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Planing Covering board, Moving Emerald, in the Marina, yet again 2005
27/09/03
Stirred up enough enthusiasm to make the most of the good weather this side of Christmas, and do what could be done on the boat. Discussed what needed doing the most. Re-seating the cleaned up Mast Step on the deck was 1st priority, after levelling up the boat. Spent Saturday with the water level and some larger wedges, levelling the boat up port to starboard. It was only about 30mm out !. Both of us pleased with this achievement. Things could have been so much different.
28/09/03
Saturday night packed up the van in preparation for sanding and epoxing in place the mast step. Slightly awkward for parking today. The driveway down to the field was blocked by sheet steel panels – destined for the Marina workshops. Dogs and their owners are a real nuisance, in the field, not clearing up after their dogs. Dogs and boats do not go. They don’t want their dog pooh on their boat doorstep, yet don’t think twice about leaving it around someone else's boat !. Inconsiderate, and/or jealousy. The deck area where the mast step seats had already been sanded down well. We’d given it a good belt sand earlier in the year when we removed the mast-step. Once given a final sand and then brushed down. We used newspaper held in place with masking tape to ease the clean up process after epoxing the mast step in place. Tried the mast step, tabernacle and short mast piece in place. Wow, how good it looks. First time we'd had the tabernacle on board since we had had the tabernacle welded up. The level plumb of the tabernacle was spot on, the short mast piece was as good as there. Any further adjustment can be done by sanding down the mast base. Used beeswax polish on the bolts to prevent the epoxy from sticking. With electric drill re-drilled all the holes, as one or two had to be drilled a mm or so again to fit the welded tabernacle base in place. Worked out the positioning of the short and long bolts, then setup everything for epoxying. Acetoned this sanded deck area, and the underside of the mast step. Then painted a layer of neat epoxy on deck and the mast step underside. Let this go tacky, whilst mixed up some epoxy with high density filler. Once the resin mixed in, we started. Painted this last mix on the deck, careful not to let it go down the bolt holes where possible. Then sandwiched the mast step in place, put the tabernacle in place, and then the bolts were put in place, and nuts and washers put on the inside. The weather and temperature was just right for epoxying. Once the bolts tightened and epoxy stopped oozing out, scraped up the excess and cleared away the masking tape and newspaper on deck. Excellent job done, both of us pleased. Time for a coffee – yes we’re still on the stiff continental coffee now, ever since we visited abroad. Tidied up the tools and left for home. We must have arrived about 10:00am and left about 5:00pm ish.
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| Epoxying in place the mast step timber | Tabernacle back in place | Looking good |
30/09/03
Decided to visit the boat equipped to remove the bolts, and cut some neoprene rubber to fit between the tabernacle and the mast step. Quite what we did not expect was for the bolts to be glued in place. Had to utilise the ratchet & 17mm socket. By hand spanner, it was like each bolt was a mile long. Darkness was drawing in fact aswell. Plumbed in the electric cable and lead light, and with the electric drill, drilled out the bolt holes, having by now got the bolts out. Decided by this time best thing would be to take the tabernacle home and just leave the bolts in place with rubber grommets on for tonight. This done and packed up in pitch black, once electric unplugged.
01/10/03
Visited this evening to complete what we set out to do last night. Had already cut the neoprene rubber and punched holes in before we went down. Took the bolts out and cleaned them up proper with a wire brush, and a rag. Seated the tabernacle back down on to the mast step with the neoprene rubber between. Then put the bolts back in. Job done just in time, as it was spitting with rain. Will need alternative to the rubber grommets under the bolt heads. Priority is to prevent water seeping down the bolt holes into the cabin. Good job done in about an hour. During the week Lance had made additional MDF base for the router, to enable us to router the inner edge of the covering boards to get back to good wood.
