Hello all newbie here

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Mitch

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Oct 22, 2008
21
Oday 34 Lk St Clair
Hello all.
I just want to introduce myself as a new member and new sailor.
Kind of a late start at 52 yrs old, but a start anyways. My name is
Mitch and I live in Davison, Michigan but sail on Lk. St Clair. I
purchased my first sailboat last August 2008. It is a 1982 O'day,
34 foot. For a 27 year old boat, she is in excellent shape being
well cared for by her previous owners. Although new to sailing, I
took the ASA sailing classes Basic keel boat and coastal cruising
in May of '06. I then spent the next 2 years learning and studying
sailboats, buying books, magazines, and going to boat shows. In the
spring of '08, I joined the Bark Shanty Sailing Club at the Port
Sanilac marina to crew with regular sailors for fun and more
learning. Lots of both from all the fine folks there.

Since I don't want to post to much here at once, I put up a small
web page at www.magbots.net with pictures and a detailed
description of the boat. I will be posting a story of my boat
searching experience and other stuff there shortly. As this is my
first boat, I spent the extra money for inside cold storage and had
the mast removed. I also paid to have the marina winterize it.

Now for a question. I may need some new spreaders. Both of them
have been repaired I beleive. They have been welded at the leading
edge where they attach to the mast. The forces applied to them
while sailing are starting to bow them out at the end. One has a
crack almost an inch long. Can aluminum be rewelded, or should I
replace them? Rig-Rite seems to have them, but their web page
leaves much to be desired for ordering. I have put two pictures of
them on my web page at www.magbots.net. Thats all for now. If this post is in the wrong forum, please educate me! Thanks all, and happy sailing!

mitch
 
Dec 8, 2006
1,085
Oday 26 Starr, SC
Mitch:

Yes, aluminum can be welded. It takes special skill and care. Be sure - if you use local shop that he has both skill and has worked on sailboats before. Best if you can find a boat owner who does the welding who appreciates older boats.

If you cannot find local shop, consider this boat owner/welder:
http://www.jbtek.com/

While it is a long ways, he is a boat guy and a quality guy. Shipping by Big Brown may add a few dollars, but it would be done right.

Ed K
26
 

Pops

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Apr 11, 2004
154
- - Albemarle Sound
Welcome, This site is the place for you to be. It has more information than any other site I've ever found (when there is better or more succinct reference elsewhere, members quickly supply links to further the discussions) . An example would be, the thread reguarding Mainesail's article on how to remove and re-bed your deck hardware. If I were smarter, I would provide the link for you.
 

RAD

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Jun 3, 2004
2,330
Catalina 30 Bay Shore, N.Y.
Welcome to a great site and I agree that a local welder can mend that spreader and it'll be good as new, welders familiar with a sail boat is better but and qualified welder could help and you might ask around in the marinas
Also try Rudy at D&R, who's Rudy? he was the production mgr. at ODay and has tons of parts and knowledge and he might be able to help you out call him on the phone cause thats the best way to get him.
http://www.drmarine.com/
 
Sep 29, 2008
30
Oday 222 Western Lake Erie
Mitch,

Welcome to this great O'Day forum. You will fine much hands on experience and knowledge of our loved sailboats.
And YES, Rudy at D&R Marine works with us every day. RAD's link will get you to his sight. Best to call as it's days before he replies to e-mails. If Rudy can supply those spreaders they will be cut to Mfg specks and ready to install. I saw on his site where they should be however his software was not functioning well this morning. There was a 32 O' and the newer 322 O' Might be a good idea to have you hull ID# handy when you call.
"GETAWAY" is the newer 222 O'Day 1986 and has been in my care since 2005. We sail off the Southern shores of Lake Erie East of Toledo out of Anchor Point. Being a previous stink-boater I have gone back to my roots of sailing. Getting my experience in sailing around the Erie Islands and Sandusky Bay, till age 16. To be able to just turn the key and go boating through my working years was just the ticket for me. Now retired sailing is relaxing, and I have all the time now to enjoy.

Keep us posted. If Rudy does not have what you need I'd be suprized.
 

Mitch

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Oct 22, 2008
21
Oday 34 Lk St Clair
Many thanks to all who responded. I will let ya know if I have them repaired on get new ones.
Thanks again
Mitch
 
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