Just thought I'd post a pic of my shiny new prop. Probably the last time I'll see it looking like this - almost tempted to get the brasso out, seems a shame to get it wet it is such a thing of beauty.
Good news so far. New freeing ports cut and finished. Engine service started.
Bad news so far. Deckwash pump clutch seized (should be able to free off) found a patch of rot in the aft wheelhouse bulkhead. How I missed it before I don't know, I don't know how the surveyor missed it either. I should be able to splice a new piece in.
Well Martin, you could hang it on the wall as an ornament - you wouldn't be the first! I'd rather get it wet though. Looks wonderful!
How are you getting on with unseizing your deck wash pump?
I'd say it was very easy to miss rot, especially if it had been varnished or painted over. It's usually rain water rather than salt water that causes it.
The only rot I have found in mine so far (fingers crossed and touching wood) is the very outside edges of the dash board top. This was almost certianly caused by rain water getting in through a profusion of poorly repaired holes above the windscreens and collecting on the ends of the dashboard with nowhere to drain to.
I glassed up all of the old holes properly when I replaced the windows a couple of years ago - bone dry now. Not really a great loss either as so many holes had been cut or drilled into the old dashboard top (mostly for long since gone instruments) that I was going to replace it anyway.
