New Head Install ???

[barfwinkle]

GM to All

Obviously new make of head = new mounting holes and at least on the 25D those holes go into a void into/under the "platform" in the head.

Quick question, other than "anchors" what are these little buggers
Fair Winds from October in July Oklahoma (but hey we'll take it).

73s

[Steve Laume]

I don't know what those things are or where I would find them. I would call them short, little plugs that screw into some fiberglass and are then expected to hold a couple of hundred pounds. This could be in a quiet anchorage or while pounding into some rather nasty weather. Basically, any time the need arises.

When I changed Raven's head, I was rather surprised to find the the original was held in place with screws. I believe they went through the glass and into an additional wood backing block. Still. I mean, really, the head is an essential piece of equipment that is often under rather large loads.

I decided I was not about to trust my safety and well being to a few screws when there is an extreme amount of movement at sea.

I installed a small plastic inspection port back in the corner of the raised platform. This allowed me to get my fingers in there to add a fender washer and a self locking nut to a proper bolt, that holds the head in place. We keep a small trash container over the port so it doesn't even show.

I now have great peace of mind when I use the head. I know it is not going to come lose, even when it is acting like one of those mechanical bulls, they may have in an Oklahoma bar, Steve.

[barfwinkle]

GA to all and tnx Steve for you reply.

I knew someone had mentioned putting an inspection port in the head but couldn't remember who. I was also considering that. So then that begs the question just how low (read small) can you go?

I'll check that out shortly.

Otherwise can anyone guess which piece (the only one) of furniture/trim in the 25D's head was installed prior to joining the hull & Deck/liner?

Fair winds

[TerryO]

They look like inserts to be installed in a blind hole with epoxy. We use them in the aircraft industry and they are called "potted inserts". The rings near the bottom of the insert stop it from pulling out and the knurled part at the top stop it from spinning in the hole. You would use these in a balsa core application by drilling a blind hole up to but not through the bottom skin then install the insert in thickened epoxy.

[barfwinkle]

GA to all

Well the dry fit is completed and low and behold you wont believe the Cavern (on a 25D at least) I found. That cavity extends to the aft bulkhead of the hanging locker and along the centerline of the boat is 8" or so deep. Just for measure 25' of chain would fit in there but it would most likely be wet.

Progress is slow.

Fair winds

[Sea Hunt Video]

Bill:

I am going to be installing a new Raritan PHHB11 just as soon as the temps get below 95

I would be grateful for as many "progress photos" as possible. I had not thought of making an inspection port but will now consider that. It looks like yours is 4" - 5" diam. Close

I had also wondered why there were no "backing washers" and just 6-8 screws. I may try to install to secure the new head with screws, washers and nuts.

Thanks Bill

[swhfire21]

I installed the manual PHB over the winter. In the CD26 it sits on a raised wood platform to starboard between the forward bulkhead and the V-berth.

I was able to through bolt it and reinforce it with fender washers underneath. This took a little timing as I had to install the head before replacing the sanitation hose that ran under the platform between the Y-valve and through hull. This was a two person affair and involved one person sliding an arm through the hose opening and some interesting hand contortions to simultaneously manage the fender washer and nut by feel only. There is a nut/washer lost in the bilge somewhere.

[Neil Gordon]

>> This was a two person affair <<

What could be more romantic than having an affair in the head of a Cape Dory 26?

[swhfire21]

Regrettably, there's nothing romantic about installing a head and sanitation hoses in 40'ish degree weather. The echoes of my cussing from that January/February weekend are still reverberating in the universe.

[Sea Hunt Video]

Regrettably, there's nothing romantic about installing a head and sanitation hoses in 40'ish degree weather.

It's even less "romantic" when doing it in 95 F degree temps with a heat index of 103.

[barfwinkle]

GM morning to all

Well today is going to be a light work day. I need to fill the holes (old ones and the ones on the "counter" by the sink), then rotate the tires on the trailer. Just jack it up and spin 90 degrees to aid in preventing sidewall break down. Them puppies are brand new 10 ply and expensive.

Here is what the dry fit looks like and SHV the hole allows 4" access. Cutout is 4 1/4".

Fair Winds

[Bob Ohler]

Bill, looks like you will just be able to remove your deck plate when you need too. Well done!

[Steve Laume]

Think of all the extra stowage you have gained as well. Under the head in a wet area just seems like a perfect place to store??? A head rebuilding kit? Seriously, I love those inspection pots for gaining access to very difficult areas, Steve.

[barfwinkle]

GM to all

Just to clarify, the round hole in the pic was cut with a hole saw, NOT a jig saw. A jig saw would have been problematic in that area. Just don't want to lead someone astray.

Fair Winds

[M. R. Bober]

Bill,
You do nice work.
Mitchell Bober
Sunny Lancaster, (Where head jokes are just too easy.) VA