April 3, 2014

Installing the last of the bronze ports turned out to be a bit more of a saga than I would have liked.  While the filling and fairing of the old opening was no worse than the slog I anticipated, after a very careful job of cleaning and resealing the new (used) port, it leaked when tested prior to installation.   It turned out that I had been too conservative in the amount of silicone sealant I used in my effort to keep it all neat and tidy.  When I disassembled the port to start over again, I found several gaps around the glass.  The second time around I made sure I used enough sealant to squeeze out in a yucky mess.  After cleaning up all the excess yuck, it looked pretty tidy anyway.  And it didn’t leak!

Several days of occasional showers this week delayed the installation of the port.   Couldn’t be cutting holes in the cabin with the threat of rain, after all.  So, I turned inward and did a bit of trim work in the area where the new port will be located.  And while the amount of rain wasn’t enough for a severe test, there were no signs of any leaks from the dorade vents I recently repaired.   A good week all-in-all.

March 27, 2014

Change of plans this week.  I found someone who can sand, fair, prep and paint the cabin, doghouse and deck for a reasonable price, so the focus has shifted to getting the boat ready for them.  I need to install the last remaining bronze port before they can start, so that was the main effort this week.  The port leaked when I tested it many moons ago, so I had to dismantle it and reseal it.  I also need to bond a plywood liner in the small section where the port goes so that it will be flush with the cabin exterior when installed.   And of course other related tasks cascade geometrically from those two....My painter won't be able to start for another week, so I should be ready when he is.  It will be a month-long project and a big check, but it will make a huge difference in how the boat looks.  And I won't have to break my back for months doing it myself!

October 24, 2013

I remounted the hardware on the companionway doors and continued work on the cockpit seats.  Finished the starboard side and made good progress on the port side, which needed some remedial work on chips and gouges.  The stain in the Primo stain/sealer came through and did a good job of hiding the imperfections. 

I also started work on putting in another of the ABI bronze ports I bought some 3 years ago.  (I installed the first one back in December of 2010!)  I used the same method I used before, with one little improvement.  I got a tip from a neighbor who is a shipwright and second generation master craftsman:  cutting off the bristles on a cheap paintbrush allows it to function as a combination brush and spreader/squeegee.  Thanks John!

Annual kinetic sculpture race was this week, too.  Always fun!