E35-2 Questions

[pgadd]

E35-2 Questions - Chain Plates; Rub Rails, etc.

There is a 1979 35-2 for sale in my marina. It almost lost the rig a while back when the stbd upper shroud pulled out of the main bulkhead. Practical Sailor mag says that rot in the main bulkhead can be a problem in the 35-2. Soooo . . .

Is this a widespread problem? How can you detect it? How do you reoair it, and how expensive is it to repair?

Also, this 35 has a keel stepped mast with what appears to be a connecting strap from the mast to the cabin top. I think the other 35's I've seen had deck stepped masts. Did Ericson change this? If so, what year and why?

This 35 has a raised teak rub rail instead of the usual rubbery looking one. It really dresses up the boat! Was this a factory option? If not, any ideas on who could retro fit one, and/or how much it would cost?

Final question - Anybody know of a surveyor on San Francisco Bay that is familiar with Ericsons, especially with the bulkhear issue above?

 

[Sean Engle]

Chain Plate Discussions

Check out this earlier discussion on chain plate rot. . I think it may answer some of your questions. Also, try doing a search on 'chain plate' to see other, similar threads.

Also, that strap you mentioned is pretty common - it's there to help stop the coach roof from flexing (upward) too much when the shrouds 'squeeze' the boat during loading.

Don't know about the rub rails - mine are the aluminum variety that I thought were the standard - perhaps they were added (if so, take special care in looking at the joint from the inside to see what it looks like.

Costs on anything vary - so you'll really want to talk to a boat yard down there about it - and read up some on major repairs in glass (look at Casey's series on Sailboat Hull and Deck Repair).

Good Luck!
//sse