04/10/03
Today was a washout, with Ruth called out from work left, right and centre, the weather was overcast, cool and showery. Did visit the boat but rain stopped us doing anything. Made some enquiries during the week, and on Friday took a journey to get an aluminium tower for working on the boat, i.e. to form staging alongside the boat. Being outside there is no staging, it would be a mammoth task to build something permanent, and the future of this hard standing is in the balance. Decided to invest in an aluminium tower, which would be practical wherever the boat is, and could also be used at home.
05/10/03
Visited the boat after getting some fibre washers for the mast step bolts. Unbolted the tabernacle, and put the washers in place and tightened all bolts up. Then removed the eyebolt forward of the mast step, drilled out the hole and replaced the eye bolt washer with a fibre washer. In doing so noted the thickness of the mast step at this point is 2”. This means we need 4”-4½“ bolts to affix the stainless steel cleat we'd bought at the boat jumble, just forward of the eye bolt. The idea being that if the hatch should be thrown right open then the brass bars will hit the cleat and prevent the glass smashing on the eye bolt. We’d brought the router with us, so after a quick sand of the surface of the covering board, attempted to router the inner edge of the covering board by sanding on the steps. It will work well if we can get back to good wood all along. The suspect area will be aft, where most rain water had been collecting. Ruth surface sanded all the covering board, ensuring the wooden dowel plugs where flush with the surface as well. Decided to call it a day once swept up. Lots to do and Ruth got a week of work after next.
09/10/03-19/10/03
Ruth had taken holiday to progress with the boat. Things never quite go as planned and this week was no exception. The platform tower we had bought on 3rd Oct, was incomplete and we were still awaiting for some adjustable legs and two pairs of stabilisers. They were supposed to arrive on Friday 10th, but didn’t. To make things worse the manufacturers had discontinued this particular tower, and their alternative was more expensive. The tower we’d bought was ideal for what we needed it for, and we’d secured the last pair of stabilisers the company had, if only they would arrive at the right depot for delivery to us. It was Wed 15th by time the bits arrived, and then it was too windy until the weekend to be able to try out the platform in the back garden, to rehearse the procedure of erection. They would come in real handy at home also for work on the outside of the house. Meanwhile Lance had good idea of getting two way license free radios. These would be a bonus on the boat, especially if we had hands-free headsets. These were ordered on Thu 9th Oct expected delivery on Fri 10th. It was more expense for good radions, but cheap radios are no good for clear speech. Friday came and no radios. Just the chargers plus some components we did not order !. To add to our misery the radio’s we’d ordered could not be dispatched until we’d returned the components we had received of which we had not ordered. It was Monday when the radio’s arrived !. Spent Monday washing the van. Not much thought could be put onto the boat, as we were anxious to get the tower stabilisers for the platform tower before we could even use it. The tower was useless without stabilisers. Last Sunday there had been a boat jumble which we visited. It was a nice setting for a Boat Jumble with views of the estuary. Found some bolts for the stainless steel cleat. We got 8mm + 10mm, 4 each of nuts and washers etc. M8 looked too small, but M10 looked too large, but we’ll see what we can do. Also got some pozi stainless screws – but later we did think we had been charged over the odds. Need to check out other places.
26/10/03
We did intend visiting on Saturday, but by the time we had drilled out the holes in the stainless cleat, and countersunk the holes for the M10 bolt heads, then cut some neoprene rubber pieces to sandwich between the deck and the cleat, it was too late to make a start. The van was loaded anyway, so made a good start on Sunday morning (today). Yesterday the other thing we needed to do was to make a wooden pad, in order to keep the drill parallel to the mast step piece of wood, through which we were to be drilling. We drilled out the holes for the cleat, in the mast step. The radio’s came in very handy. Ruth could buzz Lance the moment the drill came through down below, through the plywood inserts, and for Lance to then drill the hole from underneath. This was to avoid as far as possible the wood splitting from the underside. This done bolted the cleat down, good job done. Next area to tackle is the covering board. We tried out the new scaffold tower, after the stabilisers eventually arrived. The whole thing worked a treat down at the boat. The platform height was perfect for working on deck. The tower was not too heavy either, and the ground around the boat was very uneven in places, but with a good few wooden pads and wedges, and after half an hour realising we actually had adjustable feet on the tower legs, we coped very well moving the tower around the boat, and getting it levelled up. This allowed Lance to be able to router the inner edge of the covering board, to take off a mm or two to a) ensure the covering board is the same width all the way around apart from aft, b) hopefully to cut back to fresh sound mahogany. This was successful, and Lance went round for a second time. We had to move our wooden steps to get completely all the way around. We persevered and completed it, and also gave a hand sand right the way around the covering board, to remove the surface weathering. This was a good days work, and a job long overdue. Clocks go back, or should I say went back last night, nights will close in faster now.
