A list of the Ariel's (and Commander's) four major critical maintenance areas.
Thirty plus years in salt water and electrically
"hot" marinas is causing corrosion induced failure in the Ariel's upper rudder
shaft. The shaft is made from marine bronze stock, and it is fastened to the rudder board
with bronze wood screws and bolts. Inspect the area of the shaft near the bend at each
haul-out.
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The chain plate for the back stay can pull from the mounting bolts
or become deformed and fail under certain conditions. Adding extra bolts, reinforcing the
transom, or going to a split backstay are recommended upgrades.
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The Ariel/Commander deck stepped masts are supported by either a
strong back (Ariel), or a compression post (Commander). The Ariels' strong back is part of
the bulkhead between the two cabins and is subject to sagging. Reinforcing the strong back
is recommended. The Commanders' compression post is anchored in the bilge and may be
exposed to water, check for integrity.
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The galley sink's basket drain assembly can corrode. When it fails,
the drain hose will fall below the water line and begin siphoning water into the boat. The
boat will likely sink if the condition is not discovered. Tie-up the drain hose to prevent
it from falling should the sink basket assembly fail.
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