Tuesday 29 July 2014

BOAT UPDATE # 4 - PAINT THE TOWN RED... ONLY AFTER YOU HAVE SANDED, PRIMED AND PAINTED IT BLACK'


Tri-coloured Hull with stand marks

 

Before pic - Haul out last year

 
After Pic - Sexiest Hull in La Paz
 

According to Hendo, the last few coats went on a treat, with several tiny conundrums along the way, but nothing too unexpected and difficult to solve.

One thing that was established and explained to me is that putting the last coat of paint on now and then leaving the boat sit on the hard for a couple of months will cause the copper to oxidise and the paint will lose it's barnacle killing ability. Therefore there is one last coat to go on just before she goes back in the water... And more than likely I will finally be there to help with it. 

It seems boat paint is copper based and has big warnings about being carcinogenic. Who knew that it would take both Hendo and Eddie to use a drill to mix the paint and spill most of it on themselves before coming up with this ingenious 'hole in paint lid idea'.
 


*For the record (it's in the blog so it's a legal disclaimer), no compo will b paid for work carried out on this boat...
 
The two troopers moved stands back and forth, sanded, painted, and spent time strategically placing and sikaflexing zincs so that water cant get behind them, yet also ensuring that the zincs have good contact for electrical current.
 
Looking at the obvious difference from the haul out until now you can appreciate the amazing amount of effort and work gone into it. I am so stoked, who knew a mechanic could be such a craftsman with a hull.
 
 
*I will be sure to update with a picture of Hendo and Eddie with a finished Hull.
 
 





Thursday 17 July 2014

BOAT UPDATE # 3 - A SEXY PRIMED HULL




Almost a fully primed white hull, minus the teak run off from the rain
 
My mate Hayley giving Hendo a hand
 
No words necessary
 
Just kidding when I said pack up the tools... There's heaps more work to b done....

The original plan was to have the boat (I really need a name for her) back in the water on June 27th, but now looks like it will b staying on the hard for a couple more months.

Due to a few storms and really high humidity, work on the hull was slightly delayed. Luckily now the weather is just back to dry and hot the work has continued.

The yard took the generator away so Hendo and Eddie had to do the last hull pre-paint prep sanding by hand.

The painting/mixing process as explained to me by Hendo


"3 parts big tin, 1 part small tin, 20-25% of the mix green tin (that makes no sense I know....). Stir the shit out of it, pour into paint tray and roll on hull while copping paint all over yourself and in your beard"

Unfortunately I am not there to observe this intricate process but am kept well informed by email. She looks a beauty all white.
 
I have been told, 'Only one coat of primer, one coat of black, two coats of red and four sands in between and her hull will be done...'

 



Monday 7 July 2014

BOAT UPDATE # 2 - THE IMPORTANCE OF THE VENT (SUNBAKE AREA)

A beautifully flushed vent
 
View of the vent from the head
              

Me imagining myself laying out (needs a towel and beer though)
                   
More exciting times on the boat fixing front. For me, possibly one of the most exciting achievements to date (after the removal of the compost head of course)

The installation of the skylight/flushed air vent.

Part of the compost toilet was a vent that was setup on top of the raised deck right in the prime 'layout' location.

Being a girl that takes a lot of time and bases great importance on her tan, this saddened me greatly. It was possible to lay on, but was not flush so there was a discomfort factor but More importantly than that was the stench of the compost through the vent. Safe to say, I found different, less well functioning tanning spots. 

Whether Hendo knew it or not (but I'm sure he did) the importance of the vent decision was a 'make or break' moment. 

As you can see from the picture it was a pure success. The new skylight is unable to be seen through, due to the Perspex and sun reflection, will have no permanent stench and provides adequate and comfortable tanning space! 

Pack up the tools.... Boat complete!