‘Sandpiper’s’ Centreplate Case and her Anchor

Yesterday, in order to install ‘Sandpiper’s’ centreplate, I had to remove a small section of the cover that seals the top of her centreplate case. Today I replaced it with a piece of transparent Polycarbonate so that I now have an observation window at the forward end of the case. In future I shall be able to remove the window when and if I have to extract the centreplate.

Not long ago I saw a bargain on Ebay for a 5 kilogram Danforth anchor, complete with 2 metres of 6 millimetre galvanised chain and 30 metres of 12 millimetre warp. The whole lot came to a total of £44.99, including free delivery. Needless to say, I took advantage of the offer, but when the package arrived by courier and I examined the anchor I thought it was a trifle large for my 14 foot boat.

Nevertheless, I can be assured that it will hold when a smaller, lighter one may not.

Finding a place to stow it has been problematical, but I think I have found a solution. The foredeck is the obvious location where it will be handy for instant use. There it will be well away from the ship’s compass, and the weight will help with the longitudinal balance of the boat. I shall want plenty of weight at the bow to counteract my weight when I’m in the cockpit and that of the outboard.

Inserting 'Sandpiper's' Centreplate

Getting her on her side.

Close-up.

When I removed ‘Sandpiper’s’ centreplate I had previously extracted the retaining bolt. This allowed me to pull the plate out to the box without having to wriggle it past the obstruction. Today, I had to reinstall the centreplate, but with the bolt in place! That meant that I did not have enough open slot at the top of the box for the curved part of the centreplate to pass between. The only option was to cut away a small amount of the covering board at the forward end of the box. Having done that, the plate went in without a hitch.

Centreplate inserted.

Hauling her onto her trailer by winding the winch.

The newly galvanised centreplate is now housed within the box, but I shall have to make a small section of covering board to replace the piece I chiselled away. This should not be a big deal. I shall also have to exchange an old bolt and nut at the front of the box at the very top, because it is not sufficiently strong to take the loading. This particular nut and bolt keep the upper part of the box together, and it can be used as a support for the curved part of the centreplate, should the need arise.

Making ‘Sandpiper’ ready for the water is taking longer than I anticipated, but there’s no hurry. I’d rather do a good job to eliminate possible anxiety on my part when I first launch her. If I can be sure all things are as they should be, I shall not be worried about launching the boat. Firstly, she must not leak, and secondly, all moving parts must function perfectly.

Well, we shall see in due time. 

Support for ‘Sandpiper’s’ Centreplate

Sleeve within the centreplate box.

Pipe from which the sleeve was made.

Bolt fitted.

Today I made a sleeve for the bolt that supports the centreplate. The main advantage of a sleeve around the bolt is that it prevents the centreplate box from being crushed or bowed inwards when the nut is tightened. Another good reason for inserting a sleeve within the box is that it makes a watertight seal for the bolt – that’s if it is done properly.  Even if the seal doesn’t work, the external washers and flexible sealant should prevent water entering the boat. The plate will rotate on the sleeve rather than the bolt which should eliminate movement of the bolt which would break the external seals.

I just hope there will be no leaks.

Two of the three holes.

Today I also trimmed ragged edges of the centreplate caused by the galvanising, and I re-drilled holes that had been filled by molten zinc. I had to open up three holes in all: one for the lifting and lowering tackle, one for a lifting handle and another for a retaining pin. I took care not to open up the zinc to reveal the iron plate.

When there’s a fine weather slot I’ll put the boat on her side and insert the centreplate.

An Amazing Day on the Thames

Today the Diamond Jubilee Thames Pageant lived up to expectations, despite the inclement weather.

I had the best view from my lounge overlooking the Thames from many vantage points via my Samsung TV. I am so fond of the TV that I could not help admiring it and taking numerous photos of the set. Selecting my favourites has not been easy, but there is not room here to display all of them.

Hi!

Something glorious is taking place here.

I’ll give the thumbs up to that.

We approve.

That’s really funny.

Singing in the rain.

Apart from the 'Gloriana', the boats were not the stars of the show.

Support Bracket for 'Sandpiper's' Trailer

When I bought ‘Sandpiper’ I noticed that she did not fit perfectly on the support rollers. The one at the aft end was too low which meant there was an unfair load on the forward ones and the rubber supports either side amidships.

Today I built a simple bracket from an old piece of timber and plywood offcuts.

On arrival at a slipway I must first remove the bracket before launching ‘Sandpiper’. Total time for taking the bracket off will be no more than a minute.

