Discovering the Old Boat

She photographs well, does Swoose, especially with the newer dodger and matching sailcover. But as I spend more time with her, I begin to see age-related things.

Topping lift

Right now I’m focusing on the topping lift because it exhibits excessive friction. What do I mean by excessive? I have to use the winch to get the boom above my head.

The existing blocks yield a 4:1 purchase. They appear to be the original blocks from when the boat came new from the factory 40 years ago. I’m looking at replacing them with new Garhauer blocks in a 5:1 arrangement: a triple block above and a double block with becket below.

I could also reduce friction by reducing the line size. I’m looking at some 8mm hi-tech line with very low stretch. That should roll over the sheaves well, slide through the guides more easily, and still be large enough to grip.

As I have stared at the topping lift, I have become aware that the wire cable anchored at the top of the mast also looks like the original from 1982. It shows rust at the swaged fitting. Since the topping lift is a critical part of the Nonsuch 26’s rig, I think this also needs to be replaced. I’m reaching out to a local rigger to ask about replacing it with Dyneema. He may also be able to take care of upgrading the blocks, including the old cheek block on the boom that appears to be a relatively high-friction wheel on a shaft.

Hatch

The main hatch is badly crazed and leaks. We didn’t know it leaked because an inflatable dinghy had been over the hatch when we inspected the boat. The gasket is getting brittle and the sealant is hard.

I’m investigating whether I can repair it but in the long run, it may be better to simply replace it.