Finally did it! Beneteau 473

[Paul E Wog]

Finally got into boating this year.
Had a great season but have lots of questions about things / projects that I’ve started.
Boat is on the hard now for the winter and I’m able to get on the boat because I got a door put in the shrink wrap.
Replacing all Thru hulls and seacocks.
Replacing toilets and hoses.
Replacing all pinstripe.
Replacing canvas windows and zippers. The actual canvas looks good for another few years.
Have a small water leak near the shaft but it’s not coming from the Volvo rubber shaft. I really need someone that knows what to look at for that one.
The water intake hose for the shaft was completely blocked with sand and other very small things. Seems like it will just keep getting blocked. I don’t know.
Anyways... I always like reading what people have to say on here.
How would get in touch with other owners of 473’s?

[Pete7]

Congrats and welcome to CF

Does the shaft seal look like this:

https://www.asap-supplies.com/produc...afts-orb-91722

If so there are two types, genuine Volvo which doesn't have a water feed and a copy which does, but isn't needed. Confusing well I believe the water feed is required for faster powerboat type vessels.

Good for about 7 years and a bit if you feel lucky, do you know when it was last changed? Given the cheap price and the fact you are out of the water now, change it for a new genuine Volvo one now. However, do use the real Volvo blue grease. I did try some other stuff, but it then leaked slowly. You need a sugar cube full each year, added by using a McDonalds straw and squeezing the seal tip. Can be done in the water.

What's wrong with Beneteau's classic 1990s pin stripe, it will be a collectors item in a few years

[Paul E Wog]

Yes, it looks like that.
I think I will just replace it. I think it’s original.
The water leak I think is back by where the shaft enters the boat. With the water intake clogged that supplies water to the shaft... it must have done damage to something. The rubber cutlass bearing or is there another bearing that I don’t know about yet? I dried the area and started the engine and put it in gear while at the dock. I didn’t see any water from the rubber Volvo part. I couldn’t really see back further.

I’m putting new pinstripe on only because the other gold and black is all cracked and why not start more projects! I’m thinking of silver reflective ohhhh ahhhh.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Paul.

[grantmc]

Bula from Fiji.
Wow lots of projects you have on the go.

Hoping too that you'll gain help and useful information from the forum and that benefits in helping to achieve your plans.

Also do feel free to post your own thoughts, questions and ideas. The forum only works when people post, and 95% of members here seem reluctant. Don't be a lurker.