What is this piece and how do I replace it?

[AllAboardTahoe]

Hello, first time poster here.
I recently purchased a new-to-me 1983 Catalina 30 and I've been enjoying sailing it and working on it out of Santa Cruz Harbor. I live in Tahoe.
Near the top of my repair list is this rotten piece of wood that is bolted under my engine controls in the cockpit.
What should I replace this rotten piece of wood with and how do I go about doing it?
I see you can unbolt these controls from the backside, but it looks fairly complicated and seems like I could easily get things out of adjustment.
Any constructive input is greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Josh

 

[JoeWhite]

I do not know your boat, but I would cut a ring out of 1/2" or whatever the thickness is starboard using a circular hole saw.
And that black screw should be a stainless screw.

 

[jssailem]

Welcome @AllAboardTahoe to the SBO Forum. Love your choice of an Avatar.

The wood piece in question, looks like a "PO" (previous Owner) modification. The way the wood has deteriorated makes me guess it was a piece of plywood. No care was given to seal up the wood so it has been de-laminating / falling apart for some time. The use of the screw (one that is not protected from corrosion) supports the above SWAG.

I conjecture the PO wanted to get the controls further away form the side of the seat to make t easier to grab and move the controls.

Not you are faced with repair. If you want to maintain the distance from the seat edge, then you will need to use something that will provide a strong base and be wide enough to hold the controls in the position you desire.

Starboard is a HDPE product that is solid and not affected by the marine environment. It would be a good choice. You can find it at a plastic's supplier in various thicknesses. A place like Tap Plastics can sell you a piece and even cut it to the size/shape you desire.

If you want to use wood, then a piece of Teak would be the suggested material. You will need to oil or varnish the teak from time to time. It may last longer than the time you own the boat. It is not as impervious as the Starboard.

Depends on the style of fix you want to give it.

If you want just a quick fix (couple of years) then any solid wood piece might do. I would stay away from plywood or chip board. If esthetics is not a concern, then you could pop on a square block with no cost and no time.

It is your boat and you get to decide.

To take it apart just start to unscrew the controls and any nuts that might be holding it to the side of the seat from the inside. Pretty easy DIY project for a first project. Refrain from taking the control lever all apart.

 

[kloudie1]

Welcome aboard, Josh..
The two holes under the control levers probably have allen set screws holding them to the shafts. Loosen/remove those screws and the levers should pop off, leaving a nut in the center . That nut can then be loosened and the old plywood ring replaced. As John says, Starboard would be a good material .. but a nice square or rectangular plate with the right sized center hole would be fine.. It'd last quite a while if made of teak or Ipe wood.

 

[jssailem]

I found you two options.
In Santa Cruz - Gary's Plastic Place | Plastic sheet, displays and supplies.
Or a stop in Sacramento at Sacramento, CA : TAP Plastics on your way to the boat.

 

[AllAboardTahoe]

Wow, thank you so much for the speedy and thorough responses!

I have some 1/2" HDPE board and a hole saw, I'll try and create something that works out of that. I wanted to double check there wasn't some magic piece I could just buy. Looks like I simply need to engineer and install.

Thanks again, I'm looking forward to getting into the sailing community more here and on the water!
Josh