April 2009: More Work To Be Done

We were told that boating brings with it a never ending list of maintenance and upgrade requirements; all which cost money! Our boat Kozad, even though in great condition, still requires things to be done! This spring was the time to do those things which were on our list.

First, it had been two years since Kozad was hauled; so it was time for new bottom paint! We were lucky to have found Isaac Balaam of Scuba Scrubers. Isaac dives and cleans the bottom as well as changes the zincs on Kozad; we pay for three visits a year and this is money well spent! A great service....

Kozad's Rudder & Zinc before January 2009 cleaning by Scuba Scrubber

Kozad's rudder & new zinc after cleaning

Abernethy & Gaudin Boat Works, who have done all the professional work on our boat, hauled out our Willard 30 on their ways for some maintenance.

Kozad on the Ways at Abernethy & Gaudin Boat Works, Brentwood Bay, B.C.

We took the opportunity to have a few things done while the boat was out of the water; new bottom paint, repacked the stuffing box (this is a coupling on the propeller shaft which lubricates the shaft with sea water), trimmed the boat by adding 400lbs of lead bars to the bow (under the front of the V-Berth) as the boat was sitting down on the stern, and the expensive part was working on the rudder.

Rudder and rudder shaft removed in preparation for rudder shudder fix!

Last fall we had developed a shudder in our rudder which caused significant noise as well as shaking the helm wheel. The fix should have been relatively simple, except the boat is 36 years old, and it took a lot more hours to remove the rudder as initially though! There was no support for the rudder post where it exits the hull, as well the top bearing was seized. Also, the top plate where the shaft attaches to the steering arm was not strong enough and was flexing. Nothing that a new bearing, built up top plate and hull support could not fix!

New fairing which holds a plastic steadying O-ring which
supports the bottom of the rudder shaft

We noticed a huge improvement on the handling of the boat on our next trip out on the water. The rudder was rock steady, the new trim of the boat improved handling, tracking and ride; amazing how one's mind justifies spending money!

Craig tackled more items as well: increased the electrical wire size from the alternator to the battery switch along with a breaker to protect the charging system, replaced a faulty windshield wiper switch, fixed the dash lights, replaced a mast light electrical fitting to deal with a short, replaced a broken hot water tank hose fitting, changed the oil & filter, replaced fuel filters, and re-bedding the windows as a preventative measure to keep the boat dry!

Now it is time for boating!