Painting 'Sandpiper's' Topsides - Part 2

Finished Topside

Early this morning, while the sun peeped between the clouds, I painted a second coat of Hempel Multicoat over the one I did yesterday. The result was amazing. I now have a boat that at first glance looks almost brand new. When you look into the cockpit that was badly stained through neglect because ‘Sandpiper’ was left to fend for herself in a farmer’s field you will be saddened for her. It is obvious that she was  stationary on her old trailer with the stern down for months, so that water accumulated in the aft end of the cockpit.

Looking Good.

I shall try improving the appearance of the cockpit in days to come by painting parts of it - probably not the entire cockpit, just the seats and floor, but I may also paint the lid of the aft locker.

Galvanised Centreplate

When the topside paint has hardened I shall put her on her port side to replace the centreplate that has been re-galvanised. I shall have to tinker around with the centreplate before installing it by doing things like removing galvanising from a hole for a retaining pin, and filing off bits of wire that where threaded through a hole for the galvanising process.

There are several maintenance jobs left to be done before the boat can be launched; therefore I don’t anticipate getting her in the water until Friday, 15^th June at the earliest. Perhaps by then the weather may improve.

Painting ‘Sandpiper’s’ Topsides

In the past I have always preferred painting my boats with International Yacht Paint of one type or another – that’s according to the material being painted. On the whole, International Paint is more expensive than competitor brands such as Blakes and Hempel. Today I chose to break with my usual practice and go for Hempel Multicoat, which is less than half the price of the equivalent International Perfection Paint. Whether it will be as durable remains to be seen, but I was very pleased with the handling characteristics and the gloss finish.

I have yet to apply a second coat to provide an additional barrier for the topsides, especially for when ‘Sandpiper’ will be moored at a pontoon with her fenders deployed. Ideally, the finish should be hard and durable, with no tendency to flake off from the GRP.

Conditions for applying the paint were not ideal because the wind was blowing quite strongly. I had to make sure that there was not too much paint on the brush to prevent it being blown all over the place. There was a small chance of rain, but I had the option of retreating to the garage. The warm air helped with the flow of the paint.


The weather forecast for tomorrow indicates there will be cloud cover, but no rain, and a temperature of 12 degrees Celsius. Ideally, I would want the temperature to be higher, but I’ll probably manage OK.

Note: The forecast is now for 16 degrees Celsius mid-morning when I hope to be doing the paint job.

‘Sandpiper’s’ Centreplate

After sanding.

Eventually I got around to removing ‘Sandpiper’s’ centreplate.

It occurred to me that as the boat was on her side, all I would have to do to extract the plate was to undo the pivot bolt and slide the plate out of the box, not through the top, but the bottom. Hence, there would be no need to unscrew the wood that seals the top of the box.

On examining the centreplate I discovered that the rust I had previously observed was not as bad as I had thought. I cleaned the plate with a rotary sander; then I took it to a local galvaniser. He was away having lunch, but a friend who has a business nearby said it would cost £40.00 and it would be ready for collection on Friday 31st. He took my details and I left the plate with him.

Back at home I tipped the boat onto her port side ready for making good the surface where the old boot topping had been painted. I had to scrape off areas of flaky paint, and the best tool for doing it was my penknife. I also sanded underneath the starboard rubbing strip and the adjacent fibreglass edging. I was amazed how thick the fibreglass was, at least a ¼ of an inch and where they overlapped at the join, ½ inch. I varnished the bare wood and the corresponding fibreglass edges. Finally, I gave the side of the boat below the waterline a coat of white Toplac.

If I have an opportunity tomorrow between the showers that have been forecast I shall apply a second coat of Toplac over the area painted today.

The more I see of the boat, the more I become aware of what must be done to make her ready for the water. I’ve noticed that six bolts retaining the bow fairleads are severely rusted. Despite this, they are sufficiently strong for keeping the fairleads in place. However, I don’t like the thought of them being there, but I may let them be until I have more time to play around replacing them.

I’m certain I shall be painting the sides of the boat, but the type of paint and the colour I have yet to decide.

‘Sandpiper’s’ Underside Painted

First coat of paint.

Second coat of paint.

Now and again I set aside odds and ends on the off chance that I may find a use for them at a later date. My garage shelves are full of such items. Today I rummaged through them to find paint that may be suitable for ‘Sandpiper’s’ bottom. Sure enough, I found two tins of International Toplac, which is admirably suitable for painting topsides, but as I intend to initially sail the boat for short periods between longer periods ashore on her trailer, there is no reason why I should not paint the bottom with it. If she is left in the water for a longer spell, I can scrub her bottom, and if I decide to have a long cruise, I can always apply a coat of antifouling.

Well, today was absolutely ideal for painting; therefore I was able to apply two coats of Toplac to the bottom of the boat. In between the first and second coats I had time for touching up the varnish.

