Rudder post packing

[Steve Kratchman]

1-What size should be used to repack the rudder post nut to eliminate water seepage? Can a Teflon be used with success?2-Has anyone contact cemented another layer of Formica onto the galley top with any success? I am about to perform such a feat but will wait for a response. 3-Have just completed replacing topside teak hand rails with SS rail single piece. It looks great and so much more solid than the teak. For racing and for cruising, it feels as though the boat could be picked up by the rails. They are so solid. Did it without going inside through to the interior cabin roof.

 

[Steve Dion]

So you did it...

Steve:I see you got your hand rails replaced. I would like to see a picture of them.As far as the formica replacement is concerned, I think you should contact a formica shop and ask them. I believe that you are suppose to rough up the surface so there is something for the contact cement to BITE to. I do know know if you just use heavy duty sand paper or some type of tool.

 

[Ken Palmer]

Post some pictures

I would like to see how they came out. Can you take some photos?Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty

 

[Jim O'Brien]

re-formica

I have looked into laying formica over formica. In Handyman or Homeowner Magazines (can't rember which) they have an article regarding this subject.I will try to find it for you. But as I remember, they say to rough up the surface and it can be re-applied. I would love to hear how you replaced the rails without going through the cabin top. Please elaborate.

 

[Terry Arnold]

formica alternative?

About a year ago I decided to change out the old and grungy formica on my 79 H33, but after looking at the difficulties, (all that teak trim around the edges, formica surface going under the outside storage cabinet etc.) decided to temporize. Sanded all of the surface down and even had to fill with epoxy some craters in the top, when perfectly smooth, taped and painted with an aersol enamel made for appliances. Looked great and now a year later, still looks quite good. not as hard as formica but easier for sure and can be repainted again if necessary.

 

[Mark Mowery]

New formica

I replaced the formica on my H33 a couple of years ago. Sand the old formica with medium grit paper, apply a thin even coat of contact cement to both the new formica and the old countertop, and it will never come off. After applying the contact cement, I placed long wooden dowels on top of the old countertop, then laid the new formica on top of the dowels. This way you can move the new formica around and line it up the way you want it. Once you get it right, remove the dowel from one end, press down until the cement grabs, then work your way to the other end of the counter, removing dowels as you go. Make sure you have plenty of fresh air circulation when you start using the cement.