SAIL - April 2015

After the fairing compound was applied and sanded, the author

installed a retaining pin and set screw for the bronze bushing to

keep the bushing from sliding down or rotating. A few layers of

paint later, the the job was done

6
To complete the job, the author chose a classic wooden
tiller to keep the boat’s “yachty” feel. Here we can see the
finished project, with the wheel completely removed and the
tiller installed

7

ers of 1708 biaxial fabric along with several layers of 9oz tape to make sure

the tube was properly bonded to the new cockpit sole. After a few rounds

of fairing compound and sanding, I was ready for paint. The final detail

before painting was to install a retaining pin and set screw for the bronze

bushing to keep the bushing from sliding down or rotating in the tube.

After a season of use, I can say without hesitation the project was a

success. I love the direct feel of the tiller, and more importantly, I don’t

have to worry about the steering failing anymore. The new cockpit sole

is much stiffer than it used to be, due in part to the rudder tube being

structurally bonded to the deck. Of course, as with any major boat proj-

ect, it took much longer than I expected, but no part of this undertaking

was beyond any boatowner who is familiar with basic tools and isn’t

afraid to get a little dirty. s

Matt Bowser has spent most of his life sailing in New England. After restoring

his 1962 Alberg 35, he and his family are back on the water and cruising again

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