Sewing machine storage on saltwater cruise

[Steve O]

I have a Sailrite sewing machine and a Tartan 37. We are planning an extended cruise south into tropical waters. I am wondering how those who have cruised or are cruising saltwater store their sailrite sewing machines as they are heavy and will probably rust badly if precautions aren't taken.

[Adelie]

I would find a drybag big enough for the machine, case and all. Toss some large desiccant pouches inside the case before closing and some more inside the bag before closing.

Every 6mo or so recharge the pouches by cooking them on low (250F or so) in a dry oven (electrical or solar) for 4hr or so. Any kind of fuel oven (propane, alcohol. . . ) doesn't work as well because water vapor is a combustion product and will be in the oven cavity where you are trying to dry the pouches.

Edit: Here's a manufacturer's directions - https://vemco.com/reactivate-desiccant-packs/

[Suijin]

Mine lives in my shower stall. It's too big to fit in any locker, and it keeps the weight down low.

[JPA Cate]

Steve,

We cruised with an antique Pfaff 130, which is almost as large and heavy as my current Sailrite LSZ-1. We used to store it in the V-berth, under the cutout, and used it as a step to get into the berth. It was a machine that loved to be oiled, and it never had a rust problem, with no special packing. This was for a period of about 18 yrs.

If your boat is particularly damp below, possibly a bag would help, but I'm not doing anything at all for the SailRite, because the Pfaff hadn't needed anything, either. And that boat was damper than this one (wet bilge, vs. dry).

Ann

PS: It's probably a good idea to oil it again before a job when it has been stored, inactive for a while.

Ann

[steve77]

We pack some of these Zerust capsules with the sewing machine (and also power tools). The sewing machine is placed in a large plastic bag, then a couple of these added. The whole thing this goes into the sewing machine case. Our machine is a Singer.

https://www.amazon.com/Zerust-VC2-1-.../dp/B002YQ4US6

Cheers!

Steve

[seamountie]

Speaking of desicant. We use kitty litter - NOT the clay stuff, but the chrystal stuff. It is just crushed silica gel. Put it in the toe of an old nylon stocking and place where you need it. It costs so little (just over C$1/lb) we don't bother to try and reconstitute - though you can - just replace it with fresh. Oh, and it is also a great kitty litter for your chief mouser.

[fuentes]

I have a Viking and keep it under the nav station in the salon. I have not had any problems but I am in the desert southwest (San Felipe-Baja California) and it is very dry. I will keep an eye on it and use some of the suggestions if I begin seeing rust. Have a nice day.

[barnakiel]

I simply wrap it in a big plastic bag and that's that.

Unless you have a boat problem.

b.

[Steve O]

"Speaking of desicant. We use kitty litter - NOT the clay stuff, but the chrystal stuff"
OK what is chrystal stuff? Do you have a brand name? Not having a cat I have only seen the clay stuff.

[seamountie]

Originally Posted by Steve O

"Speaking of desicant. We use kitty litter - NOT the clay stuff, but the chrystal stuff"
OK what is chrystal stuff? Do you have a brand name? Not having a cat I have only seen the clay stuff.

In fact the stuff up here in British Columbia is called Chrystal Kitty Litter. Just checked the US Amazon site and found Natures Miracle and and couple more that had chrystal in the name.

However, it appears to be somewhat more expensive down south, running between US $1.50 & 2.35/lb.

The chrystal stuff is crushed or pelletized silica. Some even have indicator pellets in them, for when they are saturated, but I have found that is not needed. The chrystals turn solid white when full of liquid - or maybe yellow if used as kitty litter..LOL.