J 105, Owner'S Manual, Page: 40 / 52

J/105 Owner Guide ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Zincs
The shaft zinc should be inspected for integrity. If it is severely pitted, replace it immediately.
Remember it is a sacrificial anode to protect the propeller and shaft from electrolysis. It can
deteriorate quickly, so inspect it frequently particularly if in a known “active” harbor. The split
design allows replacement while the boat is in the water. Unusually rapid zinc deterioration may
be a sign of other electrical problems. Proper inspection and immediate corrective action should
be taken to identify and isolate the source of electrical current. Failure to do so may lead to
damage of the propeller and shaft.
Deck Hardware/Running Rigging
Wash deck hardware frequently with fresh water to remove accumulated salt and grime. Salt is
VERY corrosive and a healthy wash down after each day of use will help keep things looking
great. Regularly wash down the jib sheets, spinnaker sheets, and other lines in fresh water.
Check for chafe and turn non-­‐tapered sheets end-­‐for-­‐end once every year to more equally
distribute wear.
Check all deck blocks and also wash them with fresh water. Most ball-­‐bearing blocks need only
hot water to cleanse them. On conventional sheave/pin blocks, wash off, disassemble, clean, rub
a light waterproof lubricant on the center pin, and then reassemble. Use only lubricants as
recommended by hardware manufacturers.
Furthermore, check and lubricate the sheaves and blocks on the mast. Also, ensure the
turnbuckles are clean and well lubricated. Without proper care they can “freeze up”.
In general, it is handy to keep a spray can of an appropriate light lubricant in your tool kit for
frequent squirts of blocks, shackles, mainsheet travelers, and other moving fittings.
Winches & Rope Clutches
Read the manufacturer’s manuals on winch and rope clutch maintenance. Winches are fine
pieces of machinery that for the most part take little effort to maintain. However, all too
frequently, they suffer neglect because no one can see how much they wear down or get dirty.
Clean And Lubricate Them! It takes little time to disassemble and put back together. Note that
the gears and bearings are lubricated with special winch grease. Pawls and pawl springs need
only a light oil. Keep spare pawls and springs in a kit for replacement.
Deck Hatch
Hatches need lubrication of their hinges with a silicone grease once a year. Also check the seals
to see they are not unduly cracked, or are losing their ability to seal correctly. To increase
traction on the plastic hatch covers, some owners prefer to apply non-­‐skid tape. The foredeck
hatch seals and hinges can see the quickest wear especially if the spinnaker is being actively
hoisted and doused through this hatch. If you like to leave the spinnaker tack line, sheets and
halyard rigged to the spinnaker while it is below, it is better to use the “vent” setting while
dogging the hatch to reduce torque on the frame and reduce potential for premature problems.