Can I work Miracles?
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Repair & maintenance
Forum Discription: Questions & tips on the subject
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=639
Printed Date: 10 May 25 at 8:24am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Can I work Miracles?
Posted By: Black no sugar
Subject: Can I work Miracles?
Date Posted: 18 Apr 05 at 10:05am
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Hello all! An unloved Miracle is slowly rotting at the back of our boatyard and I seem to have been volunteered to bring it back to life. The repairs needed don't look too extensive but I've never undertaken such a project before. There must be plenty of people on this forum who know more than me about boat renovation. I'll need all the advice I can get! It appears it's sail number 217. It bears a sticker from Aug 1999, when I supposed it was last sailed. It's been under leaky covers for a while and there was quite a bit of gungey water inthe bottom. It has no rudder or tiller, the centreboard is in good state, the sails are surprisingly neat but there is damage on the decks, especially around the shrouds fittings... Of course, I don't sail and don't know any sailing-related terms... So I'll be very dumb at first, until I know What's that bit's called! Many thanks BnS
------------- http://www.lancingsc.org.uk/index.html - Lancing SC 
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Replies:
Posted By: Pierre
Date Posted: 18 Apr 05 at 10:50am
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Methinks a bit of cupidity coming into play here from BnS........ What about Miracle sailors at Lancing? I know of one with a Miracle sitting doing nothing in his garage.... |
Posted By: Black no sugar
Date Posted: 18 Apr 05 at 11:40am
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The idea is to restore the poor thing and keep in in Lancing for club members to use. If I manage to do the job properly, do you really think I'd like to sell it? As for sailing a 2-man boat, errrrm I'll pass on that one... ------------- http://www.lancingsc.org.uk/index.html - Lancing SC
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Cupidity?? Why?Posted By: Garry
Date Posted: 18 Apr 05 at 4:48pm
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Why not put a series of photos on your website - then we can have a look and comment.
Assuming you want a fullish restoration? First task though is to remove the mast and give the inside a thorough clean - pressure washer will do the job (although be careful and ensure you don't get too much water in the hull as a Miracle full of water probably weighs 500 - 700Kg) you can only work as fast as it will drain. Then put it in a garage (or under cover) to thoughly dry out. Mark down were all the fittings go on a drawing and remove them. Put working fittings and fastenings aside / consider what needs replacing with new. Think about the standing and running rigging on the mast and if that needs replacing. Also check mast for corrosion, dinks etc (espcially where fittings attach). Check for any bad wood - this will need replacing (long fingernail and eyeball is best for this job) - Black stain is suspicious and if you can stick your fingernail in and it seems spongy it probably needs replacing. Identify somewhere that sells marine ply (and be prepared for a shock as it's costly). You can start removing the paint / varnish. Further advice will need photos. ------------- Garry Lark 2252, Contender 298 www.cuckoos.eclipse.co.uk |
Posted By: Blobby
Date Posted: 19 Apr 05 at 3:53am
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Best advice - photograph everything at least twice, then make notes to go with the photos. (You seem to be fairly handy with the camera anyway so this bit should be easy...) Do all this BEFORE you take anything apart. And preferably with the boat rigged too. You would be surprised how easy it is to forget what rope went through which fitting. Then get it clean and dry. Remember the golden rule - let the dog see the rabbit - strip off all the paint and anything that might hide nasties so you can see how bad (or good) everything is. Be VERY careful with a pressure washer - you could have somebody's eye out if you're not careful! Look at the UK Cherub website for lots of advice on Ply & glass construction and repairs too. Have fun... (But I have to ask - is this one of Mark's cunning plans to prevent you learning to sail so you don't steal his Contender???) |
Posted By: Black no sugar
Date Posted: 19 Apr 05 at 9:49am
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Thank you very much for the advice. I've already taken pictures of it, before I started washing it, but the mast was already down. I haven't used the pressure washer yet, but I think I'll have to on some parts. The varnish and paint are flaking out everywhere. Then I'm stripping! (And yes, I do suspect Mark to try and keep me away from the Contender. He was a bit too keen to hand me the project!)
------------- http://www.lancingsc.org.uk/index.html - Lancing SC
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Posted By: KnightMare
Date Posted: 19 Apr 05 at 11:35am
lol but dont forget if you do this wellyou could offer to repair the contender (he'll have to get u a boat to keep you away  ) And BNS, stripping, i must say! The extents you are willing to go to for this project  (joke)------------- http://theramblingsofmyinnergeek.blogspot.com/ |
Posted By: sailor girl
Date Posted: 19 Apr 05 at 12:13pm
tut tut tut!!!  ------------- Sailor Girl, Queen Of The Forum! |
Posted By: Garry
Date Posted: 19 Apr 05 at 1:59pm
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Do we get photos of the Stripping - or even a movie? ------------- Garry Lark 2252, Contender 298 www.cuckoos.eclipse.co.uk |