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Messages - Peter Kovacevich

#1
Main Message Board / Re: Stemhead Fitting Repair
January 21, 2019, 09:46:15 AM
Here are a couple photos of the modifications I needed to make to fit the new stemhead. I notched out both the top and bottom of the aluminum using a Dremel tool. It took some persuasion to get the old stemhead out but repeated strikes with a wood block finally knocked it out. The new stemhead is thicker than the original so it was also necessary to ease the corners of the deck and bow using a bastard file. After a couple sharp blows the new stemhead fell into place.
#2
Main Message Board / Re: Stemhead Fitting Repair
March 27, 2018, 08:00:36 PM
Thanks Jon and Dave,

I called Garhauer and spoke with Doug. He said they can make a replacement stemhead to the specifications of the final version they made for Catalina; the tongue is 3/8", instead of 1/4" and it doesn't have the gussets on the side. Apparently the new design allows the stemhead to flex slightly as vibrations and loads are transmitted from the rig. The cost is about what I budgeted for welding the old stemhead, and it sounds like the redesigned stemhead is more robust, so I'm going to order a new stemhead from Garhauer.

I'll post an update regarding what I run into during removal / installation.

Thanks,

Peter
#3
Main Message Board / Stemhead Fitting Repair
March 19, 2018, 11:59:32 AM
Hi,

I'm the new owner of a 1993 MK 1.5,  hull #1234. It's a freshwater boat and it is in very good condition. One item that needs to be addressed are weld cracks in the stemhead fitting. It appears this is a common problem and there are a couple posts in the forum regarding the issue:

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=6250.0
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9612.msg72644.html#msg72644

I  have a couple questions from anyone who has repaired or replaced the stemhead fitting on their boat:

   - I understand there are a couple sources (Catalina Direct, Garhauer) for a redesigned, thicker stemhead fitting, however I plan to have the cracks in the stemhead fitting welded and have extra material added below the tang to make it 1/2 inch thick between the shoulders (blue arrow in photo). Has anyone  performed this repair and was it successful in keeping the welds from cracking again?
   - Jon W indicated that he had to cut the aluminum extrusion holding the rub rail on his MK1 to remove his stemhead fitting. I know the bow roller is separate on the MK1.5. Will I need to cut or modify the aluminum extrusion to remove / reinstall the stemhead on my MK1.5?
   -  Jon W also indicated he removed the entire beckson deck plate, not just the cover to get better access to the nuts and retaining plates. Besides stabilizing the rig, are there any other  suggestions to make the job easier or safer?

I'm still getting familiar with the boat and I have a lot to learn. I really appreciate any advice on the best way to approach this repair.

Peter