This exact thing happened to me, and we used the string technique as well. My mate was calling Ralph every few seconds as we fished the string through the binnacle, (on a monohull) in a stormy sea, down to me on my back with the quadrant wanting to destroy my hands. Nasty quadtrant, nasty! We had spare links, and fixed it there as darkness fell with Islands all around. The chain looked like yours, with other links ready to part. The required maintenance. should have been - grease that chain - just like yours Briticain. I could have used your checklist! You've made a really good and informative video. Thanks!!
Cables and chain at 14:09 are much too dry and need to be greased: they will not last long like this. Look at Britican 16:22 to see how it should be. Cables also need to be treated like chain, they chafe corrode and wear if not looked after. While marine grease is ideal, with higher water and salt corrosion protection, it isn´t so easy to apply from the tub, especially when the chains n cables disappear into the great inaccessible depths of the boat. Anything is better than nothing. Motorcycle chain grease from the spray can is also fine and much easier to apply, it´s best to spray lots on before the chain is mounted, since afterwards you may not be able to access all of the chain due to rudder stops. 14:51: grease this pin! Graphite grease will make the pulley turn much easier under pressure and stop it wearing out quickly Chain: if you know the width and pitch, you can buy this in metre lengths from any industry supplier, or just buy overlengths of equivalent motorcycle chain and a rivetting tool and make your own to size in minutes. Split links are easier to work with than rivetting the chain closed, you can just clip on the new chain and zap it through until it comes out the other end, making replacement easier. A rivetting tool will also save you much pain, swearing and sticky plasters in the long run: flying screwdrivers always end up sooner or later being stuck in your hand when they slip.
Get an aerosol can of lithium chain grease from a motorcycle dealer. The solvent in the grease helps the grease to totally get into the pins. It then evaporates leaving a chain lubricated both inside and outside. Much easier and more thorough application.
It looks like that pipe, behind the cable pulleys, is how the two rudders are synchronized. They make a tool for breaking a chain which is a clamp that pushes the pin out. It doesn't take up that much room, but how often would you expect to use it on a boat? I have to check the cables and pulleys on my steering system. This is the first boat I have owned that didn't have a tiller, so there is new stuff to maintain.
never use a screwdriver to assemble a chain link as you do, use pliers that can yawn over the link pin closest to the closed end of the lock and the closed end on the outside and then clamp the lock on the chain assembly link with it, the last way you did it was right never with a screwdriver, it ends up wrong with the screwdriver ending in the hand with damage
How to replace,how to do this and how to do that ,all most every youtube chanel are makes how to Videos and most of them don't have clue about what they are talking
Problem solving, I never tire of it. Great video thanks guys.
Thank you Ian. Kim
Good stuff, and Cassie was the perfect photo bomber.
Yes...I see more photo bombing in her future!
LOL - can't imagine what the write up is to change the chain on that Cat... exhausted!
This exact thing happened to me, and we used the string technique as well. My mate was calling Ralph every few seconds as we fished the string through the binnacle, (on a monohull) in a stormy sea, down to me on my back with the quadrant wanting to destroy my hands. Nasty quadtrant, nasty! We had spare links, and fixed it there as darkness fell with Islands all around. The chain looked like yours, with other links ready to part. The required maintenance. should have been - grease that chain - just like yours Briticain. I could have used your checklist! You've made a really good and informative video. Thanks!!
Thanks for sharing your story SilverArk! Smiles, Kim
good job Kim Seems like you are always having to keep an eye on Simon to make sure everything goes properly Ha Ha.
You know it! Smiles, Kim
A fine bit of teamwork ! Try and try again and good interaction and brainstorming !
Thank you Jan ;) Kim
Another fabulous video. So happy everything had safe and happy ending
S.v.Tangaroa II
Thanks so much Louise! Kim
Great video! That cruisers guide sounds like a great idea to have around!
Thank you Ryan :) Kim
A chain splitter is a very handy tool and alows joining without a link. Joining links, however, remain my preference.
Thank you for the suggestion Jonathan. Kim
Boat gymnastic's and an IALA B zip tie for the port side chain.
Cables and chain at 14:09 are much too dry and need to be greased: they will not last long like this. Look at Britican 16:22 to see how it should be. Cables also need to be treated like chain, they chafe corrode and wear if not looked after.
While marine grease is ideal, with higher water and salt corrosion protection, it isn´t so easy to apply from the tub, especially when the chains n cables disappear into the great inaccessible depths of the boat. Anything is better than nothing. Motorcycle chain grease from the spray can is also fine and much easier to apply, it´s best to spray lots on before the chain is mounted, since afterwards you may not be able to access all of the chain due to rudder stops.
14:51: grease this pin! Graphite grease will make the pulley turn much easier under pressure and stop it wearing out quickly
Chain: if you know the width and pitch, you can buy this in metre lengths from any industry supplier, or just buy overlengths of equivalent motorcycle chain and a rivetting tool and make your own to size in minutes. Split links are easier to work with than rivetting the chain closed, you can just clip on the new chain and zap it through until it comes out the other end, making replacement easier. A rivetting tool will also save you much pain, swearing and sticky plasters in the long run: flying screwdrivers always end up sooner or later being stuck in your hand when they slip.
Thanks for all this great advice Zibbledy Zobbledy! Kim
Get an aerosol can of lithium chain grease from a motorcycle dealer. The solvent in the grease helps the grease to totally get into the pins. It then evaporates leaving a chain lubricated both inside and outside. Much easier and more thorough application.
Great suggestion Don. Thank you. Kim
It looks like that pipe, behind the cable pulleys, is how the two rudders are synchronized. They make a tool for breaking a chain which is a clamp that pushes the pin out. It doesn't take up that much room, but how often would you expect to use it on a boat? I have to check the cables and pulleys on my steering system. This is the first boat I have owned that didn't have a tiller, so there is new stuff to maintain.
Amazon sells a tool for breaking the chain !
Would you consider rudder chain and cables to be an essential spare to carry onboard?
We already had the cables on board as spare and are now ordering the chain to have just in case! Kim
The chain brook did you check the cable?
Yes we did and referred to it in the video.
never use a screwdriver to assemble a chain link as you do, use pliers that can yawn over the link pin closest to the closed end of the lock and the closed end on the outside and then clamp the lock on the chain assembly link with it,
the last way you did it was right
never with a screwdriver, it ends up wrong with the screwdriver ending in the hand with damage
I almost always use a big screwdriver to join links.
I just use the handle a a soft tap hammer.
If you must use a screw driver always have disinfectant and a sticky plaster to hand.
I'm shocked to see the damage to a chain of that size. I'd expect to see wear to the pins rather than the plates cracking.
Goes to show you that it's important to inspect the chain regularly (and everything else on a boat)! Kim
Right at the end when showing you checking Briticans chain it appeared like you have saddled then "Dead Horse" on the wire. Not a good practice
I'm not sure what that means Michael? Kim
How to replace,how to do this and how to do that ,all most every youtube chanel are makes how to Videos and most of them don't have clue about what they are talking
About and what they are doing .So don't call it how to, call it how i did it