O34 Deck Gear Back in Place

As of March 7, we have almost everything back in place with only the ports and genoa tracks as major items yet to install. We are finally emptying out lots of plastic storage boxes and a host of zip-type plastic sleeves with notes in them and info written on the outside with flow pen.
Note: After you have written a note and put it into each zip'd baggy with a part and its fastenings, add another note with even more details. You will thank yourself several months later!


I have been using a lot of new SS bolts, as the old sealant proved almost impossible to remove from the threads of the original ones. Also, the majority of the factory bolts had the excess length cut off after the hardware was installed, and this left the thread ends 'buggered' where the hydraulic cutter severed the end just past the nut. Fortunately the shop has a wholesale price on SS bolts and passes it along. Basically, it's like shopping at a chandlers at 60% off. The speed and efficiency of using new bolts is amazing; I cleaned up some bolts with a wire wheel and solvents, and it took a very long time per item. Too long.

I have polished all the visible bolt heads -- it's fast to do and makes the shine more resistant to corrosion. Ego note: looks wonderful too...

Quite a few SS fittings and weldments are now buffed up to decent shine. I have gotten reasonably proficient with an air driven buffing wheel. The original parts were sea stained and dull after 30 seasons.

The last several days we have installed all six winches, four double clutch stoppers, new halyard organizers, the bow pulpit, and some small fittings.


Sealant is "Sikaflex 291 LOT". The initial cure is fairly long which helps a lot with larger items. Another advantage is that it cleans up/off with paint thinner. This does not harm the Awlgrip surface and is easy on human skin compared to stronger solvents. We use vinyl gloves and lots of paper towels. Quite a bit sealant is squeezed out, and the idea is that the some surplus sealant to clean up now is way better than fixing leaks later.

This week, presuming we stay on track, will see the rest of the parts installed. Next week our ship wright will mask off for new non skid and spray it.
We are really looking forward to having *real* traction on the decks again. The side decks and cockpit sole have been way too slick for years.

Creating a "new" boat out of a used one is quite a process... !