Category Archives: General Maintenance

DIY Carbon Fibre Autopilot Mounting Bracket

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Captain

A new Raymarine autopilot is being installed on Second Star, using a Type II linear drive to drive the rudder quadrant below the decks. A strong mounting bracket was needed to bolt to a strong bulkhead to sustain the 1,000 … Continue reading →

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Two Old Jibs and a Boat Cover

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Captain

I know, I know… Sounds like the entry line to a bar joke, but after nine days, I managed to transform two old jibs into a winter boat cover for Second Star. The cover is to protect the fore deck … Continue reading →

Posted in General Maintenance, Sail Maintenance, Second Star | Leave a comment

Removing Cockpit Cubby from Cockpit Combing

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Captain

In order to remove the old sailing instruments, the Datamarine depth sounder and knot log, I had to remove the cuddy hole cabinet installed in the cockpit combing. It was impossible to reach the set screws in the locking rings … Continue reading →

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Anchor Rode & Chain Locker

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Captain

Way forward in the bow of the boat, accessible only from the forward “V” berth is a locker than holds the anchor rode and chain. On Second Star, the locker is divided in half to support two anchors and rode/chain … Continue reading →

Posted in General Maintenance, Hull Maintenance, Maintenance Tips, Second Star | Leave a comment

Installing Raised Pads for Chain Plates

Posted on July 16, 2013 by Captain

The forecast for this week is hot and dry. Of course it is hotter than I like, but I’ll take this chance to install the raised pads for the chain plates. First slots must be cut in the pad to … Continue reading →

Posted in General Maintenance, Rigging Repair and Maintenance, Second Star | 1 Comment

Female Mold for Raised Chain Plate Covers

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Captain

Female Mold Making – The plug in the previous post received 3 coats of Oscar’s mold wax and polished. Now a thickened coat of epoxy will be applied over the waxed plug and parting board. Making the mold a contrasting … Continue reading →

Posted in General Maintenance, Rigging Repair and Maintenance, Second Star | 2 Comments

Mold Making for Raised Chain Plate Covers

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Captain

Some boats, including this one have chain plate covers that attach directly to the deck, as the slots for the chain plates are cut through the deck at the attachment points. When it rains, or lots of sea water comes … Continue reading →

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Chain-Plate Knee Repair

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Captain

I gained access to the Starboard Chain-plate and discovered some surface corrosion but apparently no compression of the knee like what I found on the Port side lower shroud. I expect some wood inside the knee may be rotted but … Continue reading →

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A very nice day

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Captain

Today the weather was more normal. A bit cool but not freezing cold like the day before. The sun was out and with a light breeze, it was very comfortable. I managed to complete the installation of the new galley … Continue reading →

Posted in General Maintenance, Second Star | 1 Comment

General Cleaning

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Captain

Curt and I have been working on the boat for two solid weeks attempting to reverse the effects of four years of storage and many years of deferred maintenance. At the end of each day the boat looks and smells … Continue reading →

Posted in General Maintenance, Second Star | 1 Comment