I have recieved lots of Manuals, Brochures, Flyers & Dealer Literature for the Parker Dawson / Midship. I dont have a scanner though but would like to put it up. If you would be interested please let me know. Or if you would like to just see it put up and have an extra scanner you wouldnt mind parting with  or would like to help some other way follow this link to help http://www.parkerdawson.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9 and I will get them up.

Also have the vire manuals and parts book.

We are now the proud owners of a Midship Dawson 1973.  We are in the process of bringing her back to Bristol condition albeit on a limited budget and with limited time.  We are anxious to take her out but first we have discovered that the lower bracket into which the rudder frame is hinged is broken.  The lower of the two hinge rings through which the bolt passes is broken.  It's a simple weld job if we can remove the bracket.  There are four flathead screws securing it to the hull.  The question is do they bolt through the hull to interior nuts or are they threaded into the hull itself?  Can they be safely removed without damaging the hull?  Are there replacement parts like this available?  Where?  How much?  Any suggestions re repairs?  Is there a manual available on line or elsewhere?  

Also, the swing keel is missing the hoist cable and is at the moment stationary in the down position.  Has anyone made this repair.  Any suggestions?  How involved is it?

Thanks for your help.  Glad to know you are out there.  While I have sailed for awhile this is my first boat so have patients and be gentle.

Thanks again --

RobE

Thanks for the quick response.  We are going to remove the lower bracket and weld on a new lower ring.  It's close to the water line so we will plug the holes temporarily while its out.  By the way it is possible to get to the nuts that secure the hinge on the inside by removing the wood panels on either side of stern wall.

We discovered a broken weld on one of the struts of the rudder basket and the rear strut is missing altogether.  It would be an easy weld job if we could get it off the boat.  However the pin that connects the rudder basket to the rudder cable is frozen solid.  And access is limited.  We've tried release oil but no luck.  Since the pin still appears strong albeit stuck, we are now planning on drilling through the rudder basket at the top and bottom of the struts and securing them with a long rod bolted top and bottom rather than pull her out of water and go the welding route.  We can always reinforce the struts with new welds later when we haul her out to clean the bottom and repair the keel hoist.

We purchased a new bimini that we will need to trim down an attach to the outside of the cockpit walls.  Any suggestions and or experience to share on this.  Have you seen the campertops pictured in the brochures here on line?  Very wild!  Also re your keel repair there is a fairly detailed diagram of the keel and hoist wench in the full manual also on line.

Again thanks.  We're hoping to take a test sail on Thursday.  I'll let you know how we fair.

RobE