General questions

[Van]

I have a Hunter 37.5 1994, homeport San Diego. I have a few general questions on maintenance: 1. How often do you lubricate your winches and wheel steering linkages?  2. My throttle lever will slowly rotate, with the engine in operation, slowing down the engine, if you do not prevent it turning ( with a bungee cord, for instance). Anybody would know how to fix it?  3. I have the bottom cleaned every month by divers. Do you need to apply bottom paint, say every 2 or 3 years, if you do a thorough hull  cleaning every montht?  4. How often do you have your rigging inspected?

 

[Darren Mayes]

Hull paint

#4. Bottom cleaning shoudl remove all the algae and the like. The type of water you sail in deictates how often to repaint the bottom. I am told (am new 260 owner) that I will need to repaint in about 2.5 years - I sail in the brackish St.John's / Intercoastal areas of Florida.

 

[Robert Pugh]

Maintenance Questions

If you are not sure when it was last done, I would do a complete service of your winches and steering mechanism. My 380 Edson manual says every year for the steering, but it does not get full time use so I figure every 2-3 years. Same for the winches. The same goes for your rigging. Usage determines everything. Get it set right and then see how much you use the boat. I spent $100 to have someone do it last year. It still appears great.Your diver should let you know when the bottom paint needs replacing. I have been told every 3-5 years in San Diego.I would definitely have someone look at your throttle. That's not right. Please email me if you would like local recommendations for maintenance people. (pugh1@cox.net)

 

[joe phibbs]

slipping throttle

The quick and easy fix on your throttle cable is to buy a small screw-driven piece (formerly called a 'burndy lug') that merely clamps onto the outside of the cable, as close to the engine as feasible, and tightened down just enought to halt the slippage should fix your problem.

 

[Steve Dion]

How often is too often.

Van:1. I would think it would be prudent to service your winches about every 2 years. If they start gumming up you can always do them sooner. Be sure to use a good lube that is designed for them. The steering should be checked annually. If you have cable steering and it breaks at sea, it is going to be a long day.2. If you setup is similar to our there is a little device called a 'J' clamp. Check this outhttp://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=Dion73064768600&fno=173. Your diver should be able to let you know when you are ready for bottom paint. You may want to consider alternating colors when you have your bottom painted next time. This way the blue can start showing throught the red or whatever colors you are working with.4. I would think you should have it inspected every 3-5 years or so in the salt environment. Maybe a little more often if your is still original (10 years now). If you are going to pay to have it inspected, you may as well have them tune it up if it needs it too.