16th April 2007 - Living on the Hardstand Area
Posted at 3:15 AM, Tuesday, April 17, 2007
We've been waiting for the wind to drop before having the boat lifted to check anodes, clean off the bottom, and install the needed grounding plate for our new SSB radio.
Around mid afternoon the breeze died, and the Kemer yard agreed to fit us into their lifting schedule. By 4 pm we had Swagman round to the lifting area and being hoisted by the Tammy Lift.
Immediately she was 10 inches out of the water we could see her bottom was in an aweful state, with lots of white coral worm and other weed growing all over. It was obvious the Cuprotect paint job - an expensive sprayed on mixture of expoxy and copper granuals - has finally given up the ghost - and in parts had actually come off the hull.
So although it was not part of the plan, we've now contracted the yard to clean it all back, to prime and then antifoul in black Micron - a more conventional antifouling paint.
Not sure what God might be smiling on us, as the yard is so busy it is full of skippers arguing with the yard team about delays in getting jobs done. But the management did agree to put us high on that list and commenced the paint work immediately - which is sure to increase the arguments they are having with others!
As it is costing around 1,600 euros. We've decided (cruiser mode) not to splash out and stay in a hotel for the needed 2 / 3 days - but rather live on the boat whilst its propped up in the yard. Bit like living in a sophisticated tree house.
Means up and down long ladders whenever nature calls - and less cooking on board due to waste water issues - but does give us a stable platform to do other jobs also.
Should have taken some pictures when she was lifted so you could see the crud on the bottom - but left camera on board as she was lifted high in the sky. Will take some once she's repainted and add them to the site.
Here is our repairs schedule:
Radio man arrives tomorrow (17th).
New dinghy arrived today also. I need to make up lifting / towing strops.
Canvas guys coming back to finish off a tear in the bimini they missed fixing.
Having engineers in to fit speed cover to engine impellor - plus drill out 3 bolts I sheared when trying to fix leak in front dunny.
Sort third reefing line for mainsail.
Design toerail type security bar and cover, to hold 10 x 20 litre fuel cans. Will increase our engine range to 680 miles.
Need to fix new genoa tracks. Don't have them in Turkey - so source from UK on my return month end and fit in May.
Fit anetenna.
Still trying to quit some pounds. Sue says I'm too competitive atthe keep fit class. Pushing people aside when we run is apparently not on.
Especially as most are 50+ y.o. ladies.
Good job I'm retired, eh?
Cheers
JOHN
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