As Steadfast rests over the winter season I contemplate the growing list of "to-do's"! Steadfast will see some wet winter days in the North Bay so I'm crossing my fingers she'll be dry inside come Spring. If not, my "to-do" list might get depressingly longer. My plan is to take advantage of her high and dry disposition and focus on projects "below the water line" such as replacing/repairing thru-hulls I found to be less than confident last summer. An added coat of bottom paint never hurts...if you don't count purchasing the 150 dollar gallon of paint. Replacing the handfull of zincs found on the hull, shaft and rudder also made the "to-do's" short list. Among the possible "can-o-worm" projects include the speed transducer and the wind speed/direction electronics. Neither were operable over the summer and I don't know why. Among the bigger "to-do's" and possibly the grandaddy of unwanted surprises is replacing one or both of the fuel tanks. Both tanks have corroded, mostly on the top surface where moisture had settled over the years. I don't have a good idea of the damage nor the extent of work required to remove them. I suspect hanging upside down in a dark and cramped bilge hole will only enlighten me. A most common, self-endowed practise among sailors young and old. The list goes on. Top sides, I'm looking to replace a questionable backstay and repair a section of the port cap rail. The cap rail was the victim of numerous shock loads by a preventer and full main while motorsailing in a light following breeze and a wallowing sea. The later didn't do my brother-in-law's stomach any good either. I tried not to end on a "sour" note.... ;)
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AuthorA UCSC graduate in Marine Biology, Keith holds a 100 ton USCG Capt. License and is an ASA/US sailing certified instructor. Archives
November 2024
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