[Rhodes22-list] Bilge pump

[The Rhodes 22 Email List]

Helen,

My 74 was a in a barn but had been a stored outside boat. 14 years out of the water that had turned into a feral cat hotel so I gutted it and started over. The worst thing I discovered was most of my through hull bolts had no washers or mild steel washers so I took every through hull bolt and screw out put big stainless fender washers on and re sealed or caulked them in. The keel must be different on the old ones, mine has a small 2" x 4 " access cap that mounts the swing keel block undeneath. You can easily replace the rope without being in the water and it does not  seem to be prone to leaks like the newer ones .
Water had stood inside mine somewhere in the past so I replaced and stiffened all the ribs and floor. 
After I dropped the mast across my neighbors grapefruit tree when the mast mount bracket mount pulled loose, I took the mount off and put on a  3/4" inch doubler plate and fiberglassed it in. I injected epoxy into the original mounting area then bolted my mast mount down with extra lag screws. 
My technique generated a lot of discussion on the forum where most owners want theirs to come loose if they drop the mast or hit something. I am a old stubborn bluewater sailor and want my stuff to stay where I mount it. 
It is a great old reliable seaworthy boat and surprisingly dry. I have fixed mine so I can do everything by myself from erecting the mast to hauling it. I keep it on a trailer and do the California coast, Sea of Cortez and the Arizona lakes. I am 6' 4" and there  is plenty of room inside and out. Not the fastest boat and it will not win a beauty pageant  but I always have fun. It is like a old pickup or a labrador, it does what I want when I want it to and gets me back home.

Fred 
Phoenix 

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