Story by Harris & Ellis / April 3, 2024
Author: David Harris
On those days when Mother Nature tempts us back to the boatyard with warm snow-free days, get a jump on your spring to-do list. Walk around the hull and check out some areas below the waterline. Here are three common wear points to watch.
1. Your steering system, whether sail or power (except outdrives or jet drives), is dependent on a properly maintained rudder assembly. Over time and use, the rudder bearings and mounts can become worn and result in a loose or sloppy feel to the helm. Checking for “play” in the rudder is a matter of determining the amount of movement within the rudder tube or bearings. Hold the rudder firmly at the lower portion and see how much fore-and-aft and side-to-side movement you can produce. Slight “wobble” is normal, but more than ½-inch to ¾-inch of movement warrants further investigation.
Several rudder systems exist, but generally they all use a rudder tube to house the rudder shaft, a retaining nut or pin to secure the rudder in the boat, or pintles and gudgeons to secure it to a skeg and a steering system, i.e. tiller or wheel or cable. All these components are possible culprits contributing to excessive play and may require a professional inspection. I once lost a rudder while under sail, and it’s not a situation I recommend!
2. While you’re under the boat, check the sacrificial anode on the shaft or outdrive. This replaceable part is designed to corrode instead of your shaft or prop or outdrive. When more than 30 per cent of it has dissolved, it should be replaced. Magnesium anodes are recommended for freshwater use; zinc for saltwater because the alloy is less resistant to saltwater’s electrolytes. Your chandler or mechanic can help you with this.
3. On shaft drive systems, a cutlass bearing is used to hold the propeller shaft in line with the outlet from the hull in a propeller bracket or strut. The rubber lining of this bearing will wear with use and is designed to be replaced. Again the wiggle test is useful. If you can move the shaft from side to side within the bearing, it likely needs replacement.
—Dave Harris
Recent price improvement! A luxurious blue water cruiser centre-cockpit model with impressive light air speeds and comfortable heavy weather performance. Location: Sarnia, ON
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This Bristol Yachts 56.6 center-cockpit sailboat is a luxurious blue-water cruiser with impressive light air speeds and comfortable heavy weather performance.
She is a sloop with a wide beam, and a moderate draft with the board up.
This boat is equipped with numerous amenities for comfortable cruising.
The build quality is excellent, the interior is warm and cozy, the classic lines are striking. She is a proper yacht in immaculate condition, and she is ready to go sailing.
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The elegant, trailerable Crabber has the classic look of a topsail gaff cutter or a modern Bermuda rig set on a graceful hull with low-profile cabin and large protected cockpit, plus a long keel cut away forward for maneuverability.
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This Nelson/Marek-designed 43 was built by Carroll Marine and is 1 of only 9 built - the only one with a Wheel. She was designed under the IMS Rules of the early 1990`s and these were good-sailing seakindly boats. Major improvements to decks, hull, keel, electronics and sail inventory since 2019. FASTRAK is ready to sail, and ready to win.
Features: Volvo 45hp diesel Saildrive, new BMG electronics suite, new sails, fresh water since new
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This classic 1972 Tartan 46 is a seasoned racer/cruiser sailboat. In its first life, it sailed the Great Lakes until 2004 when it was outfitted for a two-year circumnavigation. It came back to freshwater in 2007 and has been gently sailed since then. Features: Perkins 4-108 deisel (1999), Kubota Genny (2003), AquaMarine Watermaker (2003), windlass, electronics (2003)
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This Regal 3350 Sport Cruiser is absolutely loaded with heat and air, genset, windlass, cockpit grill and large engines. If you compare with other pre-owned 3350`s on the market, there is a big difference in the details with this one - starting with the available power. The base power was the 260 hp 5.7Ls with single prop drives, up to the largest package, the 375 Hp 8.1L`s with Duo Prop drives- a $12K upgrade. With the twin 8.1Ls the 3350 is fast, nimble and a blast to drive.
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Designed by Robert Perry, the Saga 35 is a serious long-range, blue water cruiser for the discerning sailor. Offering a muscular sail plan with a performance hull and appendage package, she is nonetheless robustly built with numerous thoughtful features, quality equipment, spacious living and gracious style. She is a highly desirable liveaboard vessel which is meant to go places and get there quickly, comfortably and safely. The current owner has updated her wisely - new epoxy bottom, new main and jib sails, new solar panels and more. She is clean, tidy and will be sure to impress.
Whisper II is a first generation C&C MkI. Built between 1974-1977, the 33 MkI became a popular choice for those looking for a cruiser for a small family, and could still perform in racing. Whisper II has seen many upgrades over the past few years. She is well equipped for those looking to cruise and spend time on the hook, and with her arsenal of sails can still be competitive as a club racer.
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