Bolts were too long.

Bolts after shortening.

I also found an opportunity for putting right a fault on the trailer. I noticed that bolts attaching the rollers were too long so that they came into contact with the rollers - more so when pressed down by the boat. Consequently the rubber was becoming abraded and the rollers would not spin easily. The remedy was to shorten the bolts with a Junior Hacksaw. I also oiled the bearings of the rollers.

More Epoxy for ‘Sandpiper’

Before the first coat of epoxy.

After an application of epoxy and epoxy putty.

Before taking on the role of chauffeur for my grandson, early this morning, I epoxied all three runners. The central runner received three coats and the outside ones, two coats.

 Chauffeuring went to plan, and at my grandson’s place I put on my other hat, that of locksmith. B & Q didn’t have the exact lock that was required for the entrance door, but by moving the handles I could make it fit.

Having installed the lock I returned home and epoxied the runners yet again. Then I prepared the external woodwork for further varnishing and applied a fresh coat of polyurethane varnish. I’m not keen on that type of varnish, but as I had some I decided to use it. I also sanded the tabernacle and painted it. After this TLC ‘Sandpiper is smiling.

Chips on the inside edges of the slot repaired with epoxy putty.

My next job will be painting the bottom of the boat with an undercoat and two or more upper coats of water resistant paint. Yes, she will become scratched again, but applying a fresh coat of paint next season will not break the bank, nor will it be time-consuming.

I am deciding whether to paint the topsides before putting ‘Sandpiper’ in the water. The owner prior to the one from whom I bought her sanded the topsides, presumably to prepare them for painting.

I have to make a decision about extracting the centreplate which appears to be rusted on the leading edge, but without a thorough examination I shall not be able to discover the extent of the rust. Getting the plate out is not a job I shall look forward to, because I think I shall have to remove the board that covers the opening at the top of the centreplate case.    

‘Sandpiper’s’ Underside - Part 2

Yesterday I was concerned that epoxy I had applied to the area forward of the opening for the centreplate was not curing, but by late afternoon today it was dry to the touch.

For the past couple of days I have been blessed with ideal conditions for preparing the underside of ‘Sandpiper’ for further applications of epoxy and paint, but I have only had brief moments in which to carry out the task. That was because life has been too hectic with demands upon my time. The theme continues; because this morning I was unexpectedly called out to assist one of my daughters who was on her way to an appointment, but she couldn’t complete her journey because of a flat tyre. This afternoon I attended a function at the church, and this evening I did not want to forgo my customary walk.

All in all, I guess I was able to put in about a total of three hours smoothing the exterior of the hull below the waterline. Most effort went into sorting out previous repairs to the runners, because whoever did them was not skilled in applying epoxy.

Tomorrow I shall be a chauffer for one of my grandsons, and I shall also be his locksmith. He would like me to install a good quality lock to his living accommodation which happens to be 75 miles from where I live! How long these things will take is anyone’s guess. Therefore I doubt that much progress will be made on preparing ‘Sandpiper’ for the water.

‘Sandpiper’s’ Underside

Not until now have I been able to fully explore the underside of the boat. Today, conditions for doing it were ideal. I slid ‘Sandpiper’ off her trailer onto the lawn; then I levered her onto her side. In this position I had direct access to the under parts.

When I bought her I noted that she would require remedial treatment to an area directly forward of the centreplate slot and along the sides of the slot. She had been roughly repaired with uneven applications of plastic padding and epoxy, but a small part of the woven roving had become exposed. I prepared the surface for an application of epoxy and epoxy putty. However, I made a mistake by not adding enough hardener to the epoxy, and I fear I shall have to apply a fresh coating tomorrow.

Before turning the boat on her side I tested the outboard bracket with the engine attached, and I was relieved that the system worked well. The rudder has room for turning the boat to port without coming into contact with the propeller; in fact, it can never clash with the rudder, because the stock first engages with the outboard bracket’s support pad preventing any further movement of the rudder towards the propeller.

‘Sandpiper’s’ Outboard Bracket

Finding the position for the adjustable bracket.

To ensure that water is pumped through the exhaust cooling system, my Honda short shaft 2 HP outboard must be immersed in water to a point where the cavitation plate is six inches below the surface. Failure could result in overheating. Getting the prop well below the surface improves the efficiency of the engine. To that end I have purchased a stainless steel adjustable outboard bracket.