01/11/03
Forecast fine day today, so got down for 10:00am. Because of overnight rain the deck had not dried out enough to start. Ended up making a start inside sanding down and removing the brown sikaflex mastic around the coachroof beam joints. Sanded the starboard side of the forward cabin roof, about 6” around the mast step. Port side not dry. Plan to paint on some burgess woodsealer to try prevent any water soaking in and getting under the mast step area, until we flexiteek deck it. Portside covering board now dry, so set to sanding it with the long sanding block we’d made up for sanding down the hatch runners. This was a length of mahogany about 18" long, to which we'd attached a piece of wood for the handle, and then wrapped over the underside a length of sandpaper. The length of this sand pad then showed up the high spots on the covering boards. Lance with his largest plane, set to planing down these high spots, from what he could reach of the covering boards from the wooden steps. Then we got out the platform tower, and Lance routered the aft covering board, which being a different width to the rest, had to be done separately. By now it was almost 4:30pm, so decided as we now had a decent finish on the aft, and half the port side covering boards, we would do another final hand sand then paint on burgess woodsealer. Did this and then time to pack up. About 16:00pm now and nights closing in fast. Another good day, hopefully we can complete the rest of the covering board very soon. Nearly forgot to mention – we still need to router the outside edge of the covering board.
02/11/03
Another dry day and sun shining. Managed to complete the rest of the port-side covering board. First sanding with the long sanding board to highlight the high spots, then with the tower erected Lance planed down the high spots, the Ruth followed hand sanding the final finish. Then the covering board painted with Burgess Woodsealer. Just finished in time – we were putting on two coats of woodsealer – the sun was setting, temperature dropping. Packed up and left for home about 16:00pm.
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| The scaffold tower in situ. We started chocking up with pads, until we realised the legs were adjustable !! | ||
08/11/03
Forecast dry so visited the boat to attempt the starboard side of the covering board. Got down about 10:00am and it was a bit chilly. Cold wind and no sun, and it is always more windy up on deck, than it is on the ground. We persevered, boosted with cups of coffee. We completed the planing and sanding and finished the painting by 13:30pm. Packed up then and left for home about 14:00pm. Now we need to tackle the outer edge of the covering board.
This was it for 2003. Weather was abysmal, and 2004 saw us catching up on a lot of jobs outstanding around the house. We did a fantastic job of laying decking and patio in the back garden. A long overdue job. Decorated the hallway, and landing. Decorated the kitchen, and bought a new cooker. Fitted a carpet into the kitchen, and also moved kitchen units around to accommodate a dish-washer. Then finally replaced the living room, and hallway, carpets. The original one had done us well for eleven years, and with all the work we had done on the carpet in the lounge, we had literally in places worn holes through to the Hessian backing. We had certainly had our money’s worth out of the carpet.
05/02/05
Gosh a year has passed like lightening. What have we been up to. Main setback overall has been Lance’s health being up and down, and having to do jobs in stages. We did manage to visit a few boat jumbles though, and acquired a BIC dinghy, so we sourced life jackets, anchor, fenders etc, also battery and other bits and bobs, so hopefully this year we can start to venture out on water, and potter around the lakes. We have however just had a pleasant surprise, in that the hard standing rent has been reduced for us. Very good news and now we pay yearly which helps.
