Maintenance Solutions
Hope you don't mind - I'll make this a more "positive" post and direct myself to the solutions.... Anyway, I've got an '81 H25 also, and it is relatively trouble-free. You seem most concerned about leaks and rigging tension, so let's go there first. The toe-rail / stanchion connections are a good spot to look for leaks, and you might want to re-bed the toe-rail if it has never been done. (Especially if you are seeing evidence of leaks.) The portlights tend to leak a bit, also; but that is usually into the cabin when you open them, not into the interior construction where "serious" damage would occur. A note - don't dog down the fore-hatch too tight or it can start leaking - just use "snug" tension. Shroud tension shouldn't be such a huge worry for you - if you don't have the specs and a tensiometer (not many people do....), just tighten them until you think they're getting a bit too stressed and back off to your "comfort level". Seriously, if the shrouds are tight and the mast is straight, you should be okay for sailing the H25, without losing sleep about it. Check that the mast is straight by using the main halyard to measure the distance from the starboard and port toe-rails - obviously, these two measurements should be the same, so adjust shroud tension accordingly. While you're at the mast, check for compression under the mast. This forum has had a lot of stories about the H25 leaking around the mast, and the resulting repairs sound non-habit-forming! (Thank God I've not got THAT problem!!) When was the bottom last painted? And with what? Periodic "maintenance" of the bottom paint depends on a lot of factors... I just had the bottom completely stripped right down to the gel coat, put on a new barrier coat and ablative paint. So it will take new ablative every two or three seasons, depending on use / storage / etc. How are your sails? Baggy? New? They are the "horsepower" for a sailboat, and you can't skrimp on them. (I've had friends think they are getting a good deal on a used "first boat", only to spend half the price of the boat in new sails!!!) Check your bilge pump often enough to let you sleep in peace. And check the most common source of leaks to the bilge in a H25 - the cockpit drain hose connection! And for aesthetics - what about your teak? Interior and exterior. Although there isn't much brightwork topside, varnishing it is still a pain in the caboose, so figure if you want varnish, Cetol or that "weathered look". This decision may significantly impact your sailing time! Is your rig roller-furled? Check some of the posts about the CDI (which I've got) and check it's condition, if that's what you've got. Gee, that's about it. Mainly, just go sailing and enjoy the boat! She'll handle well and weather a LOT of rough seas if you reef early and sail conservatively! Good Sailing! Michael O' s/v "Narrow Escape"
