Here’s the link to a Google doc version of the file I showed during this morning’s Zoom. This is a starting point for a list of parts we might want scan and/or re-engineer.
Click here to open “Thought on Mike Quill Parts” in Google Docs
Edit it in Google Docs and post here if you’ve got thoughts you want to discuss.
Thanks,
– Bob
Bob, I’ve added a few more Mike Quill parts to the end of the list that seemed worth considering…
Mike
I made a few suggestions but not sure if it was saved . I put my initials after each comment . ( gpf) fingers crossed
Gary
I’m thankful to be added to this group of forward looking members. I will try to see where I may be help. The question I have is is Mike Quill planing on retiring any time soon or are we just trying to be proactive of the inevitable.
Brian
Mike Quill’s been threatening to retire for the last four years. We’re expecting that the new tariffs will push him over the brink and that this time he means it.
Current status is that he offered his remaining inventory to the INA for about $80-85K. The INA doesn’t have that kind of money. We also don’t have money for the $400-500/month estimated cost of a storage facility for the material, nor any volunteer to deal with shipping and handling.
So, one issue is whether we could get the digital information to enable INA members to get the parts fabricated as needed. Bits cost a lot less to ship than chunks of metal.
Another issue is whether we can find cheaper alternatives and work-arounds for some of these items.
For example, Mike charges nearly $1400 plus shipping for cast aluminum replacement mast collars. I’m looking into whether there are off-the-shelf parts (like commercial piping collars) that might be adapted at a lower cost. Not ready to announce that it’s gonna work, but here’s an example of what I’m looking into: 8" Stainless Steel Pipe Clamp Standard T-316 #212SX0800 . This is a $152 316 Stainless band that fits an 8.625” OD pipe. It’s just a little too big for the 8.125” OD mast on an N26. But, I’m wondering if there’s a smaller equivalent, or if padding it with a 0.25” gasket would work. If this is feasible, all we’d have to say is, “buy one of these and have a local shop weld on rings for your blocks.”
– Bob
Note also: Mike’s impending retirement was a trigger for thinking about this, but several people have been also been thinking about novel parts that have nothing to do with him.
– Bob
Bob and all,
Well that pretty much explains it all as far as I’m concerned, thanks for the effort to explain this adventure to a late comer . I’m excited to be part of it. I don’t think these boats of ours will be fading from popularity in the future especially due to the dedication of people like you and fellow Nonsuchers. From what I can see from my house is that the business of picking up on Mike Quills offers would be initially best served by an established boat yard that already has the capability to provide the space and people to add it to their working group. I would think north of the 42nd parallel until the current troubles pass. The reason I say that is because in manufacturing the one off part is much more expensive than a batch of 10. Of course most people already know that but my point is that the savings of scale would pay for the rest of the cost. Now the fact that there were only 1K of so boats made and some are already gone is an issue but their uniqueness adds value to parts also.
Just sayin,
Brian Cayer