21/03/05
Looking at making a start on the boat this coming easter weekend. Anxiety, worry and unease set in today to learn of redundancies where Ruth work’s!. Whatever or rather whoever next ?.That evening we had phone call from the Marina, who said that work had been started in the paddock field where we were, and that we were needed to be moved into the corner of the car park area, and the other boat alongside us currently would be going back in the water, and the marina proprietor, wanted to share use of the crane etc for the other boat and us, but only today did Marina staff realise that no-one had thought to contact us to advise of their plans. Neither had they contacted the other boat owner it turned out also !. However Marina staff were not in the full know either, of what all the plans were !. Hopeless arrangement !. Staff just knew that work was to be going on. We said we’d pop in at the weekend anyway, and take a look. The boat where it is, is ideal for us being convenient to home, until we complete the outside and deck area. Was this all a push to get us out ?, Where else could we take the boat, and for it to be so convenient ?. Who was going to fund the move ? Looking like we’re going to be moving the boat again!. The marina staff was to ring the owner of the other boat next to us in the paddock, to put him in the picture.
25/03/05
Visited the Marina. First pulled the van into the area in the corner of the car park, where they were thinking of putting us. The fence was high, the cut back alpine shrubs were quite dense. The whole area was triangular to the gate, but positioning the boat cockpit towards the main marina entrance end, i.e. the widest bit, it could make a very nice working area down below, behind the boat , with space to pull the van in across. All in all we could be better off. A) better parking and on a flat. B) less worry of being blocked out, or in c) Less dog muck etc as area is hard core, d) Easier for our lorry when we do finally move the boat out, e) just need electric and water accessible from this side of the car park – otherwise we need to source a larger generator. Marina staff still not fully in the picture of what exactly was supposed to be happening !. they did seem to suggest that electric was over there to which a socket could be added. A notice on the chandlery window from the proprietor, to berth holders made out that work was being done to upgrade the electric and water points. Staff were also sure there was water over on that side of the car park. No-one sure if Marina paying for the Lorry/Crane etc, which is what happened last time the Marina needed us to move. We had actually gone prepared to pressure washer the boat, so after having to ask as usual about power connectivity, we eventually got connected up for electric and water.
Before we got going though, the owner arrived, of the boat alongside us in the field, to start grinding down below the water line, to repaint with bitumen prior to being lifted back into the water. However he was in no rush either to move really as he’d wanted to paint the topsides and repair his leaking windows before going back in the water. He was under the impression there was a place in the Marina for his barge. We said in about a months time would suit us. Needing power for his grinder (borrowed from Marina), his extension only had a 3pin socket and marina staff quickly assumed it was ok to plug into ‘our’ extension lead. This was in fact attached to our metered lead. We let things ride for the day. Whilst we spent four hours pressure washing the boat down from top to bottom, it really was mucky, the owner of the next boat, started grinding furthest from us, as we were wetting their barge with the pressure washer spray. We perservered, with a few cups of tea, before starting to feel damp and cold. We had waterproof gear on and wellingtons. Lance really did over do it, with his health, but determination was strong, despite standing stooped for several hours, Lance could hardly stand up straight after. We just wanted to get the job completed. Lance also mentioned his waterproof trousers seemed to be as wet on the inside as they were on the outside ? Weather was holding out though. Just about right temperature. Must have been noon until about 18:00pm we were out there. Slept like logs that night.
