Bloody Weather

"You can look at weather forecasts all you like, all that is certain is that there will be weather. Usually lots of it. It is then merely a matter of how hard it hits you"

Well, the shell is starting to look more like a proper shell now. I have been working on it fairly full on for the last couple of weekends, together with Kieth the Welder, and the long list of snags is now almost gone. At first glance it doesn't look like much has been done but...

The dished rear deck that was holding water is now fully drained. I have also added a hinged section to allow perfect access to the engine and weed hatch.

The rear door is now slightly wider to allow the engine to fit in, and as an added bonus, it is the same width at the top as at the bottom.


The rubbing strakes are now fully welded, and the tacky little brackets for holding the fenders on have been replaced with more substantial brackets made from steel bar.

The gas locker now has drains/vents and all of the dubious welding at the front has been redone.
The hole in the front deck has been welded up, and a new top has been put on the cross beam at the front of the well. Now all the front end needs (other than a load of paint) is Lady Penelope's son to build me some nice hardwood front doors to replace the useless and bad fitting steel ones fitted by the Stilton Cowboy.


I have a tiller bar made from 40mm bright steel bar.


TIP: If you like feeling light headed try dangling upside down with your head in the gas locker while painting it!.

The engine beds are in, and there is loads of paint waiting for some painting weather. One whole bank holiday weekend, and all I have got done outside is eight feet of boat!