After long phone calls with Hydrovane, we determined that the frome is fine and fully operable. However, the shaft for the Windvane rudder (paddle) requires replacement. I've ordered that piece and a few other bits and bobs for spares. All in all, she'll work as designed. Very happy about that, since a replacement is around $6500.

I chose to use KiwiGrip. Mainly because its a single step paint, as opposed to two part epoxy. It has very good durability, color stability and its very easy to apply. The down side is that it only comes in White, Blue, Grey and Cream. The manufacturer website says that since its a simple water based acrylic, you can buy White and have it matched to any color you want at a local "Big Box" hardware store. This is bullshit. I purchased 2 gallons of white. I learned over the next week or so, that none of the dozen or so paint shops I went to would tint a paint you didn't buy from that shop. So, I I had to decide if I wanted to go with Grey or Cream decks. UGH! Sleepless!! I couldn't decide! Finally, I settled on Cream, went back to Fawcett Marine in Annapolis (fantastic people by the way), returned the White and purchased 4 more gallons of KiwiGrip......at a blushing $145 a gallon.

I made two 24"x24" swatches to see which I preferred. I decided on Cream because it feels more appropriate for the genre of the boat and, being a stock color, will be readily available for touch-up material.