26/03/05
Suffered today from over-doing things yesterday. Plus we were conscious that others were depending on our own electric cable in the paddock !. Where was their ship to shore cable ?. If you come to do work on your own boat one ought to be self-prepared. Decided to visit Saturday afternoon. Unloaded the washing gear and sorted out selection of sanding equipment for sanding down the deck plywood, ready for pattern making and fitting the next layer of ply prior to fitting the flexi-teek. After Lance had afternoon kip, spent couple of hours down on the boat, from 16:00 to 19:00pm approx. We made a start sanding down the forepeak deck plywood. The top laminate had completely weathered and gone and the new exposed laminate once sanded is going to be ideal to epoxy to. Contemplating using epoxy, or expanding glue or sikaflex to stick the plywood down. Then should we staple, nail or screw ? And then depending on how we made the hardboard patterns, could we utilise these for making up the flexiteek decking or have the specialist make it up on site for us, as it will need welding, on the underside, once it is completed. The added complication in this picture is that there is no staging around the whole of the boat.
27/03/05
Many cups of tea and contemplating how to progress. Mid-day decided to crack on with the sanding – at least Ruth would – whilst Lance pondered over the forward deck plywood. Should we do the same section piece as before or overlap joints ?. Ruth continued sanding down the starboard side deck. It was sanding and cleaning up very well. Not too many loose fibres and even down the covering board edge it appeared that water penetration not too deep – however the unknown really is if any had got between the epoxy in the plywood to covering board joint. Our aim this summer is to complete the plywood and flexiteek, weather and health permitting, and also providing nothing undue comes our way with Ruth’s job etc. Nearing on 17:00pm and sun had never really shone all day. Lance had hot water bottle inside his coat to try keep the chill off, and several cups of tea needed. When Lance says, ‘when do you want to finish ?’, it means lets go home now. Tidying up is quite a task also after a days work ensuring nothing left behind.
28/03/05
Easter Monday. Arrived at boat nearer noon, by time collated bits and pieces. Set up shop with Electric etc and started to continue sanding on the deck where we had left off yesterday. the marina proprietor was there came over for a chat, and confirmed they were to pay for our craneage to move, and that they would sort us out with timbers to level up etc. Electric and Water are being done but not gauranteed by time we move over. We got out our scale drawing to show where we would like to position the boat, and the proprietor was more than happy, so long as there was a clearway for tarmac driveway to be done from one gateway to the other, and a clearing to be able to get ladders around to trim the perimeter hedges, we would be ok. Suits us as we need a clearing all the way around to accommodate our tower scaffolding anyway. It was a relief to have had this conversation at long last, and the date was to be moved to 15th April Friday. We cracked on with the deck and cleaned up the covering board edge to the deck plywood. Previous routering had done a groove adequate for plywood and flexiteek. However now with the sanding the deck it means in places the existing plywood is below this, so we need to revisit this. Did well sanding down the deck though, just leaves port side, along cabin sides to complete. Considering the 10 years the boat has been outside, the deck plywood has survived remarkably well. We had had doubts as it was one of the cheaper marine plywoods at the time. A good day sanding, trying not to make too much dust. Finished about 18:00pm.
Things to consider now as we attempt to achieve decking the boat this year:-
a) forward cabin front what to do:-curved – routered – edged?
b) Cockpit sides? What to do? Before put plywood down ?
c) Router covering board edges before put plywood down ?
d) Ideally need flexiteek just below or even with the covering boards ?
e) flexi-teek make up on deck because of the camber ?
f) Glue both flexi-teek king planks down, then cut into as go along ?
g) barge boards against cabin sides or covering board ?
h) make up flexiteek in two halfs, turn over, and lay on opposite side to weld up and then return to be stuck down ?
i) small fencing arrangement to put around the boat. Keep dogs and owners at bay and cars especially at a distance to allow clearing all around for scaffolding etc.
02/04/05
Ruth working this week, and rain all week prevented us going down in the evening. No word from the owner of the other boat, who was to be booking the crane and lorry, and the marina were going halves on the cost. It was the afternoon before got to the boat. Ruth had dug out of the loft the ratchet straps, pipe lagging and carpet pieces ready for the move. Fitted the pipe lagging around the cradle top side sections where the cradle wedges were to the hull. Then assessed if cradle twisted. It was not across the port & starboard bearers, apart from forward starboard bearer end was slightly lower. Contemplated what to use between the hull and side cradle members, in effort to prevent cradle shifting as little as possible. Removed the front post supporting the hull bow, and put slabs and concrete blocks to one side.
