I already had an idea that the wood divider in our anchor locker had some rot in it. But today I began to appreciate just how extensive that rot was. In the photo below, you can see the ply center board (vertically) of our anchor locker divider. Fortunately, the other two – top and bottom – are of some hardwood and, while not without rot themselves, are still essentially sound. Needless to say, I will be replacing them all.
I just picked this piece out of its place in the anchor locker; no force necessary.
In tackling this project, I intend to service our Lighthouse 1501 windlass, which, at this point, seems more daunting than merely rebuilding the locker. The windlass has not been given any love in a while. I know that Margaret and I have not done anything to the windlass in the three years that we have owned the boat, and, judging by the condition of the anchor locker, I suspect it has been a while since the previous owner looked at it. I know the previous owner did get a new gypsy (or was it a whole new windlass) at some point in the nineties. The windlass must have been serviced then, if not more recently.
Since I needed to get a copy of the Lighthouse 1501 service documents, I called and spoke to a woman at Lighthouse today. I took the opportunity to ask her about servicing the windlass. She talked about some of the more common problems that people have with the 1501, particularly those that have not been cared for in some time. Then I got to reading some messages I had saved from the Tayana and Valiant owners group on the Lighthouse. None of this dissuaded me from thinking that I might be opening a can of worms. I think we will know one way or another tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed.
And, finally, from the “it could be worse files,” I came across this on the Valiant owners group:
I should do a write up for anyone with a mid-80’s Valiant that is basically glued together with 5200. The stuff I have learned pulling off every interior overhead panel and every single piece of hardware on the deck… I will be very glad to have done it though.
Whether the windlass servicing turns out to be quick and painless or worse, I will be very glad to have done it, too. “Have done it,” what a lovely little turn of phrase.