At the start of Jul 23, Chione was lifted ashore at Plymouth Yacht Haven Quay for a two-week maintenance package……..
Earlier in the year, when we had sailed to Falmouth, I had noticed that the bottom edge of the tiller was chafing on the opening that it passes through in the stern to connect to the rudder stock. Initially, I thought that the nylon bushes on the rudder pintles had worn, so I set about replacing these. A few hours work later, I clambered back up the ladder to check if the new bushes had made a difference and…… no, they hadn’t! It was at this time, and on closer inspection, that I realised that the socket in the top of the rudder stock had begun to rot, allowing the tiller to sit lower and chafe on the stern opening. My presumption is that the rudder and stock are original, so at 25 years old, some rot was to be expected – especially as the socket in the rudder stock doesn’t freely drain, allowing rain water to collect.
Finding a shipwright who was willing (and had the capacity) to repair the rudder stock took some time and it wasn’t until October that the rudder stock was repaired and re-instated. A new top section has been scarphed in and the cheeks have been reinforced with stainless steel plates. By the time the work was complete, the weather had deteriorated to the point that the Copper Coat anti-foul that was being applied to Chione by H2O Marine couldn’t be completed.
Fast forward to May 24 and finally the weather in the West Country improved enough for the copper coating to be applied and the topsides buffed. The sojourn ashore has allowed some other maintenance work to be completed, which has included replacing sea-cocks, having a new mainsail cover made (by Armada Sails, Plymouth), new hatch covers and replacing the solar vent in the forepeak.
Of note, the white paint on Chione’s propeller is Marlin Velox Plus propeller anti-foul. It’s a two coat system consisting of undercoat and top coat. I find it works well, and as long as the prop is turned regularly, it will remain clear of fouling.
Chione is scheduled to be launched on Wed 5 Jun after which she’ll return to King Point Marina where we’ll get her ready for sailing again!
ChioneT.uk 