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Aloha Discussion / Re: Aloha 32 mast step
« Last post by Jeff. on December 16, 2024, 12:44:39 PM »
Dan,

That step rebuild was an interesting job. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Is the 'well' or 'depression' you both mention refering to the height difference between the floor liner/pan and the mast step? The pan and step are not connected. Not there anyway.
Curious if I understand this correctly.

Jeff
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Aloha Discussion / Re: Aloha 32 mast step
« Last post by KnotFaster on December 15, 2024, 02:58:20 PM »
"There is a 1/2 inch "well" that the step fits into.  All the A32's I've seen are built this way - just like yours."  So my assumption was incorrect - sorry 'bout that daniel.

Not uncommon in any boat to find astoundingly poor design and construction features that make you wonder what they were thinking.  ::)

Cheers!
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Aloha Discussion / Re: Aloha 32 mast step
« Last post by Holdech on December 09, 2024, 09:43:33 AM »
We have a 1986 A32 of the traditional V berth layout.
Our mast step sits on a glassed-over wooden stringer.
There is a 1/2 inch "well" that the step fits into.
All the A32's I've seen are built this way - just like yours.

The step does suffer from rot as the depression acts like a catch basin for water and the alloy step is secured with screws that penetrate into the wood.
These were (like everything on our "almost last" A32 was sealed (by the factory) with a dab silicone and is prone to leakage.

Here is an excellent thread from Jeff, who rebuilt the step on his A32.
https://www.alohaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=1563.msg7076#msg7076

You can see from the pics that it looks exactly like yours.

hfris
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Aloha Discussion / Re: Aloha 32 mast step
« Last post by JimInPB on December 08, 2024, 01:10:16 AM »
I have 3 comments & a question.

1) The ground cable seems past it's prime & its electrical connection to the lug that bolts to the mast step looks to be questionable in it's ability to pass current with no resistance.  This may have contributed to the apparent corrosion on the mast step.

2) The terminal strips that are used to connect the wires running up the mast are a type that I have found some people to call "chalky blocks".  They are often used with bare wires.  They are sometimes used with "tinned" wires that have had a bit of solder added to the portion that gets inserted.  They are sometimes used with "ferrule" type crimp connectors.  Solder is verboden by ABYC standards & here in the States, we are instructed not to do it that way, although some people still do.  In any event, the wires are likely not sealed against water intrusion inside the jacket, as they would be if marine grade crimp connectors with integral shrink tube had been properly used.  Water intrusion commonly leads to "the black death" or "green death" corrosion inside the insulation.  The longer it is left unattended, the further back it goes & the more wire will need to be replaced in order to correct the situation.  I have seen it go more than 20' deep in some instances.  I have seen it only a few inches deep when it caused a failure of a connection.  The corrosion effect happens much more quickly in a salt water environment than it does in fresh water.

3) Although you pictures are quite clear & of good resolution, I am not seeing the step that you speak of.  I don't see the issue you are describing well enough to provide a useful comment on that topic.

Is it possible for you to describe the mast step issue in greater detail? 

Thanks,
Jim

...and welcome aboard.
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Aloha Discussion / Re: Aloha 32 mast step
« Last post by KnotFaster on December 07, 2024, 08:17:19 AM »
Hi Dan,

The 1/2" depression on the stringer isn't clearly visible in your photos but I doubt the indent is how it was manufactured.

I had a 1987 Aloha 30 (yes, it's a different boat with different structure but still the same builder) and had to remove the cast aluminum mast step fitting when we rebuilt the adjacent transverse stringer.  As can be seen from the photo attached, the stringer below it is flat - no indentation.

I can't think of any good reason why there'd be an indentation designed into the stringer when constructed.

Hopefully an A32 owner can chime in with more definitive response to your enquiry...

Cheers,
Tal
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Aloha Discussion / Aloha 32 mast step
« Last post by daniel on December 03, 2024, 04:20:38 PM »
Hello!

My name is Dan and I purchased an Aloha 32 last year. I could not be happier with the boat and I am so glad to be apart of such a helpful community.

I am attempting to refit the vessel as I believe it was taken very good care of up until a few years before I made the purchase. I am starting with the standing rigging and moving to running rigging and then, eventually, sails and electronics. Before I do, I have a question about a possible structural problem.

I had a rigger inspect the standing rigging and afterwards he expressed some concern for the mast step. It seems that the mast sits in a 1/2 inch depression on the top of the stringer. I had believed when I bought the boat that this is the way it was manufactured due to the fact that (1) the depression on the top of the stringer is evenly indented and (2) I had two surveyors look at the boat prior to purchase and neither mentioned anything about the mast step or the stringer. However, the rigger, who comes highly recommended, respectfully disagreed with this. I was wondering if someone could shed some light on whether this is how the mast and step configuration is manufactured or whether the mast and step have indeed "settled" into the top of the stringer and needs to be fixed.

I wanted to thank everyone for their help. I am so happy that I stumbled upon such hidden gem of a boat and community.

Dan
 
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Aloha Discussion / Re: Watertight Cockpit Lockers Aloha 34
« Last post by JimInPB on December 01, 2024, 12:50:55 PM »
My Aloha is a 32, not a 34, so my comments will be general in nature, rather than specific to your boat.

I would appreciate the access that sort of configuration would offer me.  My boat does not have it.

I have worked on, and sailed, boats from companies like Morgan, Tayana & Pierson that had configurations as you describe.

When going off shore, I would be sure to firmly latch the compartment shut to mitigate your stated concern.
If you feel that the existing latches are not up to the task, then a minor retrofit would seem to be in order. 

Quite frankly, I see the companionway as more of a downflooding concern on a typical keel boat, if the hatch boards are not in place, which they almost never are unless I am in VERY bad weather or large following seas.

When caught in a 65 knot squall in the open Atlantic I reduced canvass, but did not put in my hatch boards.  My motor was not able to overcome that much headwind & allow me to maintain steerage, which is why I kept some canvass up.  I sailed through that storm with just myself and an older lady, who was not a skilled sailor, on board.  These boats are pretty darn solid.

...& welcome to the forum.  It's a good bunch of people here & these boats tend to be well liked.  Mine has earned my respect.
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Aloha Discussion / Watertight Cockpit Lockers Aloha 34
« Last post by dillon on November 14, 2024, 08:09:20 PM »
Hello,

Prospective buyer of an Aloha 34 here.

The vessel has a port cockpit locker(and maybe others)  that is not separated from the engine room (or the rest of the vessel for that matter) by a watertight bulkhead. In fact it is the access to the rear of the engine.

This seems like it makes the boat vulnerable o downflooding in a boarding sea or knockdown.

Anybody have this concern and devise a solution that still allows easy access to the engine?

Thanks,

Dillon



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Aloha Discussion / Re: Replacement plexi for Atkins & Hoyle hatches - CNC files
« Last post by Bill Hutton on November 11, 2024, 10:04:57 AM »
Sailor Tim,
Any update on your Gaskets?  What product did you use and where did you source it from?
Bill
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Aloha Discussion / Re: Dodger Maintenance
« Last post by JimInPB on November 01, 2024, 06:25:33 PM »
I use scotchguard on the fabric.  It seems to really help in both improving the water repellent nature of the fabric & also increasing it's lifespan. 

I didn't know about pledge for the clear part. 
Thanks for the tip.
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