New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

[sasto]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

Yeh, Capt. Red. I don't mind leaving the boat unattended on the hook, as I've done many times before. My mistake was not knowing exactly how much scope I had out.

I ended up cutting out about 10' of chain that was rusted in a ball. I pulled out about another 20' of good chain and came across more rust and failures waiting to happen. From the looks of it, there must be water entering the anchor locker in one spot, causing this mess in only one area. I ordered 100' of new chain. This should get me by as I have no plans for anchoring anywhere but the ICW.

I have a Danforth anchor.....but I'm guessing a Plow would be more suitable for most areas I anchor this boat. With all chain as a rode, I'm sticking with the Danforth for now. Going back out this weekend to try again!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

Sasto, do you paint the chain at intervals or do you have anything that displays the amount of chain that has been let out? I need to paint mine at 10' intervals as I'm finding it tough to estimate how much has been dumped.

Also...even have any experience rebuilding a Maxwell windlass? I think I'm losing the clutches in mine.

 

[sasto]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

Sasto, do you paint the chain at intervals or do you have anything that displays the amount of chain that has been let out? I need to paint mine at 10' intervals as I'm finding it tough to estimate how much has been dumped.

Also...even have any experience rebuilding a Maxwell windlass? I think I'm losing the clutches in mine.

Nothing was marked on this chain, but the new one will be. I once used colored cable ties, but we know how those things can cut a finger/hand if not trimmed properly. I don't trust them around beginners or old salts. A nasty cut can make for a short trip. I nowdays mark every 10' with rustoleum paint of the same color. Nothing fancy, I just count the marks as they pass.

I have a Maxwell on this boat, my first. Always had a Lewmar or a Glendenning. My Maxwell was locked up when I first got the boat, I lubed the 2 zerk fittings and put a big pipe wrench to her. So far so good. If you need a diagram and parts list for one, I'm pretty sure I have it. Let me know.

What is she doing, Fireman?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

Draws in approx 30-50' of chain rode without any problem. Then starts to freespool out again until you put the hex wrench in the center and tighten the clutch again. Then will draw up again just fine. Seems to happen intermittantly. Not sure if it's tension or heat related, but I need to dig into it before it gets to the point of beyond repair.

 

[sasto]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

Here is my winch. Notice the dog is built in with handles. Is yours?


I wonder if the chain is still under warranty?

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

Wow, that chain doesn't look to good at all. Looks like it was a very good decision to replace it.

not so sure...Crabber Shoulda' never left my station........Over....and Out.

I was reffering to how quickly you were able to respond and keep her from running aground on the rocks. Sure, hindsight is 20-20 and you can see what should have been done differently. On the other hand, at least you had the foresight to have someone else watching the boat for you.

At the very least, it is a good reminder to all of us about the importance using the proper anchor rode.

Always enjoy reading your posts captain, keep up the great work!

 

[sasto]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

Wow, that chain doesn't look to good at all. Looks like it was a very good decision to replace it.



I was reffering to how quickly you were able to respond and keep her from running aground on the rocks. Sure, hindsight is 20-20 and you can see what should have been done differently. On the other hand, at least you had the foresight to have someone else watching the boat for you.

At the very least, it is a good reminder to all of us about the importance using the proper anchor rode.

Always enjoy reading your posts captain, keep up the great work!

Thanks, Blue Crabber, but as you know...I take the blame for everything and everybody.

The couple I gave my business card to?.....I somehow had confidence in them. They were outgoing and friendly when I approached their boat on the dingy. He did try calling me but somehow I missed it, so he hauled butt to the marina restaurant I was at. I called to thank them yesterday and offered him anything he may need. He refused! I hope I run into them someday.

All is well....and next week I'm headed back....with my new anchor chain.

Till we meet someday......Have a good one!

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

I take the blame for everything and everybody.

And there are the true remarks of a captain. One that knows he is ultimately responsible for whatever happens to the vessel and crew, wether it be good or bad.

Hope the next trip is a little bit more uneventful! and have fun out there!!

Brandon

 

[Fireman431]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

Here is my winch. Notice the dog is built in with handles. Is yours?

Mine is different. I think the design is the RC-10:



I found the PDF manuals for all of Maxwell's windlasses, if you ever need one in the future:

http://www.maxwellmarine.com/support_manuals.php

I didn't know that I was supposed to open the gearing on the deck portion and grease it EVERY 3 MONTHS!! Guess what I'm doing tomorrow??

 

[sasto]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

Hope the next trip is a little bit more uneventful! and have fun out there!!

Brandon

I hope so too, Brandon. I feel better this time..........Thanks!

Mine is different. I think the design is the RC-10:


I found the PDF manuals for all of Maxwell's windlasses, if you ever need one in the future:

http://www.maxwellmarine.com/support_manuals.php

I didn't know that I was supposed to open the gearing on the deck portion and grease it EVERY 3 MONTHS!! Guess what I'm doing tomorrow??

Nice link, Fireman. I'm saving this one.

I have two zerk fittings. I took her apart yesterday and all looks good now. I bet she was never serviced in years.

I vacuumed out about 4" of rust out of the anchor locker. Going to paint the locker and install new chain soon.