03/04/05
Got duck tape and two 4” x 4” x 9’ forest posts, and visited the boat pm. Left the posts on the cradle ready for the move. Wrapped duck tape around the cradle top lagging to prevent it shifting, and put wedges and blocks of wood between the hull and inner forward-aft cradle members. This is going to be the last time we move the boat in this cradle. The port starboard main members are rotten in places. Both of us drained mentally more than physically this week. Rang the owner of the other boat when we got home, and he not got anything arranged yet for crane and lorry. He said he would phone the Crane co tomorrow etc and let us know. Contemplating how to shift the steps. A) 4/5 pipe lengths – but awkward part from current site into car park as its sloping, b) use boat trailer – but would need the tallest, heaviest end on the trailer axis & wheels. Wanted to avoid dismantling the steps if possible.
06/04/05
We had phone call from the Marina that the crane was booked for Friday 15th April between 2 & 3oclock. Time booked off work for Ruth and dug out the rakes, rammer and small spade to level out the new hard-standing area. Also this week found in the loft the rest of rope loops and ratchet straps.
09/04/05
Visited Builders merchant to obtain spray marker paint for marking out the area where we are to be putting the boat. Then visited the marina. Fortunately only two cars parked where the bow of the boat will be, when moved. Pulled the van over to our new parking area, and took stock of the area in question. No time like the present and we set to work with rakes, gathering up larger boulders and attempting to level out the area somewhat, where the cradle will be placed. We unscrewed the steps from the cradle, and within ½ hour the steps had been moved. We ended up borrowing the Marina’s sack barrow. Lance with the sack barrow on the heavy, taller end, and Ruth preventing steps toppling and couple of chaps carrying the steps end, it was lifted, pushed and carried right over to where we wanted them, in no time at all. We thanked the chaps ever so much. They’d just done us a huge favour. This now allowed us to measure the area better. We put the steps in place and with the two new 4” x 4” posts bought last weekend, we marked out where the cradle is to go. The larger boulders we’d dug up and accumulated, we had made small piles around the perimeter of this area to prevent cars parking in there as we prepare for the boat move. The marina were going to find us some metal spikes as promised, but they never materialised. Luckily we had boulders to make small piles as marker piles. These came in handy to affix some hazard red/white tape to, with the other end of tape to a perimeter tree, to mark off where the bow of the boat will be. Spent about five hours working, and assessing how best to level up the 4” x 4” posts on the ground. No cups of tea – no nothing today. We were ready for something though as soon as we got home.
10/04/05
Visited the boat about 11:00am. Weather looking fair. First thoughts were on getting two further 4”x4” posts we needed. Rang few places yesterday but none in stock. Walked over to the boat, contemplating would be ideal if we could drop the cradle somewhat to get out the 2 of 4” x 4” posts, and we could use planks on top of forward 2 posts to make up the 3rd post, and then pack up the aft post. As it happened the Marina had a trolley jack, we could borrow. We were very grateful of the jack they had, it worked a treat for us and allowed us to lift up the cradle front, remove the planks on top of the bearers. They were rotting but should hold out to put together and make up a 4” x 4” to replace one of the two posts we were about to get out. We could never have enough pads of wood. Fortunately found some odd pieces of concrete slabs about, plus pieces of slate. They came in very useful. The trolley jack took some levering up. The handle was short, and we hadn’t got with us our extender piece of pipe. With a little bit of frustration surfacing between us both, we perservered and got out the 2 of 4”x4” posts, and reset the cradle. Took both of us to lever the jack jacking up the cradle aft end. Once done time for cup of tea, well earned. Shifted the posts and remaining pads over to our new base area. Lance swapped the steps handle rail to the other side, as the steps are now in reverse on the other side of the boat. Unscrewed the top step, but as luck would have it, one screw would not budge. Had to improvise. The handle rail piece was screwed on to the other side ok. Guess what, we saw a mouse today. He came out from the bushes, running for his dear life, and ran right across where we were working, past the van and disappeared in the bushes. You’d have missed him if you had blinked. Had good afternoon chopping at the ground surface to get the 4 of 4”x4” posts in situ and at the correct angle for the boat to sit level on the cradle. Quite a few people stopped for a chat – inquisitive as to what we were doing. The whole area now looks well laid out, all planned and organised. Just need some more plywood pads on next visit, to complete the packing under the bearers in place.
