Warren Matthews Bloghttp://naturalhigh-adventures.com/warren-blog/Warren Matthews Blogen-US2010-03-09T19:51:40ZSquarespace Site Server v5.9.2 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Aft safety rails...http://naturalhigh-adventures.com/warren-blog/2010/3/5/aft-safety-rails.htmlWarren Matthews2010-03-06T02:24:48Z

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.

]]>Hull topsides painted...http://naturalhigh-adventures.com/warren-blog/2010/3/4/hull-topsides-painted.htmlWarren Matthews2010-03-04T09:25:11Z

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.

]]>Chain plates fitted...http://naturalhigh-adventures.com/warren-blog/2010/3/4/chain-plates-fitted.htmlWarren Matthews2010-03-04T09:17:20Z

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

]]>Anchor arrangement...http://naturalhigh-adventures.com/warren-blog/2010/3/4/anchor-arrangement.htmlWarren Matthews2010-03-04T08:43:21Z

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.

]]>Making sure things don't rattle...http://naturalhigh-adventures.com/warren-blog/2010/3/4/making-sure-things-dont-rattle.htmlWarren Matthews2010-03-04T08:27:09Z

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.

]]>Shower in port side cabin...http://naturalhigh-adventures.com/warren-blog/2010/2/15/shower-in-port-side-cabin.htmlWarren Matthews2010-02-15T07:51:17Z

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.

]]>Electric motors fitted to legs...http://naturalhigh-adventures.com/warren-blog/2010/2/15/electric-motors-fitted-to-legs.htmlWarren Matthews2010-02-15T07:43:31Z

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.

]]>Water tanks fitted...http://naturalhigh-adventures.com/warren-blog/2010/2/12/water-tanks-fitted.htmlWarren Matthews2010-02-12T08:30:49Z

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.

]]>Storage under main berths...http://naturalhigh-adventures.com/warren-blog/2010/2/12/storage-under-main-berths.htmlWarren Matthews2010-02-12T08:16:53Z

There is quite a reasonable amount of storage space under the main berths. But, I didn't want the hassle of having to lift up the mattrass to access it. So, we designed in a drawer in the front which is easily accessed. (Still to be installed) Underneath the drawer is a drop down latch (shown in the photo). This maximizes the usable space underneath the drawer.

]]>Steering...http://naturalhigh-adventures.com/warren-blog/2010/2/5/steering.htmlWarren Matthews2010-02-06T01:14:25Z

This has required quite a bit of 'figuring out' time.

I didn't want to use the normal tiller system mainly because I didn't want to have the 'tie bar' taking up a lot of space on the aft deck. This will become more apparent over the next couple of weeks as the aft area starts to be assembled.

Also, I wanted to use a heavy duty auto-pilot. The one I opted for also recognizes wind shifts like a wind vane if you apply that setting. I know that auto-pilots can be notoriously unreliable for long ocean passages if they are not spec'ed correctly. But, if they are they can be perfectly reliable.

One of the issues that can cause problems with auto-pilots is if there is to much slack in the rudder tiller arms. Because the Wharram's rudders are lashed there is that potential for slackness so we have overcome that by making up a locating pin at the top of the rudder and another lower. I am still using the Wharram lashings as I think they are excellent, so hopefully this will enable the best of both worlds.

The tiller coming off the rudder to the hydraulic steering ram will be in stainless and we will make up a fitting for a manual tiller that will be stored below for use in the event of an steering failure.

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