[C38] leaking backstay adjusters

[Don Strong]

  Chuck: Thanks for the info. Discrete Charm has the always-leaking 
Navtec 35. I have wrapped the bottom end of the unit in a fairly 
attractive dark terry cloth towel, which catches most of the oil. Beats 
the big bucks that you describe below.
Regards, Don

On 7/30/10 2:36 PM, Charles B. Finn wrote:
> The problem for us in discussing backstay adjusters is that Catalina 
> used a variety of them over the years.  The first one was a Navtec 
> -35, which as produced in the late 70s and early 80s.  This one is 
> tough to re-build and about 10-20% of them leak even after a rebuild.  
> The 35 model has a nickle sized plug on the bottom that is at about a 
> 5-10 degree angle from the bottom face.
> This unit was replaced with the -36 model in which the plug is flush 
> with the bottom plate.  the -36 model is more reliable and there 
> appears to be no trouble rebuilding them.
>
> One thing to watch out for is our old problem with stainless and 
> corrosion!  About one in ten -35 and -36 models need a new stainless 
> rod, which really ups the cost.  Normal rebuild cost by the way runs 
> $300 - $400 according to the shop I use which used to be called 
> Marblehead Marine:  ( http://www.theforepeak.com/     (talk to Tom)).  
> By the way, the shop won't know if your is a "leaker" until after they 
> have spent all the time and materials.....
>
> Defender.com sells new ones for $1200.   At this time, mine is leaking 
> as well and I have not decided whether it is worth it to rebuild....
>
> Chuck Finn
> Vice Commodore
>
> On 7/30/2010 1:25 PM, Don Strong wrote:
>> Dear Group: I have a Navtec hydraulic, with a gauge, that will put 
>> huge pressure on the rig with great results for head sail shape. 
>> However, it leaks hydraulic fluid and is constantly making a mess. 
>> Expensive repair efforts, including expensive shipping, have failed 
>> to stop the leaking. A mechanical BSA, one of the chrome wheel types, 
>> looks attractive. Problem is, it seems to me, that one would not know 
>> how much tension is placed on the rig.
>> What are the experiences of others of you?
>> Regards, Don
>>
>> On 7/30/10 10:19 AM, Max Soto wrote:
>>> Hey Bill ,
>>>
>>> Congrats!
>>> I also planning to install a backstay adjuster on Estancia, but 
>>> still not sure if I should go for a hydraulic or a mechanical......
>>> I'm also going to race tomorrow. Just borrowed a huge 155% and a 
>>> huge assy, so we'll see how it goes.....
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>> Max Soto
>>> C38 #198 ESTANCIA
>>> Puntarenas, Costa Rica
>>>
>>> 2010/7/30 Bill Haynes <hayneswm at charter.net 
>>> <mailto:hayneswm at charter.net>>
>>>
>>>     Hi everybody!  Just thought I would let ya'll know that Zephyr
>>>     was entered in another regatta here in St. Andrews Bay (Panama
>>>     City, FL) and kicked butt once more.  The second place boat
>>>     crossed the finish line more than 7 minutes later.
>>>     We have a new custom fitted mainsail on now.  Next on the list
>>>     to be done will be an adjustable backstay.  By this fall we will
>>>     hopefully have a new 155 installed.
>>>     Right now we are in the non-spinnaker class.  By next year we
>>>     hope to be prepared to be in with the spinnaker class.  We are
>>>     having lots of fun on this boat.
>>>     Bill Haynes
>>>     Athens, GA
>>>
>>>     _______________________________________________
>>>     Listserve mailing list
>>>     Listserve at catalina38.org <mailto:Listserve at catalina38.org>
>>>     http://catalina38.org/mailman/listinfo/listserve_catalina38.org
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -- 
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>      
>>
>> -- 
>> Donald R. Strong
>> Professor
>> Dept. of Evolution and Ecology
>> University of California, Davis 95616
>>
>>
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>>    
>
>
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-- 
Donald R. Strong
Professor
Dept. of Evolution and Ecology
University of California, Davis 95616

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