Mistroma of Gair - Technical History & Major Maintenance
This page summarizes our annual maintenance routine and lists major one-off replacements and services over 17 years of ownership. Click any linked item below for full details and zoomable photos.
Maintenance Overview
We carry out approximately 100-120 hours of maintenance at spring commissioning and another 100-120 hours at autumn layup - over 200 hours total each year. Our procedures are documented in detail.
Regular maintenance checklists and procedures:
>> Pre-launch commissioning checklist
>> Post-lift out layup checklist
An Excel spreadsheet with task history and notes is referenced on both pages above.
Major One-Off Maintenance & Replacements
Key items completed over 15 years of ownership. Click each for details and photos.
Yanmar Engine - Coolant, starter check, fuel filter assembly, Volvo seal
Coolant: Replaced 2012, 2017, 2022 (Yanmar long-life pink).
Starter motor: Inspected 2019 (brushes/commutator excellent). Next check 2027.
Fuel filter assembly: Replaced 2011 (self-bleeding type, works perfectly).
Volvo shaft seal: Replaced 2015 (precautionary, no leak). Greased annually, burped post-launch. No drips.
>> Further details and pictures
Windlass - Monitoring brush wear, seal replacement, gearbox service
Brushes: Examined 2016, 2023. Minimal wear (1.1-1.6mm over 7 years).
Seals & gearbox: Shaft seals replaced, gearbox serviced 2023.
Next check: Pre-launch 2027.
>> Further details and pictures
Electric Winch - Brush replacement (2025)
Brushes: Replaced May 2025 (old ones nearly worn away).
Commutator: Cleaned and in good condition.
Gearbox: No sign of any issues with seals or leaks.
>> Further details and pictures
Seacocks & Through-Hulls - annual inspections, pre-emptive replacements
Engine inlet: Checked 2012,2014 and replaced 2023 (old fitting kept – still serviceable).
Forward head valves: Replaced 2012 (No corrosion).
Aft head outlet: Replaced 2022 with Tru-Design (originals kept – no corrosion).
Current status: All fittings excellent. Annual inspections since 2012.
>> Further details and pictures
Fresh Water System - new pump, pipe blockage cleared
New pump: Fitted 2025 (original kept as spare – still works).
Blockage: Debris from initial construction found in manifold, cleared. Flow restored.
Toilets (Jabsco) - outlet hose replaced, no calcification ever
Aft. head outlet hose: Replaced May 2022 (precautionary). Original hose completely clear.
Fwd. head modification: Freshwater flushing option added to aid cleaning
Practices: Regular dilute acid rinse (every 6 weeks). Forward toilet modified for fresh water flush. No paper. No blockages.
These have been very trouble free and that is helped by a service at start of every season, regular lubrication of the piston o-ring with silicone grease, and thorough end of season flushing. No paper tissues pumped through the toilet. We have never had any sign of blockages or calcification in either toilet. The original outlet hose connecting the holding tank to the skin fitting was replaced in May 2022. It had never been physically cleaned, just a dilute hydrochloric or acetic acid rinse every 6 weeks (approx. 500mls). The hose was completely clear with zero calcification.
Forward toilet used solely for peeing and ALWAYS pumped 24 times. It was also modified to allow fresh water flushing and that's carried out once every few months. We avoid peeing in the aft toilet and miminal flushing means we usually manage at least a week at anchor with the holding tank. The rear illumination makes to easy to see the liquid level as a shadow.
Electronic Bilge Pump Sensor - replacement (2023-2025)
Original sensor: Failed May 2023. Temporary float switch fitted.
New sensor: New electronic sensor fitted April 2025.
