Sabre 28: Haul-out for service

We hauled the Sabre last week at Sail Craft here in Oriental.
We hadn't seen the bottom so I didn't know how extensive our project list would be.
It's not so bad.  After the power wash, some small blisters were apparent.  These are concentrated on the leading edge of the rudder.  There are also maybe 40 penny size blisters distributed around the hull.  I opened these and will grind and re-fair.
The prop and shaft had a growth and needed polishing.  I removed the shaft to check on the integrity of the dripless shaft seal.  It is in good shape.  The doubled SS bands were not tight enough but there were no leaks.
The cutlass bearing was shot, so this will be replaced after other work is done.
The depth and speed transponder will be the next project, as well as the ongoing bottom sanding...

The cutlass bearing after some chipping away at the faring material.

Sabre Sailing once more before haul out.

Sabre 28: New electrical panel

One of the few complaints I have found of the Sabre 28 is the placement of the electrical panel.
It was placed just inside the companion way and is often exposed to spray.
Miraculously it still works even after 40 years.  This is a testament to the high quality of materials and installation.

The corrosion is an eyesore though, so we decided to begin anew.
We went with a modern blade fuse setup. We picked a great Blue Sea 12 slot Fuse panel.
With the addition of an electrical meter, shunt, terminal block and new toggle switches, the power onboard feels much more reliable.
Here are some photos in process:

Once mounted inside of the cabinet, the whole system will be protected from spray.

Sabre 28: Forestay failure! ...and replacement

While out on an afternoon sail in a 15 knot breeze, our forestay failed with the genoa up.
CHAOS!  The mast held up by virtue of our lower forward shrouds.  Thank their hearts.
We quickly doused all canvas and as gingerly as we could, motored through the 2 foot chop to our slip.
The next day I rigged a temporary stay, cut the stay, disassembled the Harken furler.

It should have been obvious but under the bolt and washer, it was impossible to see a crack.

After shopping around online for chainplate fabricators.  The prices were high so I ended up ordering 316 stainless from Onlinemetals.com.
So I can leave up the mast, I will work my way around the boat replacing stays as I go.
I increased the thickness of the steel.  This is not needed but why not.
The original chainplates lasted 40 years.

The failed forestay and the new blank.  Notice the increased thickness.

The new forestay ready to be installed.  Safety line attached so I don't lose it in the drink.

The new forestay ready for action.

The new and old lower forward chainplates.  316L !

Sabre 28: Port Light replacement

The port lights on the Sabre are original, hazy and cracked.  Replacement of the old plexiglass glass is good winter project.  The boat has 2 large and 2 small port lights on each side.  I ordered a 24 x 36 inch piece of 1/4 inch plexiglass.  This is enough to tackle one side of the boat.
I also ordered Dow Corning 795 silicone which is the proper adhesive/sealent for plexiglass.
We had hoped to salvage an intact piece of the original to use as a template but they all shattered on removal.  It was easy enough to make the correct shape when we had the frame removed.

The edge of the protective film was cut away before seating the plexi in a bed of Dow 795.  Before the 795 fully set, we peeled away the masking and tape.

Sabre 28: Sailing!

We have been working on old boat issues and sailing when we can.
Here are some of the items we have addressed recently:
But first some Sailing!

1.  Removed a diesel/electric water heater.  It was taking up too much room and interfering with the engine circulation.
2.  Installed a big Rule automatic bilge pump.
3.  Removed the shore electric and a variety of abandoned circuits.
4.  Installed a battery cover for the 2 deep cycle batteries.
5.  Replaced the deck flood light and mast light with LED bulbs.
6.  Did the required glass work and reinstalled new/used stanchions to replace the 2 that were damaged in Florence.  We also rewired all 4 lifelines.

Sabre 28: Mast inspection

My eldest son was willing to take a ride up the mast in a bosun's chair to inspect the mast.
The standing rigging is in adequate condition at present.  All the bulbs are burnt out. There are three lights on the mast: deck flood, steaming light and masthead.  He was able to open the fixtures and retrieve the bulbs.  We will find the LED replacements and have another trip up the mast.

Sabre 28: deck

Other than the chainplate penetrations, the deck is in good shape.
I replaced the solar fan with a new and larger unit.  We have been sanding the teak and varnishing our way around the deck.

Sabre 28: Standing rigging

Another water intrusion issue with the Sabre was the leaking chainplates.
It has been years since the deck penetrations were serviced and the bedding compound had dried out and shrank.  This allowed water to get to the top of the bulkhead and it started the rot process.
The straps each have 5 bolts through the bulkhead spread out over 12 inches.  The top 2 bolt holes were compromised on both port and starboard.

Here is the chainplate after the repair.

To address this I cut and fitted marine ply sections and epoxied them over the good wood after cutting out the rot and filling the void with thickened epoxy.  It has the added plus of fitting up tight to the heavy molded fiberglass deck house beam.  After the repairs are varnished, the bolts will be reinstalled.
Here are photos of the strengthened bulkheads and the cleaned up and refitted chainplates.
If there is a rigging failure someday, I don't think it will be here.

Sabre 28 Projects: Chain Locker

The chain locker on the Sabre has a drain.  It is a small hole right through the stem about a foot above the waterline.  The hole is about 3/8ths of and inch and was clogged for several years apparently.  Rain water filled the locker and eventually rotted the bulkhead.  It was holding water when I got it.  The first project was to cut out the bulkhead and replace it with marine ply.
Because the deck is inplace, the bulkhead had to be installed with a seam.  This was backed up with an overlapping butt joint and the locker side was glassed with layers of glass cloth set in epoxy.
The drain hole is clear and one of the regular maintenance items will be to check it.  Washing down the rode will be a priority.

The locker after repair and paint.

The bulkhead. The treated pine 5 quarter  thick strips are epoxied in and will provide a surface to fasten finish oak lapping to match the existing woodwork.

Sabre 28!

Oriental, NC  the land of milk, honey and boats.
A nice neighbor lady gave us sweet deal on a 1978 Sabre 28 Mark ll.
I thought it would be a couple of years before we managed to acquire a nice cruiser, but low and behold this beauty:

She was nearby all along!