by FastCrab » Wed Oct 13, 2010 8:16 pm
Yup- "Zingarella" is a formula boat, so these 'before' pictures look very, very familiar- as much as I've been able to see so far anyway. I've spent a good deal of time in there too- first I had to clean up a bad diesel leak that had floated on a couple inches of water everywhere while it was in other hands. Boy, do I hate it when that happens....Then the packing gland hose was leaking around the stub- & tightening the hose clamps just made it leak worse! I finally loosened the whole mess, slid it aft hard, & retightened it. That brought it down to a trickle, but still a steady trickle, not a drip! Geez, this is 'no big deal' except for the boat sinking while you are trying to fix it part! Especially when every time you touch it, it only gets worse! Once I had it under some semblance of control it still filled the keel sump every day. So yesterday I did the unthinkable...I taped the crap out of it... ('Red Green' would be proud if you know who he is...) Temporary mission accomplished- today, no water to pump out at all.
So, the official Survey says: "The keel stud, or sump, to which the ballast bolts, is cracked along its port, starboard and aft radii to the hull. Keel seemed to have excessive wag, from years of hard sailing. Structural grind out and laminate repair of keel sump to hull radii and possibly the addition of floor timbers, is highly recommended prior to further use."
Well...... I've asked in the 'general' forum but might as well ask again- from you Evelyn owners- should I be worried or can I sail a bit? I did take the chance and had the boat at speed beating in 10 Knots of wind and it is soooo nice- I can't wait to get it 'right' but I definately want to sail it a few more times before the winter work sessions. My guess is if I stay out of heavy air and do not run aground, I don't think it will come apart...
I think I'll make a pointer that fits tight in the sump but clears the prop shaft and extends up to the cabin top, I can measure and mark the lateral deflection easily that way and see how much it is underway. How much is too much though? Anyone hazard a guess?