Pod Improvements
Winter is hanging about, there was ice on deck the other morning and we have bitter Easterly winds but there are signs that things are on the turn and in a few short weeks Spring should really be here.
As our time in Falmouth Marina draws to a close I’ve been working hard in an attempt to finish the last few major jobs left on my list.
Since finishing ‘Lewis’ I’ve been working on improvements to the pod and cuddy. I’d done virtually nothing in these areas since ‘Gleda’ was launched and it was really beginning to bug me. The pod is of course the place where most time is spent under sail and having the cuddy functioning as intended with a usable watch berth will be a huge benefit at sea.
First job was to fit the dedicated Garmin GPS unit and re-position the VHF so they were to hand near the wheel, I have a DSC VHF so I’ve also interfaced the GPS so that an automatic position is sent if the distress button is hit. After that I fitted a new switch panel and wired in the navigation lights (two sets, masthead tricolour and deck level units), anchor light and pod red/white lights.
I also made a seat backrest and a footrest to make helming more comfortable, I knocked up a hanging rack for the lifejackets, fitted some flooring and painted. The pod now looks like somewhere nice to be.
Next up was the cuddy, I put together a frame and created a false floor with stowage underneath then got the whole thing painted. There’s still a bit of finishing needed but with a foam mattress in place we now have an additional berth.
Brilliant job Neil! I am realy pleased for you! I hope this year turns oit how you’ve dreamed it. I do hope that one day our paths will cross. It has been a an inspiration following Gleda’s progress over the years!
Oh my god Neil
When I think how you felt your pod looked like something out of a monster movie and look at it now!. Just remember there’s one last cold snap to come. I lived in England for 18 years, never saw a white Christmas. Saw plenty of white Easters though.
After that, you are home and hosed!
Neil-
Just wanted to take a minute and tell you how truly inspirational your journey has been for me. I don’t recal when I actually started following your blog, but I have read every word from beginning to end, twice, and I have loved every minute of it. I have followed your trials and tribulations; watched you hit the highs and the lows that have come to this final point, the realization of your dreams! I look forward to every new post and can honestly say that I am both overjoyed and jealous of your accomplishments. I have been looking and planning on the JWD website/literature for almost 20 years now, hoping one day to do exactly what you have done. The past six months have been excruciating for me, having my dreams come to a screeching halt, plagued with panic attacks and uncertainty about where to go now that my entire life plan has so drasctically been altered. But even then, I continue to follow your progress and share in your joys as “Gleda” nears total completion. And now I am drawing on your inspiration. I am happy to report that on the 10th, I ordered my set of Tiki 38 plans from JWD and jsut checked my order status this morning to find it says “complete”. So, I guess it’s time to get my house in order (literally) and start laying out that work area in the back yard next to the patio workshop–incidentally, it’s just the right size to build a 38, go figure! Thanks to your amazing story that has managed to remind me that life is to be lived and that hopes and dreams can become a reality, as always with enough hard work and dedication. With any luck, and I’m sure a lot of work on my part, I will have a new love to share the dream with me, as Gail is sharing yours! You are a true inspiration and I hope one day our bows may ride anchor in the same harbour so that I may thank you personally for all you have given to me through your blog. Thanks Forever–Spencer
Hi Neil,
Looking really good. Time is moving on and you are past the worst of the winter (I hope!). You must be itching to get sailing.
Just a thought after reading through your old blogs – what tools did you find really useful and what would you buy if you were doing it all again? Potential builders might find it if interest.
Cheers
Ken
Neil I´d like to send you an email but I can not find your contact information or link in your “Contact me” link.
Can you send me your contact please giovanifrisene@gmail.com
I´ll start building my Tiki 38 and I´d like some tips and information.
Thank you very much
Giovani
Echoing Ken’s request for a helpful tools list.
Hi Ken
Thanks for that, I’ll get a tools list post put together for you and Spencer sometime soon.
Spencer
Fantastic to hear that you’ve taken the first step in what I know will be a life-changing adventure for you.
One of my favorite quotes comes from W.H.Murray and I think it perfectly reflects what you will experience over the coming years.
Enjoy the journey!