Cabin sole repair

[Jim Walsh]

After 32 years of use the 'feet' of my companionway ladder had worn through the veneer (and some) of the cabin sole. I was always careful to ensure the rubber cane tips at the base of the feet were intact but previous owners had obviously not. To remedy the situation I decided to reinforce the two damaged spots with a couple pieces of bronze or brass. Searching through my garage and basement were fruitless. I looked through the local marine consignment store for something I might use. What I finally found was an old brass butt hinge. It was made of 1/8" material and was just the size I needed. A couple minutes with a hacksaw, a Dremel to deburr, and some bronze wool to change the surface finish from decrepit to antique and I was in business. It already had the fastening holes so I was way ahead of the game.
Now my companionway ladder's feet rest on two pieces of brass rather than wearing holes in my cabin sole.

[Sea Hunt Video]

Jim:

Very nice.

My only other comment is on the pliers in the photo. They look like they were mfg. in the early 1900s and still working perfectly. I will make a wild ass guess and say "American tool made in America". Unless King Neptune grabs it my guess is your great grandchildren will carry it in their tool bag someday.

[John Stone]

Excellent.