Las Palmas yard August 2017

The yard mechanic was asked to conduct standard haul out checks on the rudder and prop shaft bearings.

The rudder was removed to check the stock and the bearings.

Rudder stock severely corroded such that the pack-off cordage was unable to adequately seal against the pitted surface, and also causing premature wear.

The lower rudder bearing did not exist.

The yard mechanic reported that the cutlass bearing was non-existent, neglected for years.

The 50 mm diameter propeller shaft had been worn down to 46 mm diameter over the non-existent cutlass bearing.

A small and concealed external patch was identified by the yard mechanic and exposed. Holes in the lower starboard bow (chain locker area) had been covered with a 100 x 100 mm piece of 3 mm steel plate, epoxy filled and painted over.

A small and concealed external patch was identified by the yard mechanic and exposed. Holes in the lower starboard bow (chain locker area) had been covered with a 100 x 100 mm piece of 3 mm steel plate, epoxy filled and painted over.

The yard mechanic punched holes in the lower bow with a chisel, he then continued upward toward the bowsprit punching holes in the steel immediately below the bowsprit. An inspection hole was cut to view the internal condition of the bowsprit.

It was discovered that plywood and epoxy had been used to cover a corrosion hole on the starboard structural side of the bowsprit.

With the plywood removed it was possible to see severe corrosion internally. The top deck covering was removed to expose severe corrosion and complete lack of structural integrity. Holes were punched through the steel hull by hand - see the mechanics finger.

Removing the severely corroded plating revealed the forestay was supported by < 20 mm of weld. An official marine survey concluded that loss of the bowsprit in weather would have sunk the vessel within minutes.

The yard chained the bowsprit to a scaffold + ballast for safety.

Deformed hull plating + fractures from massive impact to lower port bow ~8 cm deep. The damage had been concealed with epoxy and painted over.

Severely corroded plating around engine coolant outlet removed.

Corroded plating in the lazarette was removed.

A hole in the top of the diesel tank - concealed with fibreglass, epoxy and paint.

Fibreglass and epoxy patch used to cover a hole in the top of the diesel tank.

We learned from others that ~ 2012 the transmission oil cooler failed and sea water entered the flow lines. Oil cooler was replaced but the transmission never flushed or cleaned.

The transmission was never flushed and left to rot. 4cm of seawater lay below the oil in the gear case.

The effect of leaving seawater inside a gearcase.

The effect of leaving seawater inside a gearcase. These are some of the 400 needle bearings.

With the transmission destroyed the damper plate could not dissipate the start-up impulse. The noise of a damper plate fracturing is extremely loud.

Severe crack in damper plate caused by destroyed transmission. Failure of the damper plate = total loss of power (dangerous)

Damaged gearbox = damaged damper plate + damaged drive shaft. Cost of indolence = $2,400 in transmission parts alone.