Well now we are almost ready to sail.
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I had the harbor crew use a Travel Lift to put the boat up on jack stands such that the bottom of the keel was 3 feet off the ground. Then using a wood saw (not as a saw but a thin tempered steel bar) to carefully remove the rust between the centerboard and the trunk. This took about 3 hours. Large chunks were broken off up to 1/8 inch thick. Finally the rust was clear and with several up and downs, the centerboard was free and operting smoothly. |
| Using an angle grinder, I ground down all the rusted areas that I could get to. Then the whole centerboard was wire brushed. This was a fun job, especially since the temperature was in the high 90's. | |
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Harold oversaw as I apply the primer to the centerboard reaching as far as I could up into the trunk. |
| I continued with the primer until the whole centerboard was done. | |
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I returned the next day and applied the finish
coat. While waiting for this to dry I cleaned and refinished most
of the brightwork. When done it was a pleasure to feel the smooth
action as I cranked up the centerboard.
Well now we are almost ready to sail. |