The work is coming along on the conversion of the Rowing boat to motor launch with the removal of the hog and the extra rowing positions

The inner keel or hog as it is sometimes called has been removed so that the outer keel can be removed so the the shaft log can be fitted and the new outer keel can be made and also the inner keel can be remade and fitted.

The aft end of the hog is going to be the largest challenge as it as the larger screws through the hull and also they are badly corroded and will very likely break off while trying to remove them. 

The extra rowing position panels which made up part of the gunwale capping as been removed in four positions as they are no longer needed or wanted and the gunwale capping is re-profiled to match the rest of the gunwale capping. 

The gunwale capping now re-profiled and the gunwale capping getting its first sanding to get rid of the old paint that was covering the gunwale capping.

The start of the sanding of the gunwale capping just the next 20 plus feet to go.

 

The continuing conversion of the rowing boat to a motor launch

 I have now made a start on getting to grips on how the inner and outer parts of the keel are fixed together. Now having removed the inner keel or sometimes been called a hog, it appears that the two halves are screwed together with some large and long bronze screws. This being the case once the screws from the inside are removed the outer keel should come away from the hull. I can but hope this is what is going to happen. However, I have my doubts that it will be that easy. boats being boats it is never that straightforward. 

More likely to need some gentle persuading to come apart. In other words a big hammer in the right place with the odd wedge to help it on its way. Once that is off then the major work on the can begin. However, before that can happen I have to make room in the workshop, so that it is under cover and able to dry out the hull and heat the workshop to do the fibreglassing on the new stern tube and reinstall the floor bearers. 

Continuing the conversion of the rowing boat to a motor launch which will explore the local rivers of North Essex

All the floor bearers in the rowing boat were removed because they were not fixed down enough to take the loading that they are going to have put through them when they are going to be used as part of the bracing for the hull when the engine beds are made and fixed to them to make up a matrix for the hull.

The first job is to remove all the old fibreglass matting and the old paint and let them dry out so when they go back in the boat they can be glassed into the hull so that they are bonded to the hull correctly 

They have a lot of old material fixed to them sealant and fibreglass and resin and a lot of paint 

Now all the paint is removed it is time to sands them down back to bare wood and let the air get to the wood so it can now dry out

All sanded and now just got to let them dry out and then put to one side while the rest of the boat gets worked on. The next job on the boat is to remove the rest of the old paint off the gunwales and the thwarts and aft seat and then set the boat up on a build stock to get the boat level and square before get the hole bored for the stern tube. 

 

Back at work and on a mission.

 After taking two weeks off from the stress of working long hours. I have now comeback to work to get the workshop and the yard under control and get the work done that as been piling up around the yard and the workshop. I have a clear vison of what needs to be done and get the work turned around as qu8ck as possible and so I can get more work in and make the yard look more like a boatyard than a dumping ground for die boats. 

The first job is to get this launch stripped of all its old paint and get the interior cleaned up so that the floor bearers can be glassed in and then the engine fitted.

 

 

Change in direction for my business and myself over coming months and whether it is time to retire and sail my yacht.

 I have burned myself out keeping my business going through this Covid situation and I now need a break from my business to clear my mind and have a change in scenery. The pressure I have been under as been great as without any government grants being available to me. I have had limited cash flow and a couple of other clients who have not paid me for some time which I am still chasing with the help of a third-party debit company . So, in order to keep going over the next few months I have closed the business in the short term (a month or so) and re-evaluate whether my business. It is going to take some time to think this through, however, in the present situation, it is what I have to do for the good of my family and myself. 

However, I just need time and space to clear my mind and get back on with work/ life balance. 

Starting to fit the mast compression & keel lift post

Just setting up the post to take a few measurements, before fitting to the bottom so that it fit against the centreboard case. 

Lining post up so that it is the same amount out both sides and that it is vertical and it inline with the centreboard case and the deck beams when they are fitted in position   

The job of getting it fitted along the floor and the centreboard case is going to be interesting, as soon as this is done it will be glassed into the bottom of the hull and on to the front of the centreboard case.