Re-inventing the wheel....

One of the problems that needed addressed as part of the ongoing refurbishment of the Grand Banks Eastbay 43 currently residing in our shed, was to fix the 'wobbly wheel' at the helm station. Initially, it was thought that it had loosened on the spindle over time and tightening up the locking nut and maybe packing it out with a couple of shims would do the trick. However, this was only part of the problem. On removing the wheel for closer examination we noticed that not only were the spokes loose where they connected into the hub, but it would be impossible to repair them without first dismantling the wheel.

A couple of phone calls and a few emails later, we had confirmation from Grand Banks shipbuilders yard in Singapore that the problem was with the joints between the spokes and hub, and they sent us this photograph to fully explain the problem:

Next stage in the process was to ask Grand Banks for the price for a replacement wheel to be shipped to us. On being told that it would cost $3,600 + VAT + shipping, we swiftly moved onto the next stage in the process and re-visited the idea of repairing the wheel. Engineering and boat-building ideas were bandied about before we settled on designing, manufacturing and fitting two polished stainless steel plates on either side of the hub that would overlap onto the base of each of the spokes and allow us to pin the plates, the spokes and the hub together.

Work in progress cutting the plates and drilling for fitting

Plates were fitted to the wheel, the keyway was marked and cut, before final polishing and fitting to the wheel.

The boat is still in the shed with other works ongoing, so the wheel is currently sitting in the workshop office. But the project is nearing completion and our next few blogs will have further details and pictures of the extensive works carried out - and some photos of the end result when she is fully fitted out and back in the water again.

What needs fixed?

The torrential downpours, impending gale force storms and dropping temperatures all confirm that we are still in the midst of a traditional Scottish summer. So time for a quick review of your sailing season so far........

You negotiated traffic jams and diversions, sat behind caravans and tour buses on your journey here, but finally made it to Ardfern safe and sound.

You unloaded more equipment, food and drink than you thought could fit in your car.

You made numerous trips back and forth between the car and the boat using the trolley with the wobbly/squeaky wheel or in the dinghy that seems to have shrunk and become less manoeuvrable than before, but did finally manage to get everything, including friends/family/pets, safely stowed on board.

You cast off and set sail in good/bad/indifferent weather and, managing to avoid rocks and any other objects that might cause some damage to your boat (including unwanted visitors), you had a lovely time sailing or motoring around the west coast of Scotland.

However, whilst under way, you remembered all the bits on the boat that weren't working last season and that you forgot to get fixed.

You also identified an alarming number of new breakages and pieces of equipment that aren't quite working as they did or should.

You then read all the boating magazines and got fully up to speed with all the latest equipment and gadgets and electronics that you don't have but think you absolutely must have, or should have, or would like, or intend to get anyway because it's your boat, your money and you deserve it.

In addition to that, you saw that rather annoying skipper from the boat a couple of berths along from you that you would like to be able to casually drop into a conversation next year the line "yes, ours is the latest model, much more compact and powerful, I think you'll find the version you have is now obsolete...."

Now, before you finish up for the season, and unpack all your gear again, and shove it all in the car for the journey back home, why not bookmark this post or make a note that, before you forget everything that needs done, you really should fill out the Winter Maintenance Form for 2014/15 and send it to the workshop at Ardfern Yacht Centre.

Select here to go to Winter Maintenance Form 2014/15 now and tell us what you need fixed.

August has started wet, lets hope it improves!

After the glorious weather of July; which saw temperatures in Ardfern reach a sweltering 28 degrees for the better part of a week, August has got off to a rather damp and disappointing start!

Fingers crossed the weather will improve before the annual Clyde Corithian Yacht Club Round Shuna race weekend on August 23rd and 24th. The weekend starts with feeder races from Ardfern and Oban to Craobh Marina on Saturday August 23rd with the Round Shuna Pursuit race getting under way on Sunday 24th. Its a fun event with a great family atmosphere and a relaxed attitude, if you have always fancied trying a bit of racing this is an ideal way to dip your toe in the water. Full race instructions and entry form available for this years event available here.

If you have now dusted off the waterproofs which were hanging idle for July and found they are leaking why not treat yourself to a new pair? In the Chandlery we have a sale on all waterproofs for the month of August (or while stocks last) with 20% off everything there is a selection of jackets and trousers for every budget from all the big brands.