OVERHAUL
Well, we are
on the hard again where we need to tackle some major problems. As you
know we had some issues (understatement) on our trip to Thailand and
while we fixed some and coped with others it was time to resolve them
permanently.
GALLEY BEFORE
We need to
pull the galley apart to dismantle the mild steel diesel tank that
has developed a leak, (well it is more than 30 years old) replace a
broken engine mount, (much easier said than done) replace the shaft
as the old one is badly pitted, (once again a mammoth task) and
repair our dinghy properly as it is still deflating.
AWW, NO
STOVE, NO COOKING
Seen like
that, it is only a small paragraph’s worth, but I am sure it will
not be that easy.
NO WONDER
THEY COVERED IT WITH BLUE TILES!
As we had
booked to go back to Australia for five weeks, we had just two weeks
to get things organised. One week still in the water and one week
after we haul out.
That first
week was hectic, we dismantle the galley, (aw shucks that means I
can’t cook and we will have to dine out every night) rip up the
floor, disconnect all the cables that run forward, remove fuel lines
etc. then Bulat and his boys come in to remove the old tank. Once
this is achieved we need to decide how best to replace it.
BULAT
REMOVING THE TANK
After
consultation with various “experts” we decide on a fibreglass
tank to be made integral with the hull. Not only will it not rust, it
will have a larger capacity and last the lifetime of the boat. We
commission Joe to make this while we are in Melbourne, so that we can
get on with other things when we get back.
THE OLD TANK
IS STILL GOOD FOR SOMETHING.
After we
haul out, the laborious task of removing the two back engine mounts
falls to Bulat’s boys with Tony helping and supervising. The shaft
is eventually cut in half as this is the only way to remove it. Bulat
will organise a new shaft to be made while we are away, and we will
chase up new engine mounts while in Australia.
OOPS, NO
RUDDER.
Our five
weeks in Australia go very quickly, Tony revamped the van (another
story) while I worked a few shifts and chased up the necessary parts
for Sunray. Also visited kids and grandkids, mowed lawns and trimmed
bushes for mum and a myriad of other things.
BIG HOLE IN
THE FLOOR
We booked
into the hotel across the road from the marina so that I would be
able to clean thoroughly before moving back on board, only to find
that Joe hadn't completed the job as promised. We cooled our heels in
luxury for four days all the while pushing Joe to get it finished.
This meant that we moved back on-board amidst utter chaos, which
would be the norm for the next couple of weeks anyway.
WORK IN PROGRESS ON OUR RETURN
NEW TANK
First the
floor had to be repaired before the boys could get in to replace the
new engine mounts, the galley had to be reassembled, painted,
varnished and the new tap installed.
GALLEY AFTER
While I was
busy doing that the engine mounts were installed, the new shaft put
in and the propeller and rudder returned to their proper place.
After
polishing the topsides and antifouling the bottom, we were ready to
go back into the water. Life is so much easier if you don't have to
haul everything including ourselves, up and down a ladder.
PAINTED AND
POLISHED
Once back in
the water the work continued, we revamped the head, (shower/toilet)
installed a new basin, new laminate top, varnished, painted, rerouted
plumbing and replaced the mirror. As you can see there is no tap yet,
as I can't find one suitable here so that will have to wait for our
next trip to Oz.
BATHROOM
REVAMP
Then came
sanding and varnishing the timber inside, the same for the table and
steps, and a general clean and tidy up. While all this was going on,
our dinghy was off getting itself repainted and new tubes (this time
hypalon) put on. This means it is as good as new and should last us
another ten years.
BATHROOM
AFTER
Now we are
off to Australia again, to attend our eldest granddaughter’s deb,
and do a bit of land travel in our revamped little camper.
