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Old 15-05-2010, 21:11   #1
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Navtec Hydraulics Repair - Mexico

I searched the old posts on Navtec hydraulics, and I guess you guys have me nervous. We bought our boat in La Paz, Mexico, where she is now. The twin Navtec hydraulic backstays and vang are all three leaking at the seals. The pump appears okay, but all three rams are leaking.

I thought this would be a simple matter of replacing some o-rings, but it seems I was being ignorantly optimistic. Other posters have strongly recommended having only Navtec authorized agents handle such repairs.

Anybody know such a facility in Mexico? Shipping these units to the states for rebuild will be very expensive.
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Old 15-05-2010, 21:22   #2
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Did you see this thread?

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tay-39741.html
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Old 15-05-2010, 21:45   #3
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I just looked on their website and they don't seem to have a place in Mexico. To be on the safe side I also googled it in Spanish and no luck . I would give them a call stateside and see what they suggest.
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Old 16-05-2010, 06:19   #4
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Deepfrz - Yes, I read that thread and a few more. That's what has me nervous. I'm a competent mechanic, but I don't have any special training on hydraulics. I have never had any experience with Navtec rams, or for that matter, any high pressure rams. Reading the old posts last night alerted me that rebuilding or repairing these was beyond my ability.

Adax - that's a good idea. There is a repair place in Texas that I will call.
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Old 16-05-2010, 07:01   #5
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I have been thinking about mine. I do like the ease and performance of the hydraulic back stay. I am thinking though of making up a cable and turnbuckle section that could be fitted in if I needed it. I have the turn buckle and am replacing the standing rigging bit by bit. So the cost for me is 2 sta Loks i think that's about $140 us. Not sure how that would pan out for you. It would provide a repair until you get close to a shop that could get it set back up. And you get a back up for a crucial piece of gear.
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Old 16-05-2010, 07:47   #6
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Yeah, I admit I'm rolling around ideas on how to replace the system until I get her back to the US. We bought the boat in Mexico, and it will be a year or so until I can get her to Texas.

This whole Navtec thing has me thinking. I don't like having stuff on the boat that I can't repair.

I was considering removing the vang and replacing it with a block and tackle, and, of course, a topping lift. Using a couple of pieces of wire and a turnbuckle would be a good way to solve the problem with the backstay adjusters (it is a twin backstay rig). That would solve the problem until we get home, and then I could decide if I wanted to put the Navtec vang back on or stay with the block and tackle.

Why on earth do I need a backstay adjuster for a cruising boat anyway? This is sort of a rhetorical question - I have one because the original owner requested it of the builder. For me, I tune the rig and leave it alone. Bending the mast is way low on the list of things I want to tweak while offshore.
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Old 17-05-2010, 09:44   #7
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steve77, I think you've decided on the simple fix (e.g., replacing the hydraulics with mechanical or fixed rigging). However, if you're still interested in repairing what you have, the closest service location to La Paz is Rigworks (San Diego Rigging Specialists | Rigworks Sailing Systems | Marine Shop) located on Shelter Island (2540 Shelter Island Drive, Suite E, San Diego, CA 92106; tel. 619-223-3788) in San Diego. They replaced the standing rigging on my Cal39 prior to cruising the west coast of Mexico in 2008. They're friendly, energetic, professional and do good work. If you were interested in getting the rams repaired you could make arrangements through Club Cruceros at Marina de La Paz to get the hardware transported to San Diego, repaired and shipped back. It might require several weeks and more than a few pesos for the rebuild, but it can be done reasonably easily. You should be able to get a repair quote, either by phone or e-mail, prior to taking further action. Good luck, whatever you ultimately decide to do.
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