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!

March 20, 2014

I finished two projects and started a new one this week.  The last of the trim was installed around the breaker switch panels after a total of a dozen coats of varnish, and it looks a lot better.  I also finished the repair and refurbishment of the dorade boxes.  With luck, the repairs will cure the last of the saloon leaks.

The next major project will be installing paneling on the underdeck above the galley counter and the saloon lockers and shelf.  I started this week with the removal of the remnants of the old panel above the stove.  I've been debating about whether to use mahogany or white panels.  I'm leaning toward the white because it will be brighter and add a sense of space.  If I don't like it, I can always change it.

March 13, 2014

I completed the finishing of the overhead trim and re-installed it this week.  The trim around the breaker panels needs a few more coats of varnish before it can be installed.  I also did some leak sleuthing and discovered some cracks in the false bottom of the dorade boxes that likely caused the drips from the interior vent outlet tubes and possibly those around the skylight frames near the dorades.  In order to fully reveal the cracks and be able to repair them, I had to cut open the tops of the dorade boxes.  After the repair, I will cover the box tops with translucent plexiglass.

Over the weekend Carol and I went to Santa Paula to the Agricultural Museum and then to Ojai area to the Beatrice Wood studio and gallery.  Both interesting....

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March 6, 2014

The week was devoted to completing the fitting of the trim for the overhead...all 40 pieces of it!  Thanks to my canvas cockpit enclosure, I was able to continue working through the major storm that came through.  After getting everything fitted, it all had to be removed for finishing.   After I had removed all the unfinished trim, it was very clear what a big difference the trim makes!  It's the edges that are important.  Got the first coat of Epifanes RapidCoat on; many more coats to go!

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