Waterlogged Seat!!!

[RayS.Mac26X-YO!]

I went to spray off my Mac 26x today and could barely lift up the seat! I had left it tilted up and at least a gallon of rainwater was inside it! There are small cracks in the bottom of the seat (opposite from the hinge side,) but they couldn't possibly be big enough for that much water to enter, could they? btw...I was able to shake most of the water out of it....

[kmclemore]

I had the same problem, Ray... in my case the DPO had removed the snaps for the cushions and the little holes allowed water to get in. I simply drilled a small 3/16" drain hole underneath on the port side so that it would drain when in the lowered position or while lifting.

Oh, and I plugged those old snap holes, too, of course!

[Sloop John B]

Yeah, I noticed the same occurrence with the companion way door. It's hollow inside. Minute hair line cracks on the edge allowed an enormous amount of water to seep in. I guess one lets it drain, dry, and seal with Marine Tex.

[Chuck Healey]

Speaking of the companionway door. I plan to shave the sides a little and put a bracket under the helm seat, so I can store the door there, like many others have done. I was wondering if the door will float if it happens to fall overboard by mistake. That is if there is no cracks to let water in. I was going to rig up some kind of safety line I could attach to it if it is not bouyant.

[Sloop John B]

Chuck, the door floats if it's got the bulges on both sides. This may have been changed when the cork was replaced.

On my 2002, I can stash the door under the helm seat without having any modification at all. The seat comes down and traps it. Just have to make sure the fuel line gets out without being squeezed shut.

There are times, while sitting forward, I don't know which way the motor/rudders are pointed. It's convenient to glance under the seat and see, rather than sit there for moments and watch what's happening to you.

I'll locate my tomahawk and put a dent in the wheel where they're straight ahead, but the wheel turns quite a bit, I think 2 times at least side to side.

[norbert]

the wheel turns about 2 times from side to side (at least at my original 1997 steering system). a piece of tape marks the straight forward position on my wheel.

[norbert]

no it's easier than the slides! 2 turns from hard port to hard starboard means: when your mark is up your rudders are fully left or straight ahead or fully right. in my experience you know if you are on the one or either side. what you need to know is the ahead position. try it out, it works for me.

[Moe]

My bad... I was thinking two turns to each side of center.

Thanks,
--
Moe

[kmclemore]

I use the tape method, too, Norbert... works a treat.

It's also a good way to ensure nothing has gone wonky over time - like a bent steering rod, etc. - if your wheel suddenly is no longer 'tape up' when going straight ahead you'll know somethings gone amiss and you can sort it.

[Sloop John B]

Yeah, tape is a better idea. I might squash my thumb.