FARR 1220 OWNERS ASSOCIATION

P.O. Box 78-189

Grey Lynn

Dear Member,
Farr 1220: Operation and Maintenance Notes.

Attached is a dossier of notes prepared by your Association

concerning the operation and maintenance of the Farr 1220.
We hope that you will find them useful or of interest.
It is important to note that this dossier does not purport to be a
definitive treatment on any of the subjects canvassed but rather
is a compilation of data supplied by members from time to time.
It is gratifying to note that very few structural problems appear to
have been encountered, even after 10 years, a tribute to the
design and construction techniques employed . By far the
majority of the common problems are "machinery" related or are
relatively minor in nature.
If anyone wants more information about any of the matters in the
dossier, please do not hesitate to contact myself or one of the
other committee members.
Finally, to reiterate one of the comments in the notes, please
advise us of any relevant information or ideas you may have
about the operation , maintenance, modification or
enhancement of these vessels that may be of interest to other
members.

Jopi/Blomfield
(chairman)
PS. A reminder:

Annual Dinner on Wednesday, 26thAugust.

FARR 1220 OWNERS ASSOCIATION

FARR 1220
Operation and Maintenance Notes
Introduction
While the systems and features built into the Farr 1220 are generally reliable
and robust, it is inevitable in such a complex and sophisticated vessel that
some items will require adjustment or maintenance from time to time,
particularly as most of these yachts have now celebrated their 10th birthday.
The information in this dossier has been compiled from members reports.
Members are encouraged to report appropriate information and ideas
related to the operation, maintenance, modification and/or enhancement
of their vessel. One of the functions of the Association is to disseminate such
information for the use and benefit of members.

Disclaimer- Important Notice

While the committee endeavours to corroberate the information in this dossier,
it has not been formally verified by designers, manufacturers, equipment
suppliers or other appropriate specialists. Accordingly, it is a condition of use of
this information that such use is entirely at the discretion and risk of the user
and that neither the Association nor its executive shall be liable or responsible in
any way.

Ed 1.

June 1998

Propellers-Original
The standard Volvo sail drive unit was originally supplied with an alloy two blade
folding propellerne boss of which contains a rubber compound designed to
provide a "shock absorber" action for the blades when opening.
In early units, this compound was prone to failure.especially if vigorous open
throttle is applied in reverse gear in which case the propeller could "wind off'
the shaft and would be lost (with potentially embarrasing consequences!)
As a guide, it has been suggested that the gap between the leading edge of the
propeller boss and the adjacent edge of the sail-drive unit should not be more
than 2mm. If it is more than this, replacement or refurbishment of the propeller
boss may be required.
*****************************************************

If dismantling the propeller unit, note that the two (alien key type) screws
contain a deposited thread seal which the manufacturer advises should not be
reused more than once.
*****************************************************

The standard 17"X 15" propeller may be considered slightly "over-pitched" but
reducing the pitch impairs reverse thrust so the standard unit is probably the
optimum compromise.
*****************************************************

Replacement blades for this propeller are now difficult to obtain. (However,
Kevin Purdy has two spare blades and a hub for these original propellers)

Propellers-New
Recently, Volvo have marketed new bronze folding two and three blade
propellers. Initial reports on the performance of these new units has been very
favorable with owners commenting on smoothness of operation and enhanced
reverse thrust.
The new design does not have zinc anodes built into the propeller boss and
there has been some suggestion of possible electrolytic corrossion and
accelerated decay of the adjacent sail-drive zinc anode; this matter is being
watched.

Engine-Salt water Reticulation

If not already supplied during installation, robustness of the cooling water
supply can be enhanced by fitting a water filter between the intake cock (on the
sail drive unit) and the salt water circulation pump.
All three of the components in the salt water reticulation system, namely the
refrigeration condenser, the engine oil cooler and the engine fresh water heat
exchanger, are subject to very gradual long term deterioration (see below)

Engine-Heat Exchanger/Oil Cooler

Some vessels have experienced corrosion of the oil cooler and heat exchanger
units. Initial symtoms of deterioration may include intermittent engine
overheating or inefficient operation of the refrigeration system. Volvo agents
recommend that heat exchanger, the oil cooler and the exhaust elbow should be
dismantled and cleaned or refurbished (as necessary) every 5-8 years.
A common problem is a gradual accumulation of corrosion salts which
progressively inhibits water flow. A suggested test is to measure the water
flow at the exhaust outlet which should be about 20-25 litres per minute at
2000rpm. If the flow rate is much less than this then further investigation may
be warranted.

Refrigeration System
The condenser units in the refrigeration system are also subject to internal
corrosion. Refrigeration engineers consider that the standard units fitted to
most vessels are likely to have a life of about 10 years and replacement is
recommended by this time. They also point out that if the condenser walls are
perforated and salt water contaminates the refrigeration system then repairs will
be very expensive indeed.
New condensers are now available which are fabricated from a longer lasting
phosphor bronze and which are also fitted with a protective zinc anode which
should be checked annually.

Sail Drive
There have been no reported failures or problems with the rubber flange seal on
the sail drive. However, the manufacturer recommends replacement every 7
years. Has anyone done this yet??

Rudder Bearings
A couple of the vessels have recently required replacement of the rudder
bearings due to corrosion. Any owner contemplating such action and requiring
advice should contact a committee member. Non copper antifouling should be
used adjacent to the rudder bearing ( and in proximity to the sail drive.)

Keel
One or two vessels have experienced slight movement of the keel which has
been attributed to compression of the filler used between the internal grid (liner)
and the top of the stub keel.

Stern Rubbing Strip

On some vessels, the protective plastic rubbing strip fitted to the heel of the
stern has deteriorated. Robert Elvin has had a replacement teak strip made
and fitted for a relatively modest cost. The boatbuilder made up a pattern to do
this job which he has kept. Anyone interested can inspect the modification on
Robert's boat "Endurance" at Weshaven (Berth P30) and/or contact Robert
directly at Ph575-8338.

Anchor Well
Several cases of imperfect bulkhead/deck or hull/deck sealing in the anchor
well have been reported which in heavy weather can result in water seepage
into the forward cabin or even further aft.
In principle, the solution is reasonably straight forward; force a continuous bead
of low modulous adhesive-sealant into the bulkhead/deck and hull/deck joints
around the top inside edge of the anchor well. (In practice, due to the confined
spaces, access to a super-agile dwarf would be a distinct advantage!)

Sailing Performance
Some members who have experienced premature "rounding up" of the vessel in
gusty conditions have attributed the problem to slight "dishing" in the profile of
the aft section of the rudder. One member has reported very satisfactory results
from "filling and fairing" this area of the rudder. It is understood that other
members are contemplating this minor modification.
Enhancements.
The vessels were designed and built to a high specification and it is
understood that few owners have found the need to make changes to their
vessel. However, any member who has modified or enhanced their vessel in
some way to further improve comfort or convenience is encouraged to share
their ideas.