Unsafe safety
This winter I was happy to buy a 1976 Nicholson 35. A beautiful piece of ‘old plastic’, but with a very long list of work to do. This work needed was reflected in the price, though which made it worthwhile. After two viewings in the water and one on dry land, I decided to buy her.
Over the past three months, I have taken her apart: all equipment, electronics, cables, pipes and hoses – it’s all gone. From here the hard work of the rebuild can start.
The reason I am telling you this is that I found that some fundamental safety-related parts were way past their expiry dates: gas hoses had a production date of 1989, flares had an expiry date of 2006 and the life raft was produced in 1993 with an expiry date in 2003. Last but not least, the cockpit drains – which drain under the waterline due to the deep (and safe) cockpit – had valves on the through-hull fittings that were so corroded I was not able to close them, not even with force.
How about your safety equipment? Is it really all in order?
There is a lot of work to do but I am looking forward to sailing a beautiful and safe piece of Nicholson heritage, although I know it will cost me this year’s season, even if we are allowed out.