[C320-list] Companionway step

[Chris Burti]

The plate will certainly eliminate the problem permanently.

On Thu, Sep 30, 2010 at 4:14 PM, Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com> wrote:
> I should say that I chose not to repair the split because it wasn't
> completely through from side to side. It split from each side but not along
> the same line of the grain. I thought about breaking it apart, fitting with
> biscuits and gluing; but, because of the nature of the split, I didn't think
> I'd get a good result.
>
> I did force some glue into the cracks and clamp. However, the real support
> comes from the aluminum plate between the step and the frame.
>
> Warren & Pattie Updike
> 1994 C320 #62 "Warr de Mar"
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chris Burti [mailto:clburti at gmail.com]
> Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2010 10:13 AM
> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Companionway step
>
> I am an experienced woodworker and have made a lot of teak joinery
> over the years including hatches, screens, companionway doors, all
> sorts of storage racks, tables, etc.
>
> I formerly used epoxy adhesives, particularly for exterior teak
> joinery. If you use epoxy on teak, wipe down the meeting faces
> thoroughly with acetone as the natural oils that make teak such a
> useful wood for exterior applications will impair the ability of epoxy
> to adhere.  In the last ten years I have shifted to polyurethane
> adhesives (Gorilla glue, etc.) for wood as as I have found it easier
> to use, more reliable, more weather resistant and, I believe, equally
> strong.
>
> To repair the step, remove it, dampen the meeting faces slightly with
> water, apply the adhesive and clamp together tightly...it will not
> split in the same place again. You can refinish if needed, but the
> excess adhesive will scrape off with a pocket knife and if you are
> careful to not damage the finish, refinishing will not be required if
> it is otherwise in good shape.
>
> To address the splitting problem, I would wager that the two stainless
> brackets on the ladder frame are not aligned properly. If they are not
> parallel and in the same plane, the wood step will twist every time it
> is loaded and will eventually split. Absent this torquing issue, the
> wood is adequately thick to support the weight of a very heavy person
> and the brackets are not really required for support. If you lay a
> flat stiff metal rule across the brackets and it wobbles or if you can
> see clearance between the rule and any of the exposed edges of the
> brackets, you will need to bend the plates into plane.
>
> You can do this with two large adjustable wrenches. Adjust one to fit
> the plate and the other to fit the head of the wrench on the plate.
> You can now bend the plate in two different axis and align them
> properly.
>
> If this procedure solves your problem and works for you, please take a
> few digital pictures, make a few notes of how you did the project and
> we will write it up for a Mainsheet article.
>
>
> On Thu, Sep 30, 2010 at 1:07 AM, Utility Email <kswanson123 at comcast.net>
> wrote:
>> Same thing happened to me. Middle step split port to starboard. Haven't
> fixed it yet.  Nice to know that spares might be available if I can't find a
> cost-effective way to permanently repair it.
>>
>> Dave
>>
>> Dave Swanson
>> S/V Emily Ann
>> 2007 C320 MK II, No. 1107
>> Mukilteo, WA
>>
>>
>> On Sep 29, 2010, at 3:38 PM, Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Had the same problem: top step split port to Stbd.  At the time, Catalina
> in
>>> CA had spares for $100. I opted to repair by placing an aluminum plate
>>> between the step and the frame. It's been good for 5 years. Since 320 now
>>> made in Fl, call there first.
>>>
>>> Warren & Pattie Updike
>>> 1994 C320 #62 "Warr de Mar"
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Crosby Roper [mailto:vmdatsea at hotmail.com]
>>> Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2010 8:38 PM
>>> To: c320-list at catalina320.org
>>> Subject: [C320-list] Companionway step
>>>
>>>
>>> We were out for a nice bay sail with friends last w/e. As i went to sheet
> in
>>> the mainsail, I stepped on the top companionway step which broke as I
> came
>>> down on it. I'd like to replace it, sooner rather than later. My wife,
> whom
>>> I love dearly and has a great sense of humor, has taken to doing the
>>> elephant trumpeting sound whenever I come down the companionway ladder...
> So
>>> where do I get the wooden companionway step? Thanks in advance.
>>>
>>> Crosby Roper, VMD
>>> Tethy
>>> Hull # 1054
>>> San Diego, CA
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Chris Burti Farmville, NC
>
>
>



-- 
Chris Burti Farmville, NC