What the heck is this? Found on '72 Columbia 30

[S/V_Surya]

Originally Posted by sabray

that doesnt explain the small round piece that looks like a screwed on rubber cushion or pad.

Ok, second guess is a swing set while looking at smut.....

[Tim R.]

Based on the shape I say it could be a sea cover for the deadlights. Does it match?

[Cheechako]

Looking at it, I'm thinking it's the old lee boards (from the sides of the cockpit) that someone saved and used as fender boards......thus the shaped end on one end?

[Mike Vogdes]

Originally Posted by luckywizard

Perhaps this is an indication of just how very new I am, but my boyfriend and I are fixing up an old run down 1972 Columbia 30' and are finding all kinds of interesting things inside the boat (it came fully loaded with the late owner's possessions-- a curse and a blessing). Anyway, we have a pair of these (pictured in attachment) on the boat and have both been puzzling over what they could be. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Welcome aboard luckywizard... I have know idea what the boards are for but somebody sure spent some time making them, you will someday figure it out I'm sure. In the mean time, you guys want to look at that port chainplate that's behind you in the picture, the plywood it is attached to looks like it might be trouble.

[TxCoastSailor]

Originally Posted by Tim R.

Based on the shape I say it could be a sea cover for the deadlights. Does it match?

That's what I think too.

[luckywizard]

Originally Posted by Mike Vogdes

Welcome aboard luckywizard... I have know idea what the boards are for but somebody sure spent some time making them, you will someday figure it out I'm sure. In the mean time, you guys want to look at that port chainplate that's behind you in the picture, the plywood it is attached to looks like it might be trouble.

Forgive me Mike, but I'm not exactly sure what you're referring to, but I suspect you might mean the metal piece with four nuts on it? The teak is in this state because when the boat was purchased the interior was covered head to toe in black mold. At this juncture it's basically got bleach water staining and drips. We are planning to completely sand down all the teak surfaces to clean wood and oil it or varnish it. I'm going to have my boat-builder uncle come down at some point and check out all the wood on the inside (I can only guess what all is salvagable).

I should probably start a thread with pictures so all the experts can advise and pick apart. It's not the kind of boat you'd spend toooo much money on, but it's a tank, and we're trying to make it seaworthy and comfortable for weekend adventures

We are saving the 'fender boards' or whatever they might be. maybe we'll spend some time this weekend puzzling it out!

[Cheechako]

I think he's concerned as the wood around the chainplate looks black. That could be a sign of rotted wood... the metal piece is called a chainplate and it is one componant that holds the mast up. Try probing the wood with a sharp object and see if it's soft etc.

[luckywizard]

Oh ok, will do!

In which forum do people post threads about their boat projects? I'd love to share the process and get tips and feedback as we work this fall/spring.

Cheers

[Cheechako]

Look under "forums" up above and then under "engineering and systems" You can then post under the appropriate category.
You'll get a lot of good advice here... some of it conflicting, but can usually ferrett out what works best in your situation. Remember though, not everyone's budget or goal is the same, so do what works for you.
Just dont ask about anchors or catamarans vs monohulls! haha

[van demon]

sorry haven't got a clue,
but good luck with your project,

[Mike Vogdes]

You got yourself a nice classic sailboat and it will be a fun project to fix up. Good news is, pretty much everything is repairable and as Cheechako says posting in the appropriate forum will get you plenty of advice. If that's black mold we are looking at you will want to kill it and get rid of it before sanding anything. If not it will keep growing and drive you nuts and may make you sick.. Leaky chainplates is a pretty common issue on older boats and they should be inspected. If the wood around them is soft they will need to be addressed and repaired before doing any sailing.