Full Steam Ahead

June / July 2014

In June most of our hours went into the deck, with the cedar and ply down, and the whole thing faired and sheathed with epoxy / fibreglass by the end of June.  This is now ready for the cedar and teak laid deck which we have decided to do after the interior fit out to minimise the risk of it getting damaged.  The other time consuming job that was finished in June was splining the topsides, which is now finished so the hull is ready for fairing.

July has been back to full speed with almost twice the hours going into the boat as in June.  We started the month with the exciting event of the new engine going into the boat.  This was achieved with the help of South Boats and their crane, with which we managed to fit the engine through the side of the tent, and drop it down through the main hatch with a block and tackle.  600 kgs of Perkins is now in position in the centre of the saloon.   We also fitted the thrust bearing to thrust plate, and prop shaft through the stern tube so we can order the aquadrive to complete the drive gear.

We have got most of the cabin sole fitted this month, using solid iroko boards to give us a base to build the furniture off.  With basic wiring in and tanks in position we now have the basic cabin layout installed.  A traditional finish throughout the boat in keeping with the original is going to include tongue and groove panelling, fielded panels, and raised and fielded panels, some being painted and some varnished depending on the use of the cabin / area.

Other jobs have included preparing the area under the cockpit for the generator, which will be fitted in August, and making the cockpit itself.  Also, starting to fit the plumbing and galley systems below floor level before too much is built in over the top.  We are making great progress and are still on target to get the majority of the interior joinery finished, the electrical and mechanical systems installed and be finishing off the deck by the end of the year.