekend...

I had an old friend come down from outback NSW on Sat and decided to match race Flying Fifteens and Lasers on Sunday. I managed to bolt some things back on though.


I have attached a pic of the (polyester) fibreglass repair and bow roller./pullpit attached. Unfortunately the epoxy (around one mount for the pullput) was old and didnt set last week - so I dug it out and did it again, fine now. The painting and sanding is on the to do list. My primary concern is getting the boat and rigging structurally sound and worrying about cosmetics later.

Also the hex head of the mounting bolt on the bow roller was damaged, I might have applied too much pressure on it.... the hex head bit is not structural (there is a tapered stainless steel section under this) so it is staying as is for now.

Oh and after a trip to a broker on the weekend, I had the boat boatcoded, and after a trip to the waterways office (and consequently a lighter wallet) the boat is officially mine and officially allowed to be on my mooring.

Battery and 10watt solar panel (just sitting in the cockpit for now) have been installed. Wiring not working to power my new LED nav lights, which is OK as the wire isnt tinned anyway.

Future plans...

I have teed up getting the mast off on Friday, depending on weather and some other factors. But unfortunately I will be working this weekend, so little will happen for a fortnight... I might have to take some leave from the boat to give my girlfriend some attention also

Mark: Looking forward to the next get together!!! I am thinking of heading north (Port Stephens-ish) in January too.

[Jeremy]

After work today I took the boom off, and had a further dig around the bolts on the mast step, certainly havent come across shiny metal yet with the cold chisel.... The fastenings are slotted head metal threads. There are pairs, so probably 6 on each side threaded into the glass. The 'bolt through' option might be optimal in the future though as I might be grinding the damn things out. I am now getting quite sceptical of how much of the step I can save.... Could be an expensive trip to the fabricator...

[Killick69]

The 12 bolts (round head slotted) holding the mast step on my boat seemed to be slotted into the GRP only. I would think your mast step can be salvaged. I took to mine with a grinder, The leading edge on the Starboard side was badly rusted and i cut a fair bit away. The sides of the rectangle that the mast sits in were heavily corroded and these have been cut down about 15 mm (the paper thin upper part was cut back). I then had it sandblasted and applied 2 pack epoxy, finishing off with sprayed on paint. You might have the same issue I had, namely that a filler was used on the leading edge in the centre line position, as there is a gap between the step and the grp. I suspect this gap is exaggerated, as maybe my step was placed too far aft or forward (can't remember). Suggest you check out the gap and plan ahead on how you are going to fill it. I cut off bout 60mm of the mast, as it was badly pitted (when I got the boat there were no gaps between the mast and the step (filled with crud). I put a plastic rectangle under the mast cap. I got it from another top hatter (thanks) and there are comments on the forum. I also drilled extra drain holes.The mast just sits in the step, there are no bolts to hold the mast. Suggest you ensure the mast step is ready to come away from the grp before the mast is removed. The gent at Fenwick said there was a top hat that had the cabin top bow upwards when they tried to removed the mast , as the mast was stuck in the mast step. if you get the step sandblasted, suggest you take the mast foot along for blasting. I had mine done in Greenacre and there companies down Caringbah and in Dee Why area. There is a good place for SS bolts etc in Auburn. Also good to check out the Blackwoods website and they deliver cheap got u bolts to use as chainplates from them).