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.

October 31, 2013

Carol was in New York this week, so I had no excuse not to work on the boat over the weekend.  I was pretty worn out by the end of the longer work cycle, but happy with what was accomplished.  I finished installing one of the big ABI ports, which is a big job for several reasons.  Among the many steps is a lot of unpleasant grinding of fiberglass and the need to hoist and manipulate the 25 lb port time-after-time while grinding and fitting it in the new cutout.  But it's nice to have more light and openness in the saloon.  So I started the installation for one on the starboard side.

The threat of rain forced me to turn to inside projects, so I finally replaced four of eight indicator lights on one of the electrical switch panels because they weren't working.  I also moved the ship's clock from the place it lost to the new port into the aft cabin.  It looks nice with the brass oil lamps and it's nice to be able to glance up from the berth and see what time it is.

Finally, I finished the refurbishing of the port side cockpit seat. It just needs to be remounted.   No wonder I'm pooped!

Oh, I almost forgot!   BOO!!!

May 16, 2016

Tough week.  Truck broke down three times going to and from an outrigger race in San Diego.  Dealing with those issues precipitated other problems, all leading to lots of stress, lack of sleep, significant expenses and additional things to handle.  Still, I managed to get a few things done on the boat. (Good therapy if nothing else.)
I laid on a total of six coats of Cetol (3 Marine, 3 Gloss) on the teak trim around the cockpit coaming so I can now move on to the rest of the teak in the doghouse, which will be coated with Epifanes varnish.  The labels arrived for the switch panel, so I figured out a way to get them on perfectly aligned, which is a challenge because once the label adheres to the panel, it can't be adjusted.  I made a cut-out template from a piece of cardboard to guide the label placement.  It worked perfectly.   I also attended to a few details in aft cabin such as floor trim and polishing up the aluminum frames for the port lights.
In addition, I showed a neighbor the secret to getting a nearly flawless paint finish using the roll and tip method, and saw my friend Curt's new (to him) boat.

Tomorrow is another day.