More work, more progress.

Another weekend, another day of graft. The weather wasn't kind on Monday so I spent most of the time inside while the rain drummed on the roof. Nice and cosy now though. First job was to fit the footrest, an inspired idea from this forum. Folded away neatly:

And deployed for use:

Then I stuck my head under the crew seat and finished off all the wiring and venting for the Webasto heater. There are only two tasks left: fitting the exhaust skin fitting and the fresh air intake. Both outside jobs, and driving rain is not required.

When the boat arrived it had a Navico multi function display with through hull transponder, speed, temperature and timing features. It was removed to make way for the Garmin set-up. I decided why waste it, it has useful features and could always be a back-up. I took the cup-holder off and installed it in its place. That should have been simple, but behind that bulkhead was the black box sounder which had to be moved, and I had run out of fuse spaces. So I had to put in a new fuse block and another ground bus-bar, but that would come in useful later.

My Icom handheld VHF came with a charging base, and it makes a secure holding-place. I screwed it to the side shelf and routed the charging cable back to the electrics behind the bulkhead, making a permanent fixture.

And then...the rain eased off! Time for a quick outside job before home. I had bought two sets of rod holders which were fitted at the stern. Did I mention I love this work so much I do it twice? First time round the rod holders were fitted upside down. Lucky I noticed before looking at the photo! You can also see the life belt and holder fitted previously.

The next major job will be lining out the cabin. Watch this space

First trip after the re-fit

Today was sea trials day, but I had a couple of jobs to do first. I must like fitting out boats so much I do jobs twice. This one was refitting the table, as first time round it was a bit bendy so it was taken back to my workshop for some beefing up. That was successfully refitted. I also finished the galley cupboard with the last bit of ply painted and in place. I had a few minutes left before the marina gate opened so I cut some anti slip matting to fit the table and various other places. This shot of the helm also shows the teak boss I made for the wheel, and the Garmin Downvu in place.

It was time for sea. I started the engine, and moved out to the fuel berth to take on 160 litres. I was very relieved to see that the Webasco fuel pipe hole I had cut did not leak a drop. I headed out for a bit of fishing, the weather was perfect, plenty of sun and a gentle breeze. There were also a few ships about so I could try going through their wash. Nothing broke! Steady as a rock. The water was still a bit coloured so I wasn't too hopeful. However, the first spot produced smoothhound and pouting. It went quiet so I moved to another mark, partly to get used to the Alderney method with a different boat. Here is a photo for Garry, the bowsprit behaved perfectly. One thing I did notice is the gap in the rail over the bowsprit is exactly me-sized so I shall have to watch I don't take a dive when detaching the ring. I did have a worrying moment though, the engine wouldn't start! I tracked it down to a stuck stop solenoid which had not slackened off, a quick prod and we were back in business.

Here are the Railblaizas at work

and me watching them. By the way I treated myself to a new Spinlock life jacket, very comfortable and an excellent spec.

The table makes an excellent rig station.

Before long I had to head back in because I had a date. My wife brought food down so we could have a first meal on board. What a star!

It was a perfect evening, warm and still and after the meal we had coffee in the cockpit watching the mullet, including a monster. All that work finally seemed worth it.

Now for Phase 2