[Public-list] Cockpit sole repair avoidance...

[Dan Sternglass]

Hi A-30 people,

Not sure that I should even admit (let alone suggest) this, but since I 
noticed by cockpit floor delaiminating 7 or 8 years ago, my fix was to 
make a grate out of 1"x2" oak strips... The sides run fore and aft along 
the far right and left, there is a cutout for the tiller surrounded by 
the 1x2s. This transfers all the load to the sides. The forward-most 
horizontal strip is removable (to clear the winch holders), all the 
others are epoxied, screwed and plugged. It also has a notch where the 
engine controls are. It took about 20 hours to build it, and I varnish 
it 2 coats of satin marine varnish every year, and strip it in the same 
cycle as the exterior varnish -- I have had it "Dipped" twice now. If 
anyone wants a photo, mail me off-list, it's in my garage right now.

It requires removing the tiller and the two blower vents to install and 
remove, a pretty short operation. Looks great, and has let me put off 
this cockpit sole repair, as the edges are still quite solid.

--Dan Sternglass
Watcher of the Skies, #201, 1966, Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, NY







 1131998154.0