Afloat …… Just
It’s been a scorching day today, by far the warmest since arriving at Weir Quay. I was up early to make the most of it and got the masts moved down near to the boat so I could crack on with them.
First up was to run the cable for the masthead lights up the insides. In an attempt to stop the cables slapping around inside the masts I decided to use some redundant packing foam spaced out along the cable that should keep them away from the sides. It took quite a while to cut the foam, thread it onto the cable, space and tape them into place and then carefully pull them through. It all went smoothly though and fingers crossed it will work.
After that I got the paint out and put another coat on both masts, they’d suffered a bit during transport so it needed doing.
To finish off the day I got the LED tricolour and anchor lights fitted. It’s going to be next week before these mast go up though. Too much to do and I’m not rushing the job.
By the time I’d finished the tide had come up and as I stepped onto ‘Gleda’ she moved! At the highest point she floated level and pretty much on the waterline I’d painted but she wasn’t completely free. I tried moving her down the quay but the skegs and rudders were still stuck in their holes. Tomorrow evening though we should be free.
Ha! Now you’re getting there..Keep at it, Neil.
I have wires inside my mast (lights and VHF) and they certainly do ring like a bell. It’s very annoying. The more of those padding discs you fit on your internal cables, the better. I’ve even thought about putting them every 5cm when I next get the mast down. It’s an important job that you did today.
And soon, Gleda will be calmly floating out on a mooring, 24 /7.
Quasi afloat! Well waddaya know………………..
hi Neil.
Hope you are well.
nearly Afloat then?
I hope you have checked all the little places for water leaks?
I am glad you are still finding a use for the Broadgate foam!!!
I am currently making a path at home out of some!!! Recycling at its best.
Regards Charlie.
Try using electrical zip ties on the inside wiring for the mast. If you pull them tight to the cable and do not cut off the excess they will not slide down and the excess prevents the banging on the inside of the mast, Alternate how you tie them so effectively you get a star effect all the way down the wiring inside the mast. A very simple and effective technique.
Congrats – she is a proper boat now – you must be itching to get out and sail!
Now the seasickness begins!!
You need another large gathering onboard, get them all up the sharp end(s) to lift the skegs out.
Looking good Neil. With the weather improving, the boat floating, you’re moving forward. Enjoy it.
Hi Charlie, no leaks just a slightly weeping through hull fitting that just needed tightening. What do you know she floats!
Hi Andy
Nice idea that but job’s done now so hopefully it’ll work as well.
Got them out now Jon but just the same they’ll be another large gathering before too long methinks!