View attachment 106314

 

[erwinner]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

Read the whole thread today and just wanted to thank you for the insights...
I'm late 20s and not too happy with my career of over 10 years so this is quite the inspiration!
I've got some family at the Texas coast and may have to see if I could rent one of their lower bedrooms (houses on stilts) in exchange for maintenance/repairs on the houses/boats, then get a lowly job at a marina and hopefully someday be able to captain someone's Chris-Craft and still get to crawl around in the depths of the boat fixing problems.

 

[sasto]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

Read the whole thread today and just wanted to thank you for the insights...
I'm late 20s and not too happy with my career of over 10 years so this is quite the inspiration!
I've got some family at the Texas coast and may have to see if I could rent one of their lower bedrooms (houses on stilts) in exchange for maintenance/repairs on the houses/boats, then get a lowly job at a marina and hopefully someday be able to captain someone's Chris-Craft and still get to crawl around in the depths of the boat fixing problems.

Good luck in whatever you do, erwinner. I was working for E.I.Dupont for several years living comfortable being single. I took a vacation to the Outer Banks of NC and returned home to pack my stuff. I took a job with Buddy Davis Yachts for a fraction of pay I was getting. Rent was double too. I had to pay my dues to get to a job that I truely love. It's a big challenge, one I enjoy.

My next challenge is the A/C units. There are 5 of which 3 failed recently. After further inspection I found all sorts of corrosion problems in the machinery space. The A/C units circuit boards are toast. SS hose clamps tarnished, bronze fittings turned green.........Source of the problem appears to be muratic acid, but none stored there. The new generator battery went dry in two weeks due to failure of the charger, which is overcharging. I'm thinking hydrogen is my problem. What else could it be?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

I think you're all over it, Sasto. Overcharging of the battery causes a hydrogen sulfide leak in both liquid and vapor, especially if the battery is vented. That mixture in the air acts a bit like muriatic acid vapor. Corrosion and tarnishing abound. Fix the charger and (maybe) switch to a sealed AGM or Gel battery.

 

[sasto]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

I wrote this on the wrong thread yesterday, here she belongs......

So much for moving her to a protected marina for a few months. I worked a couple days at Club Med and had work to do on Amusement. I decided to stay here on her for a few days and save some driving time. Glad I did! It blew 40kts with gusts over 50kts right down 4 miles of river. I tied her to every cleat, piling, and post I could reach. A Sportfish with his stern to, broke his bow and a spring cleat. I'm stuffed in here and have one fender off and rubbing a piling. Can't get it back in place with these 3footers slamming into my port bow. The water supply to the dock is busted. bl......forget about it! Kimi just showed up with some brews and dinner.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

I wrote this on the wrong thread yesterday, here she belongs......

So much for moving her to a protected marina for a few months. I worked a couple days at Club Med and had work to do on Amusement. I decided to stay here on her for a few days and save some driving time. Glad I did! It blew 40kts with gusts over 50kts right down 4 miles of river. I tied her to every cleat, piling, and post I could reach. A Sportfish with his stern to, broke his bow and a spring cleat. I'm stuffed in here and have one fender off and rubbing a piling. Can't get it back in place with these 3footers slamming into my port bow. The water supply to the dock is busted. bl......forget about it! Kimi just showed up with some brews and dinner.

Your loving it aren't you Captain??!!

Meanwhile, I'm stuck planting grass seed miles and miles from the ocean.

 

[sasto]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

Your loving it aren't you Captain??!!

Meanwhile, I'm stuck planting grass seed miles and miles from the ocean.

You might say so, Swabbie, but my true love is the sea, not the dock. She has been at this dock for over 2 months and only been moved a few times. This is all fixin' to change with winter around the corner, my busy season.

I wouldn't mind spending a few days in the grass.

Good day to ya!

 

[sasto]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

Here is where the battery was sitting. The wood is shot. I have a big problem on my hands.

The A/C units look like they have been sitting underwater

The seastrainers looked new about 3 weeks ago.

View attachment 117790View attachment 117791View attachment 117792

 

[oops!]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

links didnt work buddy.......

did you replace the circuit boards?.......they are pricy.

lets see what you are dealing with.......is the wood rotted out past the edge of the wall or bulkhead of the area you are working in?,,,,lets hope not

 

[sasto]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

links didnt work buddy.......

did you replace the circuit boards?.......they are pricy.

lets see what you are dealing with.......is the wood rotted out past the edge of the wall or bulkhead of the area you are working in?,,,,lets hope not

I don't know about the links, oops, they show up on my puter.

I'm sitting here contiplating on my next step. The rotted plywood board the battery sits on runs between 2 stringers. It has been repaired before with epoxy. It also is a platform for the generator. The damage appears to be only the area under the battery. I will find out soon. I didn't bring any gloves with me but will post you a photo after I tear out the damage.

I have an A/C guy going to help me. We are thinking about taking out all 5 of them and work on them on the dock. I only have a couple weeks to fix this. Bossman wants to bring the boat back to our marina.....and I'm slow!

I appreciate your imput.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New Job, 501 Constellation, Good and Bad.

I don't know about the links, oops, they show up on my puter.

There's a forum glitch. They go dead after an hour. Click the Go Advanced button when posting and upload them there. Those should work.