Buying the bracket was the easy bit, even though I had to travel to Grays to collect it, because my local chandlers did not have one in stock. Fitting the contraption to the transom was the tricky bit. First, I had to work out where the bracket was to go. The upper bolts had to pass through the transom above the aft deck, and the lower ones below it. Being right-handed, I preferred to have the engine on the port side, and it had to be placed where the starting cord could be pulled without hindrance. Additionally, I wanted the prop to be clear of the rudder. I also wanted to keep the bottom of the mounting pad clear of the water when the engine is in the lowered position.

After a bit of juggling I found the exact spot, and drilled holes through the transom for the retaining bolts. Tomorrow, I intend making wooden pads for spreading the load; then, hopefully, I shall attach the bracket to the transom.

P.S. I fitted jubilee clips to the cockpit drainage pipe.

Fitting out ‘Electron’

Airing the Mainsail.

Time and tide waits for no man, not even King Canute; nor do the seasons slumber. The spring has gone, and officially it’s summer. A very wet April put paid to plans for fitting out ‘Electron’, but today there was sun, and four healthy men set to work sanding and painting. I concentrated on rubbing down the bowsprit and the yard before giving them a coat of Sikkens; in fact, the bowsprit received two coats.

Bowsprit removed for sanding and varnishing with Sikkens.

Bowsprit with its first coat of Sikkens.

‘Electron’ can be justly proud to have a berth at the Brightlingsea Smack Dock, where she sits in a mud berth that keeps her hull healthy. Floating twice in 24 hours and settling into her hole restricts marine growth, but at the same time moistens her planks, thereby ensuring the seams remain tight without loss of caulking. Before she takes to her deepwater mooring she will be slipped and antifouled. Already her covering boards and rails gleam with new paint. Another two or three day’s work and she will be fit for her first sail of the season.

View looking aft.

Links

Canute the Great

http://viking.no/e/people/e-knud.htm

Smack Dock

http://www.smackdock.co.uk/details.htm

Archive details of ‘Electron’

http://www.smackdock.co.uk/c3.htm

'Electron' Articles

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/friday-8th-july.html

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/colne-smack-and-barge-race-3rd.html

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/mersea-dredging-match-sunday-4th.html

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/mersea-dredging-match-sunday-4th_05.html

The Legacy of ‘Sandpiper’s’ Cockpit Drains

The Olympic Flame arrived at the County of Cornwall this afternoon to herald the 2012 Games which we are told will provide a lasting legacy. Much time, money and effort has gone into preparing the Games; hopefully we shall witness outstanding performances by the competitors by way of incredible feats of human athleticism. Medal winners will come away with elation and a tremendous sense of achievement. Inevitably, when the Games are over and normality returns, the process of adapting the facilities for future use will begin. We shall be left with a legacy of sorts. Young aspirants will be enthused and perhaps try to emulate their heroes, and so the spirit of the Games will continue.

What has this to do with ‘Sandpiper’? For those who have been following my Blog, you will know that I have been preparing her for the water. I was left with a legacy; one that I would have preferred not to inherit. When I bought her I had no idea how much work would be required to make her fit for sailing. Superficially, she looked pretty good. There were the scratches and crazing of the gel coat one would expect with a boat built over forty years ago, and she was described by her owner as, “A good honest boat.” Quite what that means, I cannot fathom. No doubt she has had numerous owners, some of whom may have been caring, with good intentions.

One such person came up with the idea of fitting a cockpit drain. He built in a pipe that led from the forward end of the cockpit floor to a fitting sited at the bottom of the transom under the waterline! This of course means that when the boat is afloat, water is always present within the pipe. Because rainwater can accumulate at the aft end of the cockpit seats he devised two smaller drains leading into the main one. Each of these have their upper openings sited by the inner sides of the aft end of the coamings, but because they are so narrow they could never cope with a deluge of water, and in time they will become blocked by dust particles and debris washed into them.

A more effective solution for draining the cockpit seats would be to install larger drains that individually pass through the upper part of the transom. Until I get around to installing them, I will give the existing ones a try. Meanwhile I have sealed every joint with a flexible sealer, and I shall add jubilee clips to ensure the joints do not come apart.

When the time arrives for me to pass on the boat to her next owner, I hope that the legacy I shall leave will be better than the one I inherited.

Link

Olympic Flame Touches Down on British Soil

http://www.key103.co.uk/news/uk-and-world/20120518-olympic-flame-touches-down-in-cornwall/

'Sandpiper's' Navigation Equipment

By adapting a car windscreen ice scraper I made a bracket for two GPS units. The mounting rod to which they are attached had been fitted to ‘Talitha’. Originally it was the leg of an aluminium seat.

I devised the system to be stowed on the port side within the cabin by the companionway. To deploy the GPS units I unhook a bungee and attach another. For the near future I shall power them with internal AA batteries. Later, I may link them to a 12 volt ship’s battery.