@ponape
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We are currently hunting for two replacement sinks that fit the install location also. No luck finding an original so far but if anyone comes across one we would be very grateful.
It might be possible to find a modern close match so would be glad tonhear if anyone knows of a good fit?
George
Hi,
We had a grab rail come loose on the cockpit roof and after using an impact driver to remove the screw only succeeding in damaging the screw head (underneath the teak plugs) I gave up and drilled two holes either side and drilled and bolted through.
Possibly not the best approach but it’s solid and safe now. We used dome head bolts on the underside to make it as neat as it could be.
all the best,
George Dadd (Ponape)
Hi,
We could be very interested – we’ve bought yacht Ponape and are planning a long extended voyage on her. We might be very grateful for your sails as a set of spares to carry with us. Is the fabric in good condition, apart from the repairs? Would they still stand up to heavy weather? Do they still have a reasonable shape to them? Would you be able to give us a call on the phone? George and Katy 07815044873 or 07816284090. (UK)
Graham, We are currently going through the same trials. We have removed all of the steering system from stock to wheel, as well as the rudder top hat bearing at the bottom of the rudder. Here are the steps we are taking to service/repair. Any other suggestions would be welcome.
1. Removed rudder heel fitting by unscrewing 7 x Stainless screws. Used a soft mallet and a wooden wedge to knock the fitting downwards once screws were removed. The gunmetal heel fitting with the pintal came away and the bronze top had bearing fell free – it looked as though it had been seated in the bottom of the rudder in a bed of sikerflex or similar. We gave the heel fitting and the old bronze top hat bearing to a precision engineer who machined a new one to fit, without the play. We did not need to drop the rudder to do this as the upper bearing did not appear to exhibit much play and did not need service.
2. We removed the bronze rudder stock – and steering linkages, accessed by removing the panels from the aft fender locker. The bronze rudder stock was relatively simple to remove. The shaft is spit just above where the stock comes into the hull and joined with a key way – that fitting came apart when we undid the bolts. I think I unscrewed the linkage from the steering box, the base stepped sideways once the key way fitting had been removed and the stock dropped downwards. It will be necessary for us to have a new tiller arm made as this was crumbling away with rust – I have a hand drawing to match the old if anyone wants me to send (georgedadd@Hotmail.com). Incidentally, the water ingress that caused the corrosion had come through the screw hatch for the emergency steering gear – it might be prudent to use ptfe tape, or grease on this to ensure there is no future water ingress.
3. We removed the Steering Box which had excessive play in the top bearing. It had been corroded by water pooling on the top of the lid – We might employ some sort of deflector to prevent that in future. My dad was kind enough to service the steering box for me – he replaced the perished top bearing and seal, however due to the corrosion on the shaft, he skimmed the surface on a lathe and replaced the rubber seal for a slightly smaller one. The lower bearings and components were all soundly submerged in oil and needed no service after 40 years action! This was surprising given the initial appearance of the steering box. Again if more info on this is needed I’ll have to ask him. Let me know if needed (georgedadd@hotmail.com). Dad had commented on the good design of the box because the water that had leaked in through the perished seal pooled in a recess at the bottom out of harms way.
4. Some of the universal joints were badly rusted, but there was no sign of play. I’m in half a mind to re-instate them as is, but the part that worries me is the circlips which are almost completely corroded away. If I dismantle them to clean, re-paint and re-instate there is a chance the circlip groves not be usable. Because they are welded I am trying to find like for like UJ’s so I can get the old ones cut off, and new ones welded on. Has anyone serviced these before? As for the forward steering boxes, ours look quite good so not planning to touch those (I think).
