New Stanchions - Helpful Friends

When we were ferreting out the myriad of water leaks, the 4 stanchions that formed the boarding gates on the port and starboard sides were likely culprits.  As we already described, Beth and I applied matrimonial science to solve the re-bedding process.  However, as we were to discover later, these were only a small part of the problem.

Aft Gate Stanchion on Starboard Side

The real issue with these stanchions was that they were broken and presented a safety hazard.  Unfortunately, the gate support was "attached" to the stanchion by a tube that slid over the main stanchion.  While this design provided some lateral support, it really served to create an extreme area of stress and material fatigue on the main stanchion. 

Aft Gate Stanchion on Port Side - notice the bent stanchion

Over the years the stanchion would flex around the gate support tube and bend.  Furthermore, the gate support would flex and its weld points would fracture.  This is what had happened, and all four gate stanchions were severely deformed and exhibited stress fractures on all gate supports.  If anyone fell against the lifeline or the gate stanchions, while at sea, the stanchions would most likely fail.  This risk would turn up in a thorough survey and confine Harmony to "port risk" until fixed.


Forward Gate Stanchion on Port Side - notice the severe deformation at the lateral support where the tube slides over the stanchion


We needed to replace those four stanchions.  While we were at it, we would re-bed all of the stanchions which were through-bolted to the bulwarks.  We would also install bronze mid-ship cleats to match the bow and stern cleats.  I contacted Bud Talpin, of Worldcruiser Yacht Company, and the living Westsail legend whose expertise supports all of us Westsail owners.  Bud was able to get the new stanchions made and shipped to us for a very reasonable price.

These new stanchions featured a welded gate support which would eliminate all of the design flaws of the old stanchions.  However, I did have to invest a significant amount of time measuring, re-measuring, and, then, measure again to make sure I had the right fit.  When the stanchions arrived there was a slight amount of "customization" I needed to do because the bolt holes were not a complete match:  par for the course.

I was able to remove the old stanchions and make whatever customization I needed.  I was also able to install the bronze mid-ships cleats just aft of the hawse holes/deck drains.  However, I needed to assistance of another set of hands to mount the new stanchions and re-bed the others.  My good friend, Paul, who along with his wife Abbie, had become the new owners of our beloved Poetry, came down from Maine to give me a helpful hand.

Somehow, when two friends combine to work with one on-deck and the other below deck, the process works a lot smoother than when husband and wife do the same thing.  Very interesting to say the least.  Perhaps that matrimonial passion clouds the senses, and male bonding is like a cloudless sky?  Whatever! 

We were able to get all of the stanchions installed in short order.  It was very satisfying to have a friend down to share some team work and mutual support.  Paul's help was tremendous and when Beth and I walk the deck in seaway, we'll be reminded that his friendship is very much like those stanchions:  providing solid support and a lifeline when we need it.

Fair Winds and Following Seas!

Spousal Collusion or Collision

One of the sources of water leaks appeared to be worn out bedding under the stanchion bases near the port and starboard galley/dinette areas.  Solution?  You bet!  Beth and I could tackle the simple task of unbolting, rebedding, and rebolting the 4 stanchions. 

It should be so easy with me on the inside with a wrench and Beth on the outside with a wrench.  After 26 plus years of marriage, we have certainly learned to communicate effectively:  right! 

OK, let's not remember when we were building our first boat and we partnered in the sewing of foam sheets onto the mold of the hull with a big needle and mono filament line:  me on the inside and she on the outside.  No, also don't remember that our efforts degenerated into back and forth screams of "OUCH" as we stuck each other with the needle on every stitch.  We certainly communicated clearly to each other then, right?  Yeah, real loud and clear!

No problem!  We were using wrenches which are not sharp and we just loosening and tightening 3/8 inch bolts:  4 stanchions; 3 bolts each; 12 total bolts/nuts.  Oh, yeah, add in a bit of gooey bedding compound.  Ha, we should be done in an hour, maybe two.

We stopped at 2 Stanchions.  Why?  Well, it proved too hilarious to keep shouting at each other:  "Which way?"; "Right!"  "NO, LEFT!"; "WHAT!!" Anyone listening would never understand what was going on.  While we did get the stanchions done on the Starboard side, it was obvious the effort was far too much for the results!

So, it is always wonderful to have your spouse collude with you on a project or endeavor, and Beth has been an inseparable and valuable partner in all of our adventures.  However, if not properly handled, that spousal collusion becomes spousal collision right quick.  We survived of course, but our collusion efforts on Harmony may well be limited to those situations in which we are in the same space/time continuum!

Fair Winds and Following Seas!