13/04/05
Lance had phone call from the other boat owner to confirm the Crane company coming on Friday 15th April, and could Lance ring them to confirm the move of our yacht, as Lance is the owner and the Crane company needed to speak to the owner. This was comforting news and Lance rang the Crane company to confirm the situation, and asked if they could have ‘long’ straps on board.
14/04/05
In the evening visited the boat to actually fit the top step onto the opposite side of the steps. Then to put further ply pads under the bearers, and replace with slab of paving stone under one end of a bearer. Better than wood.
15/04/05
Friday morning, approx 11:00am visited the boat, ready for the move. Parked up near the boat. Fortunately only two cars parked near to the paddock – but we hoped they would be shifting before the lorry and crane arrived between 2:00-3:00pm. We put in place the four ratchet straps to secure the cradle to the hull. Then cut up 14 carpet pieces. Used the foam pieces out of the boat, plus the carpet as packing for the straps to protect the wood.
Strap 1 – aft over the cockpit side corners
Strap 2 – Over the forward end of the main cabin hatch
Strap 3 – Just forward of the hatch runners
Strap 4 – over mast step just in front of the tabernacle
Strap ratchets then tightened up. Then flecked rope doubled and put loop over forward diagonal piece starboard forward, through the rudder aperture, and tied to the opposite corner portside. This in effort to prevent the hull moving backwards in the cradle. In doing all this we’d setup the step ladders for accessing on board. Forecast was thunder and rain, which held up luckily. We had drizzles about 2:00pm, and then it rained about 05:30pm, just after we’d completed the move. We had moved the steps over into the hedge, out of the way of manoeuvring the boat in to place. Double checked the cradle bearers were still in exact place we’d left them, and they were. Noticed some ants near one bearer – will need to watch these !. By 01:00pm we were pretty well ready to move, and had had to ask several cars not to park adjacent to the paddock area. Marina staff not interested in notifying anyone. It was quite nippy as we hung around now waiting for the crane and the lorry. The owner of the other boat arrived about quarter to three, with his son and friend close behind. We noticed a wren hopping around the cradle, making a chirping racket. We wondered if the hull rudder shaft hole looked like an attractive nesting hole !. We have been lucky that no birds have taken to nesting in the boat. About ¼ past 3, the other boat owner and Crew took off for a coffee, two further cars turned up and parked next to the paddock !. Ruth had to ask them kindly to move as crane and lorry arriving within minutes. Lorry and Crane did arrive at that very moment, and these two cars were now sandwiched and in the way, and it took a few minutes for the car drivers to realise they needed to shift and double quick. The crane driver was getting annoyed. Lance spoke with the crane driver, the Lorry driver and an accomplice, about how we needed moving and where to etc. They decided best to shift the other boat first onto the lorry, then the lorry could take off and park outside the marina car park. However the whole process could not begin without the other boat owners signature, and he was nowhere to be seen. Typical people – how on earth do they thinks major events like this can happen – without their commitment. Lance had to ring this chap on his mobile to tell him the situation, and they soon popped back. Quite a crowd of on-lookers had now gathered to watch the other boat being lifted onto the lorry, then they vanished just as quickly, probably not realising that our boat was next to be lifted, and moved as well. Best for us, the least spectators the better. Small kids in nearby field were watching through the fence with interest. Our boat had to be moved in two stages. Fortunately there was a levelish area in the car park to place us temporarily, near the car park entrance, whilst the crane re-positioned itself. The whole boat, straps etc did creak a bit when first lifted. The move has done a big favour with regards the cradle and what it was sitting on. It was all in need of replacement, and this is what we’ve achieved. The boat was lifted down onto the bearers near perfect. Just had to raise a little and re-seat as the bow was slightly off centre into the car park. This done though, it was a huge sigh of relief and happiness that the move had been successful without any problems. Quickly undid all the straps etc. Thanked the crane driver for his work. Ruth cleared our old spot putting the old timbers on the bonfire to be burnt plus old rotting pads, and saved the best pieces for re-use etc. then brought the van over to our new spot. By now the other boat owner and crew had left to re-launch their boat, and bring it back to the marina by canal. There was no proper spot for them however ?, not sure how they were going to get on. It was also time for us to quickly pack up. It had been a good day – but a long one for Lance, and rain was coming down quite heavy now. Cleared up and left for home, and a cup of tea ( only had had 1 at the marina). Left approx 5:15pm.
