Severance has the type that are straight stainless steel “bar stock” that go from the inside of the cabin right up through the deck, very strong, straightforward and completely prone to “leaks” (think major rainfall).
(Interpretation from Diane: Think 40 foot waves crashing over the bow!)
I had new chainplates made prior to the trip, as rudders and rig failures rate as the really big bummers of many a trip, but I had them made to the same design.
Over the years I've tried every caulking known to man and I finally realized (after a wet crossing) that the design was flawed from the get go and only a new one would work.
I was introduced to Richard (Dickie B) and told that, if there was anything I needed done, they could do it.
His facility is doing the complete refit of Chicester's yacht Gypsy Moth.
Anyway, I designed a chainplate modification, drew it up (I did, after all, get a “D” in drafting back in 7th grade...there seems to be a constant theme to my formal education) and presented myself to Dickie and his welder Dave.
To their credit, they looked over my skillful (read crude) “blueprint” and didn't break into laughter, I was feeling really smart at that point.
Then Richard asked if I wanted my idea implemented, or if I wanted my problem solved...it meant that not only did they understand the unsolvable problem but that they had addressed it in some other fashion that I had not come up with!!!!
A smart person would, at that point, ask them to explain two things....how did they know about this problem and how the hell did they solve it?
I deserve great credit as I asked both questions and found out why Richard (Dickie B) has his own complete outfitting business.
Richard had devised a solution, he built a cap that fits over the chainplate (see the picture) and is put on with copious amounts of caulk.
I had new chainplates made prior to the trip, as rudders and rig failures rate as the really big bummers of many a trip, but I had them made to the same design.
Over the years I've tried every caulking known to man and I finally realized (after a wet crossing) that the design was flawed from the get go and only a new one would work.
I was introduced to Richard (Dickie B) and told that, if there was anything I needed done, they could do it.
His facility is doing the complete refit of Chicester's yacht Gypsy Moth.
Anyway, I designed a chainplate modification, drew it up (I did, after all, get a “D” in drafting back in 7th grade...there seems to be a constant theme to my formal education) and presented myself to Dickie and his welder Dave.
To their credit, they looked over my skillful (read crude) “blueprint” and didn't break into laughter, I was feeling really smart at that point.
Then Richard asked if I wanted my idea implemented, or if I wanted my problem solved...it meant that not only did they understand the unsolvable problem but that they had addressed it in some other fashion that I had not come up with!!!!
A smart person would, at that point, ask them to explain two things....how did they know about this problem and how the hell did they solve it?
I deserve great credit as I asked both questions and found out why Richard (Dickie B) has his own complete outfitting business.
Richard had devised a solution, he built a cap that fits over the chainplate (see the picture) and is put on with copious amounts of caulk.
And damn if it doesn't work!!!
He's using that on all the chainplates on Gypsy Moth (I only have 2).
He's using that on all the chainplates on Gypsy Moth (I only have 2).
He has a number of major outfitting jobs underway. I really appreciate that he and his staff took the time to take on a very small project, even thought this was a very big problem for me.
Once again I would say that, if you have a boat in need of anything and you're in or around the UK, I would head for Mountbatten to get things done, Dickie B's is staffed and equipped to take on major refits, but will also work with any yachtsman in need....I'm really thankful for that!
Posted by Diane For Scott
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