Listers:
Hope everyone is doing well.
I have a question and a small project some of you may find
of interest. First, the question: does anyone know of a good source for
stainless spiral retaining clips for winches (to hold the drum down)? I
have some Merriman Holbrook winches with missing retaining clips that have a
1.25 inch ID and 1.5 inch OD. McMaster Carr sells them, but not the right
size. I have also seen some of the other style clips (that use a spanner
wrench), but I like the spiral style better. Please advise if you are aware
of a good source for these.
Second, I am in the middle of a relatively minor maintenance
project some of you may find of interest. Although I usually leave my mast
up while the boat is winter-stored on the hard, this year I took it down to
get access under the mast step for a keel-related issue this spring. My
mast is little over 60 feet long and weighs about 700 pounds, and I had the
crane lay it on four saw horses (rated at about 1250 lbs per pair) for
winter storage. Last week we had a wind storm, and I checked on the mast to
make sure everything was okay. It was not okay. Either the wind pushed the
mast over (including the saw horses) or someone hit one or more of the saw
horses with a car. I believe it was the former, as all four saw horses were
laying on their sides, and the mast was on the ground. I haven't had the
time to comprehensively inspect for damage, but on cursory review the mast
appears to be no worse for the wear. In hindsight, and assuming the wind
pushed it over, I wish I would have used only two saw horses. Distributing
the 700 or so pounds over four saw horses likely made it easier for the wind
to knock it over.
I do not usually store the mast on saw horses and plan to
never do so again. Instead, the yacht club where I keep the boat has large
styrofoam blocks for winter mast storage. However, I came out of the water
late this year, and all the blocks were taken. After the recent saw horse
incident, I decided to buy my own styrofoam blocks. There is a place in
Erie that sells them (expanded polystyrene, or EPS), and the sales rep asked
what density I wanted. I explained what I am using them for, and he said
the lightest density (1 lb. per cubic foot) should work fine. I wanted to
order three blocks but was required to order a minimum of four (around $30
apiece). When I got them down to the yacht club, it was obvious that the
ones owned by the club are of a higher density. (I'm guessing 2 lbs. pcf.)
Nevertheless, the ones I bought should work fine. I also noticed, however,
that my lighter density blocks damage much more easily than the heavier
ones. For example, while moving a block in place, a stay from the mast next
to mine cut into the block like a hot knife through butter. This was not
good, and I can't exchange my foam blocks for blocks with higher density, so
I decided to paint my new blocks with that lobster buoy paint that was the
topic of an e-mail string a little while back. I ordered a gallon of yellow
buoy paint so my blocks will be distinguishable and clearly visible. While
placing the order, I called the retailer (Hamilton Marine) and asked about
coverage. The rep didn't know. (As it turns out, it's a little less than a
half-gallon to put two coats on one of my foam blocks.) Curiously, when I
asked about coverage, the rep said they get the paint from True Value (a
hardware chain). I don't know what product True Value sells that is the
same as lobster buoy paint, but it would be helpful to figure this out and
buy locally. In any event, I have now covered two blocks with two coats of
paint and will be using them later this week for mast storage. I'm hoping
the yellow buoy paint will help them stand up to abuse. I'll let you know
how it goes.
Matt
C&C 42 Custom
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Thanks for your help.
Stu