16/04/05
Yesterday, moving the boat, had taken its toll on Lance, however we perservered to get down to the boat by midday. Knocked the blocks of wood between the keel and cradle. As it worked out the hull had stayed put in the cradle. Good news. Removed the lagging on top of the cradle, and positioned the wedges back in place, to level up the boat port to starboard. This done o.k. It was not too far out. Had the level across main hatch runners to check. Lance raked up around the hull to remove the larger stones. Don’t want to risk twisting our ankle as we walk around. The raked up stones, lumps of tar, broken slabs and bricks etc we had put into piles around the perimeter of our spot where we were – all in effort originally to deter people attempting to park where we were going to put the cradle. Left them there after the move to get the message over to people that it is not a parking area anymore. When the owner of the marina does a proper road, from one gate to the other, this will run alongside our boat, hopefully preventing any parking there at all. Ruth washed down the starboard side of the hull with astonish. There was marks left from the crane straps yesterday which came off, but we also found astonish was bringing off the oxidisation. The hull was looking so clear and bright, one chap even asked, had we just painted it ?. Ruth then levelled up the steps with blocks of paving where possible, and bits of ply and timbers. This done we could then put back in place the cross piece to affix the steps to the cradle. Lance then prepared the ground for, and utilising two concrete blocks made a base to support the forward shore up to the hull. Another good job done, and we’re thinking of putting up the two shores aft to deter parking or trailers being placed at the back of the boat. Our plan is to be able to reverse the van into this area, or use it as our working area, hopefully in the piece and quiet, and with no dogs being left to do their business there !. Only yesterday before we’d moved the boat, Ruth had to shoo a dog off, the owner no where to be seen, as the dog was about to pee on our step ladders !!. Another good day and the hull is looking its best and cleanest ever. As we are not on tap with water, where we are, Ruth was using a bucket of water. Really the hull could do with a good hose down, but then there is some rain forecast !. Left about 4:00pm I think it was.
17/04/05
Ruth completed scrubbing down the hull with Astonish. Lance raked the rest of the sods, grass and leaves, twigs etc from around our area, and made a pile at the bow of the boat, which for now also keeps persistent parkers at bay. Rather cold and windy today. Sat in the boat and contempleted a) need to get electric sorted, b) we need to have some jobs on the go inside the boat so when it is too cold and windy outside, we can be whittling away at jobs on the inside.
23/04/05
It was persistent rain, so gave the boat a miss.
Apologies, some photos below are a little blurred - Ruth's fault not setting the camera correctly !
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| Area all prepared for the move | Crane lifting her up slowly .... | .. Up and over the Car Park ... |
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| .. Lowering into position ... | Gently lowers her down - Perfect ! | .. Emerald in her new position. |
- - - - - - This is the end of Diary Section 32 - - - - - -
