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JoshRawli
United Kingdom
2 Posts |
 Posted - 05 May 2015 : 06:58:33
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Hi guys, I'm new on here so forgive me if I'm mentioning something that's already been mentioned!
I've finally brought my Laser Stratos home from Rutland Water, UK. After not much maintenance on the boat she needs a little work doing on her. For example, all the plastics (cleats/jammers)have faded and looking slightly naff, would it be better to sand them and spray them back to the original colour or just buy new parts? Also, my mast needs a good respray. Do I need specialist paint to do this or is it just an ordinary spray job?
Any tips will help massively!
Cheers, Josh Rawlinson.
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m80
United Kingdom
17 Posts |
Posted - 07 May 2015 : 11:15:51
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My personal view is that any paint would chip and look even worse in a short time.
Was this the Stratos that was kept by the club house next to the red laser 3000 ?
Martin. |
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deswift
122 Posts |
Posted - 07 May 2015 : 12:47:31
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Josh, these parts do fade in UV. I would replace them only if they are not functioning properly or if they're worn. If the boat is covered properly, that should minimise the effects of UV damage. Not much you can do to protect the mast though. What's to be gained by painting it?
David
Warsash Sailing Club |
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JoshRawli
United Kingdom
2 Posts |
Posted - 07 May 2015 : 14:36:44
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Hi guys.
Martin - my boat was kept only a stones throw away from the boat wash. It was fully covered with a hull and top cover.
My worry was the flaking but as I've never done anything to my boat I was unsure what to do! I was looking to get my mast back to the original colour as it looks dul but after reading your advice then maybe I won't. All if her is fully working, just some plastics are looking tired. Maybe buying new is a good idea. Any advice on places to shop would be handy.
Thanks,
Josh.
J.Rawlinson |
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m80
United Kingdom
17 Posts |
Posted - 07 May 2015 : 17:31:24
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You will find replacing with new will become pretty expensive, and once you start the rest can look worse by contrast.
I would list the desirable replacements and cost them out first. When you see the total you may decide the cost can't be justified? I use Ebay for much of my research, and Sailboat Solutions, Rooster, truth is there are many suppliers out there. For sails I believe you would find it difficult to beat the link on this site - even 2nd hand. That's assuming they are still available??
If you ever decide on a new main I, and it seems many, prefer the keel boat sail without the sail head floatation pad. A 40 litre mast head float is preferable.
Depending on your weight and the windage on the hull these can be a bitch to right after capsize and obviously from inverted even harder. Actually I assumed but you don't say if yours is keel or CB.
If the boat is well used the fairleads on the jib cleats may well be wearing through, if any one here can suggest an economical replacement for those instead of the complete slider rails (85 +) that'd be good.
If your rubbers on the hatch covers are shot a cheaper option is to but a length of nitrile 'o' ring cord, cut to length and super glue the ends together.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120893807581?var=420073556659&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Not uncommon is for the 3mm furling line to give up,
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brand-New-mini-reels-of-either-2mm-or-3mm-Kingfisher-rope-/261726644452?
No doubt you can find shorter cheaper, I've loads spare if you happen to be close by anytime.
I replaced much of my ropes with a general colour coding,
main red,
jib blue,
gennaker yellow.
Masses of blue knitting in the cockpit only cause confusion, to be able to say "no pass the yellow one" can save vital time in a panic.
Actually being so impressed with my 1st CB I've replaced her with another better condition but same. This came with a red genny' instead of white so the colour coding will be different.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161406226348?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&var=460429624763&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
these are better than faffing with the springs when removing the boom with cold wet hands.
If you plan on trailing these are far better than insulation tape holding lines + onto the mast, and the 450mm are the ideal length
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370838750558?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Also I replaced plugs and sockets with the aluminium type for better reliability of the trailer board.
For the board I suggest a pintle mounted support with mast support. I made mine from a "2 x 1" timber cut over length so the wood scrapes before the stern hull does when removing from the trailer.
If you have sun fading to the waterline colour I would be a little cautious of how much you might try to polish it out as you could polish it away.
I also plan to replace the welded s/s ring for the lower main pulleys from the 40mm to 50mm. the pulleys often need a reminder to untwist after a turn. I hope a larger ring will sort that, anyone else done this?
Martin. |
Edited by - m80 on 07 May 2015 17:44:44 |
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neilgbj
147 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2015 : 13:01:29
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| Hi Josh...we have had our Stratos for about 9 years or so with the older black mast which is now faded, there really isn't much you can do about that. Just check it is structurally sound, particularly around the spreaders. As for the other bits....ours is sailed reasonably regularly at sea so salt water always an issue but regular fresh water hose downs have meant we have retained all the original fittings (some worse for wear !). The only thing we have to check regularly are the rivets where the tiller attaches to the rudder stock. Unless it is vital to the integrity of the boat (hull, spars, foils) a good fresh water clean should suffice and just enjoy the boat .....the only other thing perhaps to think of are the u bolts where the shrouds attach.....had a similar fitting go on my 5000 whilst sailing.....which presents some challenges to say the least so might be worth having a look dependent on how old your boat is and if has been salt water sailed etc.... |
Edited by - neilgbj on 31 May 2015 13:09:16 |
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Restoration
