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Torpodeo Tubes revisited

C

carl_miller

Carl Miller
<div>The torpedo tubes on Lifesong (M-384 Hull #44)are not solid from
port to stbd. but rather the outlets are linked by two approx
18" 3' Dia Hoses double clamped to a center "drain manifold".
How in the world to get to it to replace the, now 15 year old
hoses is a real problem. No access from the lazerette - rudder
post, port side has the fuel tank. stbd is the qtr berth. It
appears that removal of the hot water tank is the only way, then
crawling aft under the cockpit sole to get to the tubes,,,,Am I
ever looking forward to this job.
(1) in reading previous discussions, it appears that these tubes
are solid from one side to the other on other boats, Correct?
(2) what is access like on you-als boats.
If the hose/tube ever came adrift, there is no way to get to it
while under way. Any seacock would not be reachable without the
afore described aft crawl. Any thoughts?
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Tom. Njord torpedo tube is constructed like Lifesong's. I believe that I have seen some that where the tube does continue for port to starboard but, my memory is vague. It sounds like there have been some custom features add to Lifesong. If/when I tackle the job, I believe that I can gain access by removing the panel/bulkhead at the aft end of the quarter berth to get to the starboard side and will go through the cockpit locker to get to the port side. I do not have a fuel tank or water heater in the locations you memtioned. I could also go down under the helmsman seat but I would need to remove the steering quad first and pray that I didn't get any muscle cramps while I was down there. Neither way is good and someday I'll be there with you. I hope to have the assistance of a small, talented child to help me.
 
<div>My boat is like Jay's except I have no bulkhead at the end of the quarter berth that is removeable. I do have a removeable bulkhead in the cockpit locker that could be taken out to make access easer toward the stern of the boat (scupper tubes). I wish I had further advise because I too see a hose change in my future.Please write a followup when you complete the project.Thanks,Vic Copelan
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Well, good news and bad news. After I dismembered the hot water heater and deposited in the trash bin, it was not too hard to get to the tubes. YES, they needed replacing. There were just plain old age cracks (like all of us) half way thru the rubber. I replaced with thick wall exhaust hose. I was amazed that the hose clamps were in good shape. Lifesong does not have a removable bulkhead at the end of the Stbd qtr berth, in fact, it is another bulkhead some 12" further aft. All nicely closed in, I wonder what is in it... Going thru the lazerette after removing the steering quadrant would be much harder.
 
Tom. Thanks for the information. I was afraid there would be complications. Do I understand that you have replaced the starboard side but not the port side hoses? Regarding the quarter berth bulkhead, the one on Njord is not removalable in the sense that in just pops out but rather, that it was not glassed to the hull. I will need to remove pugs and screws and may damage the bulkhead during removal. I had hoped to be able to get to close enough to the tubes so I could possibly cut an access hole through any other bulk heads to get to the hoses. I would cut the holes and replace the bulkhead in a manner which would allow quick easy access the next time it had to be done. Let us know how it turns out.
 
<div>Jay, Goodness...my access is through a removable panel inside the qtr berth (approx 13" high x 36?" long) plenty of space to slide (and I do mean slide) thru to the space under the Cocklpit. Like I said, lots of moving room, lateraly, not vertically, and it takes every bit to get positioned to remove/replace the hose. It is 3" ID, heavy wall and not easy to bend or twist. My 5'11" son-in-law 215#'s was able to get in, slide around, bend the hose and put on to the fiberglass/permanent pipes.No, did not replace the port side. Amazing, but it is in good shape. It seems a shame to leave that much space unusable. Other than storage for rarely need parts...read junk...
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North Wind's got the same set up a Tom's boat. Not that easy but atleast two ways to get to the tubes. so far in pretty good shape. I'll probably replace before heading off shore (I hope a year from this fall.)
 
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