Friday
05Mar2010

Aft safety rails...


Because I will be using decking for the aft deck so it makes it a usuable space I have decided to put a safety rail around the area.   It will also be handy for clipping the BBQ on when at anchor.

The rationale behind this will  become clearer over the next few weeks after the pod is fitted and the rest of the layout is explained.

Thursday
04Mar2010

Hull topsides painted...


The topsides have now had their finish coat and now the portlights are being fitted.   After all the deck hardware is fitted the non skid which will be a very light grey will be applied.

Thursday
04Mar2010

Chain plates fitted...

The chain plates are now all fitted.   The top rub rail will be fitted in the next few days.

 

Thursday
04Mar2010

Anchor arrangement...


I have opted for a dual anchoring system.   This is so I can have one anchor stowed permanently and still have one fairlead clear for picking up a mooring, or for running out a sea anchor.  Managed to get an anchor winch in bronze to match the bollards.

Thursday
04Mar2010

Making sure things don't rattle...


I am now at the point of getting into a lot of the little details.   In the galley we are putting everything in its place...such as the plates in the cupboards to ensure they stay in position during all sea conditions.

I also decided to use the space under the floor in the galley and the main cabin for storage.   Originally this was going to be a watertight compartment.  However, there is quite a lot of room there which will be ideal for storing bottles of wine, or canned goods.  There will be two secure hatches in the floor so if I was unfortunate enough to flip the boat the contents would still stay in the compartments. 

The main cabins (Galley and double berth on the port side, and a double berth on the star side) will be completely watertight compartments.   This will give three watertight compartments in each hull.

 

Monday
15Feb2010

Shower in port side cabin...

     
Rather than have a tap on the basin I opted for a retractable shower head.  As it only works on a trigger it will avoid the risk of the tap being left on inadvertently and running the fresh water tank dry. 

I decided to instal a gas califont.  Although most of the time I intend to have the boat in the tropics I will have it in NZ for a year before leaving for Tahiti.   So it will be good to have hot water for a shower.  

  I had hoped to have left for Tahiti this May but given that it will be the end of March before 'Natural High' will be launched there will not be enough time to complete all my sea trials and still leave in May...so I really have no choice but to delay the departure until next year.   

Monday
15Feb2010

Electric motors fitted to legs...


We have now mounted the Torqueedo motors onto the new legs which we fabricated.  We ended up shortening up the legs by 150mm which will enable the legs to fold up under the beam without overlapping.

The top of the prop will still be about 600mm under the waterline so I shouldn't have any problems with cavitation in choppy conditions.

Friday
12Feb2010

Water tanks fitted...


I have installed an 88 liter Vetus water tank under both the port and starboard berths.  The reason why I opted for the Vetus tanks because they are designed for drinking water and do not taint the water as stainless steel tanks do. 

With a total of 176 liters and the watermaker there should be adequate water for most of my trips.  On any long passages I will always ensure that I have enough water in reserve in the event of the watermaker breaking down and the passage taking longer than expected due to adverse weather.