snowgoose.skipper
New Member
In 2009 we picked up an elderly Van De Stadt Pandora. Ours is a Mk1, similar to the one discussed in this PBO used boat test... but we had the drop centre-plate model.
We sailed her for a couple of seasons (see here), but never did manage to drop the centre-plate.
After a period in storage, interrupted by failed efforts to get the centreplate out, we finally had some success: welding a jog to the plate and applying several tons of pressure with bottle jacks... we got the old plate out
Of course... I now need to either clean it up or (perhaps better still) replace it... and that's where I have questions!
Fortunately, we've managed to drill out the remains of the bolt that once held the centreplate in place... so if we can get a new plate sorted, we're hopefully only a few headaches away from getting Snowgoose back on her trailer!
We sailed her for a couple of seasons (see here), but never did manage to drop the centre-plate.
After a period in storage, interrupted by failed efforts to get the centreplate out, we finally had some success: welding a jog to the plate and applying several tons of pressure with bottle jacks... we got the old plate out
Of course... I now need to either clean it up or (perhaps better still) replace it... and that's where I have questions!
- We don't know is what thickness the plate would once have been. I've had estimates ranging from 10mm to 19mm. I'm guessing that it was originally 1/2", but I don't know!
- I've access to an oxy-acetylene and an angle grinder... and could perhaps access a milling machine if need be... but what should I be aiming at in shaping?
- For finishing, I've had one recommendation of International Interprotect. Is that the way to go?
Fortunately, we've managed to drill out the remains of the bolt that once held the centreplate in place... so if we can get a new plate sorted, we're hopefully only a few headaches away from getting Snowgoose back on her trailer!