[C320-list] Companionway Step Weld Failure

[Pat Ireland]

Well now, you can purchase stainless rod for use with a stick machine.  It
works, but unless you are a reasonably good welder or have no other option,
having the step assembly welded by an experienced welder (one who welds
every day) with a TIG machine is a much better solution.  The step does
fail.  We repaired Cherie at the 11 year point or shortly after she saw my
300# bulk on a regular basis.  Have the welder wrap the welds.  A spot tack
is not sufficient.  And if you are anal, have the welds reinforced with
just a bit of gusset material.  Really not a big deal, but one step, likely
the one that broke, has a configuration that is prone to failure.  Getting
it repaired correctly should permanently resolve the problem.  Pat, 801

On Fri, Aug 28, 2015 at 6:44 AM, John Zienda <jzienda at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> Brian,You need to weld stainless steel material with a stainless steel
> wire.  My recommendation would be to take the stairs to the local weld or
> fab shop. By the time you find a portable welding machine, buy the wire,
> and rick insufficient weld. You will have it doe correctly. The challenge
> you will face is post welding heat discoloration.  What will help is to
> wire brush the weld immediately after the welding. Use any brass (not
> steel) wire brush and clean the weld as good as you can.  You can finish it
> up with a Scotch -Brite pad.  Applying light coat of WD-40 or any other
> light oil on to the welded area will slow down the rusting process.  There
> are some chemicals that you could get to eliminate rusting all together,
> however, since this welded are will not be visible, I  would not bother,
> unless the weld shop would have something like that.
> Good luck with your project.
> John Zienda#691 "Zooza" Chicago, IL
>        From: Amiraults Family <amiraults at sympatico.ca>
>  To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>  Sent: Friday, August 28, 2015 7:56 AM
>  Subject: [C320-list] Companionway Step Weld Failure
>
> At the conclusion of last night's races (results not yet posted but I
> remain
> hopeful) the largest crew member came down hard on the front of the top
> step
> and it gave. Examination reveals that the metal strap to which the step is
> bolted disconnected from the stair frame at the aft weld. The repair
> solution is to re-weld the strap at that point.
>
>
>
> Has this happened to anyone else on-list? Is the material stainless steel
> requiring special welding, or is the fix something any fool with an
> inexpensive electric welder can complete?
>
>
>
> Brian Amirault
>
> 797 Waltzing Bear, too
>
>
>
>
>
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