A day off.

This weekend we took a trip up to Kessingland in Suffolk to see the outlaws. On the way back we kep't an eye out for somewhere nice to stop and eat our Sarnies.  As we drove over the enormous bridge that straddles the Orwell I thought there must be somewhere OK to stop by the river. We took the next exit and followed our nose until we ended up at Pin Mill.  It's probably well know out east but for us South Coast chaps it was a stunning find.

There were several sailing barges, a pub, a boat yard some chandlers and a picnic bench... Perfect.  Jelly Bean is moored just up the river from here and I have to say, I feel jealous.  The sooner I get Ciao Bella out on the water the better.

A few more jobs ticked off.

The cockpit drain system is now complete and ticked off the list.  I see there is some debate on various forums regarding whether the hoses should be crossed or lead straight down.
The argument for crossing them is that if the yacht is healed over enough, water can enter the cockpit.  Looking at it it seems unlikely to be a problem on a Hurley 20.  If over that far I would expect the seacocks to be floating clear of the water.  I chose to go straight down as it leaves me with access to the under cockpit area which is where I ntend to store my battery and the floor, seat and paddles for my dinghy.Once I am comfortable with the way she sails I shall sheet in tight, get her leaning right over and see if she ships any water through the leeward scupper.  blimey, that almost sounds like pirate talk. P~} Aharghh

Scuppers and NASA duet display fitted.

Seacocks fully installed and NASA duet paddle wheel fitted.



Position of Seacock skin fitting and Paddle wheel further forward.



I have also fitted the display and paddle wheel for the NASA Duet. I positioned the display under the hatchway.  There appears to be enoungh room to see it past crew members legs if I find some one stupid enough to come sailing with me. I didn't want clutter on the bulkheads as the halyards will be hanging there while sailing and when at rest I like to use the bulkhead as a back up... not very comfy with a display or compass in your back.  The depth transducer fits nicely in the old tube for the seafarer transducer.  I'll have to buy another in hull kit just for the top. Aonghas, I'll post the bits that I don't use for you to use with the seafarer.
Drilling the hole for the paddle wheel was a bit nervy.  It's one of those jobs that you keep looking at and not wanting to start. I positioned it deep in the bilge as that has the best access for maintenence and is also the most ideal place on the outside of the hull. It needs GRP bonding but I shall do that while I'm fitting the rib.
I've also done a load more varnishing, boy I'm glad I haven't got a wooden boat. They look fantastic but I don't believe you would ever get to sail them.

Single handed around the world

I am in awe.... of his facial hair and acheivements.  This fella put us all to shame.

DSC VHF

I've just picked up a second hand Simrad RD68 DSC VHF from a fella locally for £80. Not sure if it's a good deal or not but it's the best I could do :)
The MMSI No has already been cleared and it has a telephone style mike. The fist mike on my old set was ok but with the outboard on full song it was hard to hear the speaker. This should overcome that.

Shiny new scuppers

I eventually managed to find some decent deck scuppers today, so I shall be able to tick another job off the to do list. These were the grand total of £3.70 each and have a stainless steel top, more durable and uv resistant, and plastic body's , cheaper. They have a good wide opening with a narrow restriction, less than the seacocks, that should catch any debris which might otherwise block the seacocks. My only gripe is that I wanted caps that drained from the edge rather than these domed caps which I imagine will hold dirty water around the edge.
I also bought a hole saw and another tub of varnish so I can fit the NASA duet and continue varnishing everything in sight :-)

Two steps forward, one step back.

I managed to get out and do a bit today.  The wash boards are now finished save a few coats of varnish.  It was so cold out there this morning that I decided to light some paraffin lamps in the cabin to take the chill off.

 By midday the cabin was toasty warm making it the perfect place to varnish various items. 

 I also finished shaping the locker lids, fitted the battens underneath and applied the first coat of varnish.

The solar panel is attached to the front hatch however I have not fed the cable through yet as I am waiting for Index Marine to get their new right angle cable gland to market.

The rotten rib was next on my list.  I tried several methods of removing it but the most effective method was with a tiny cutting disk on a Dremel.  It sliced through the GRP allow me to chisel out the remaining rotten plywood.

 

On the downside, during my efforts with hammer and chisel it became apparent the the starboard side supports for the cabin sole were also rotten.  I prised them off only to reveal that the upright ply sides also have rot in them.  I will have to cut out the bad areas and let in new ply.  Oh well, that's the joy of old boats.

On the plus side, the weather forecast is for unseasonably warm weather, perfect for fibreglass work.

Tiller hinge

I made a bit more progress this evening. My neighbour returned the dodgy tiller fitting over the week end. He welded in the counter sunk holes and re-drilled them to take M6 bolts.
Unfortunately they fouled the bracket and I had to cut a rebate for the bolt heads. It's all good now, the surface bolt heads will be easier to disassemble than before, especially as I'll fit them with plenty of copper grease.

I've also made progress with some of the wood work but nothing is in a finished state yet so will post about them another time :-)


As was with recessed allen bolts



Now, Hex head machine screws

Creature comforts

For me there is no better motivation than the conjured up image of being anchored in a secluded creek, watching the sun go down with a glass of my favourite scotch.   So to that end I ordered these personalised whiskey tumblers from Award Medals.
I hope you'll agree they look the mutts :~)

Chin chin.