September 17, 2014

Sadly, Carol's father passed away this week at age 90.  I will be getting on a plane tomorrow morning to join her and her family in Des Moines for the memorial services.
Being a shorter work week, this will be a shorter post.  In addition to continuing to refinish the stern rail, I spent quite a bit of time doing physical therapy for my back problems, preparing for the trip, and researching and buying a bit of gear and the supplies I need to do the 750 hour engine service on the Beta.  Stimulated by some challenging questions from a dockmate, I went in search of a stainless steel shackle that was proof tested and its safe working load stamped on the shackle.  I wanted stainless because it will be used on my cast stainless Danforth and will have a large contact area.  I finally found one through Certex, a local rigging company.  It had to be ordered from the maker (Suncor Stainless) and was shockingly expensive when all the shipping and special order charges were included.  Still, it's cheap peace of mind knowing it will be part of my heavy anchor gear.

September 11, 2014

I accomplished the things I hoped I would this week:  finished the starboard cap rail and the aft cabin hatch as well as stripped the stern rail.  In addition, I bought a Honda 1000 eu generator from a friend and ordered parts from  Beta Marine so I can do a major engine service that is due.  Once the stern rail is finished, all the exterior refinish work will be done.  After the engine service, it's time to party and do a little cruise!

 

 

September 4, 2014

I continued working on refinishing the starboard cap rail and started work on the sliding hatch for the aft cabin.  The cap rail is almost done:  I just need to wet sand it with 400 grit before applying the final coat of Cetol Gloss.  (Hopefully all the excavation going on around the marina will not cause it to be ruined by fine grit settling on it!).   Because it doesn't take the whole day to lay on a coat of Cetol on the rail, I spent part of each day working on the sliding hatch.  I've made good progress, and with luck I might finish both next week.  Then the only significant task remaining on the exterior restoration will be the stern rail.  Could there be a party in the future?