Hello all. Just bought an old Laser and am looking to get back into sailing. Used to race 110's, Dragons and Flying Fifteens in the 70's and 80's with my dad (salt water). Then life got in the way. Kids off to college now and i'm looking forward to getting back into it, albeit fresh water (lake) this time. Thanks to sailingforums I've been able to do a bit of research as I set about getting the boat ready after years of storage. I will start by ordering up fresh sheets and battens. My observations, and related questions (in italics) follow. Note that I am not looking to race nor spend a lot beyond necessary repairs (safety and "sailability" are more important than cosmetics). Any help is much appreciated.
Serial #: The serial number on the transom indicates a boat built circa '76. Sail # 36692. Performance Sailcraft-built.
Other than needing a good cleaning, the hull is in good shape (deck and bottom don't feel soft) other than a couple of areas where hull and deck need re-bonding. Question: what is the best epoxy to use to seal the gap? I have GFlex for my kayaks, would that work?
Mast/Mast Step:
Mast step seem to be solid except for a bit of missing material between 1 and 5 o'clock in this picture. Note that this boat doesn't have an inspection port to my knowledge. Question: what would be best way to fix this? Epoxy the bottom and put a teflon plate (or Pringle can cover) down there?
Mast step hole seems to have some play (e.g. fore-aft gap between mast and step hole). Question: is this normal?
Mast has some wear on the finish from the mast step hole. Question: any cause for concern?
Rudder: has a crack in it. I'd like to epoxy it and/or insert a thin screw to keep it from further separating, but I'm not sure what material the rudder of a Laser of this vintage is made of. Wood? Fiberglass? Question: any advice on how best to repair?
Swivel Block: Seem to be some stress cracks where the block is attached to the deck. There are also two holes nearby. Questions: What are these holes for and should I be concerned about the cracks under the swivel block?
I am sure I'll have a few more questions down the road, but any help on these to start with are much appreciated! I hope to contribute to this forum myself over time!
-Greg
Serial #: The serial number on the transom indicates a boat built circa '76. Sail # 36692. Performance Sailcraft-built.
Other than needing a good cleaning, the hull is in good shape (deck and bottom don't feel soft) other than a couple of areas where hull and deck need re-bonding. Question: what is the best epoxy to use to seal the gap? I have GFlex for my kayaks, would that work?
Mast/Mast Step:
Mast step seem to be solid except for a bit of missing material between 1 and 5 o'clock in this picture. Note that this boat doesn't have an inspection port to my knowledge. Question: what would be best way to fix this? Epoxy the bottom and put a teflon plate (or Pringle can cover) down there?
Mast step hole seems to have some play (e.g. fore-aft gap between mast and step hole). Question: is this normal?
Mast has some wear on the finish from the mast step hole. Question: any cause for concern?
Rudder: has a crack in it. I'd like to epoxy it and/or insert a thin screw to keep it from further separating, but I'm not sure what material the rudder of a Laser of this vintage is made of. Wood? Fiberglass? Question: any advice on how best to repair?
Swivel Block: Seem to be some stress cracks where the block is attached to the deck. There are also two holes nearby. Questions: What are these holes for and should I be concerned about the cracks under the swivel block?
I am sure I'll have a few more questions down the road, but any help on these to start with are much appreciated! I hope to contribute to this forum myself over time!
-Greg