OVERHAUL IN LUMUT

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.