Morning Magic - Refit - S&S 34 · Web viewMorning Magic is a Swarbrick built S&S34 launched in 1981. She was built as a racing version with the tall rig, pilot berths and different

Morning Magic - Refit

Morning Magic - Refit

Morning Magic is a Swarbrick built S&S34 launched in 1981. She was built as a racing version with the tall rig, pilot berths and different galley configuration to the "cruising" version. Until May 2007 as far as we know, she had spent her life on Pittwater with the only apparent work done on her in that time being the replacement of her diesel engine in 2003 and some paintwork topside and down below. The survey carried out by Peter Kershaw late in 2006 identified a bad case of osmosis with a large number of blisters noted. In all other respects the survey uncovered very little of consequence in respect to construction and condition. Obviously, as the broker, Andrew Coffey noted, the original rigging would need replacement along with the installation of a complete set of electronics.

I had been looking for an S&S design for some time having made offers for a S&S36 early in 2005 and then considering the S&S designed Catalina 38's present in numbers on the west coast of the USA. The cost and trouble involved in getting them to Australia made me look more closely at other local options. Morning Magic offered me almost exactly what I was after although I would have preferred an extra couple of feet and no osmosis. I wanted something that was structurally sound and a motor - anything else that could be used would be a bonus (like a serviceable mast). My intent was to rebuild the interior, rigging, fittings and have the hull fixed.

May 2007

The new Volvo MD2030 Sail Drive had only 35 hours on the clock when she arrived at Yaringa ready to start the rejuvenation process. At that point it was intended to scape the bottom, attend to the blisters, replace all the standing rigging, install a furler, move deck hardware to enable single hand operation, re-wiring, provision for shore power, tidy up the interior, replace all thru hulls and plumbing, and to think about a number of other features such as wheel steering, pressurised hot water, shower, etc.

Throughout May and June we began removing the accumulated junk, crockery, sails, cushions, hull carpet, food, paint, tools, books, ... that came with the boat so that we could determine what needed to be done.

July 2007

The hull was grit blasted to remove the gel coat, gunk and antifoul in early July 2007 and the process of pressure washing down the hull went on for a number of weeks. Moisture readings, while not all that accurate provide an indication of the amount of moisture still in the hull with noticeable increases around the depressions where the blisters were worst. She had been out of the water for around 7 weeks at this point and will be moved inside to dry out. Once dry, epoxy or more correctly vinyl ester GRP will be applied to the depressions. The important aspect here is that the hull must be completely dry before work commences. Already (later in July) the moisture readings have reduced - to around 0.7% on average but there are spots that are as high as 3% or more. Topsides the readings are around 0.2 to 0.4% so I am aiming for a consistent reading of about 0.5%. This should be achieved once she is moved inside.

August 2007

While the hull is washed down and dries out (outside), the interior and mast are being worked on. The mast and boom have been stripped of all fittings and the paint removed ready for rebuilding. Mast steps, new shrouds, halyards, fittings, etc will be fitted with a furler. The first stage consisted of sanding back the surface paint to the raw metal using a rotary sander at about 2500rpm with a paint stripping disk. This removed just about all the paint apart from some of the green etching primer. The next stage is to use an orbital sander with 80 paper to buff up the metal. Then to hand over the mast and boom to the riggers to do their thing.

Inside the wiring, lining and plumbing is being removed (with some difficulty). Tables, water tanks, head, sinks are all out ready for refurbishment. The fuel tank and a couple of the thru hulls are trying patience but there isn't much destruction left. New switchboard, wind, depth, log, VHF radio have been ordered and the re-building will commence in coming weeks. New timber panelling and a false ceiling is to be installed which will hide all the deck hardware fittings and cabling.

I decided to try bringing her back to her original state as much as possible in respect of the materials used in the saloon - this means paint stripping and lots of it. Each of the partitions is to be stripped of paint and brought back to its varnished beauty.

The wiring is also being replaced along with the installation of shore power.

September 2007

MM is moved inside - ready for an alcohol wash and dry. The hull moisture readings remain around 0.7% with a few spots as high as 2.2%. The mast and boom have been sanded back to the bare metal ready for painting next week. Still having trouble with the brass thru hull fittings which are "welded" together. They will need to be grinded out and replaced as the hull thickness where they have been installed is roughly half the thickness of the rest of the hull. Besides it is mainly silicon that is providing the watertight seal as the fittings are loose in the holes - troublesome fittings are the head output and cockpit drain outlets.

The shrouds attached to the lower spreaders are also proving a difficulty removing as the spindle into the end of the spreader has corroded on both spreaders requiring expert extraction - brute force hasn't worked. With Duncan's help we now have the mast, speaders, boon etched primed and undercoated.

Late September - There are patches on the hull that don't seem to be drying as rapidly as one would expect. We will try applying some heat and the pressure washing with detergent and/or metho. The sanding of the gelcoat has commenced at the waterline which together with a sand all over the bottom has at least made her look more presentable. The moisture readings have reduced with the higher readings now under 2%. The thru hull fittings are all out with only a couple able to be recovered. The instrument panel has been installed together with the radios. Shore Power connector and circuit breaker has been installed and cabling commenced.

Still to think about:-

October 2007

The hull is drying out nicely with a couple of spots that approach 2%. Readings from inside the hull are averaging less than 0.5% however the readings taken from the outside are somewhat higher. No idea why? The skeg and rudder average over 1%. All the windows have been removed and the 6mm perspex is to be replaced (existing ones have bad UV discolouration). The chrome frames, inside and out are pitted and prices are being sought for re-chroming. We are also considering the interior fitout with current thinking being to re-veneer the bulkheads while using laminate on the cabin sides and stern end.

The depressions in the hull laminate where the worst blisters were have been ground out along with the gel coat up to the waterline. Vinyl ester GRP has been used to fill the depressions and the hull roughly faired. While the whole hull has not dried out as much as I expected and there is one spot (which I can't account for) I am not unduly concerned - the readings from inside are OK, there has been no leakage of the matter that usually comes with osmosis (the reddish coloured oose), the hull laminate looks good and there is no evidence of the structure being compromised - the hull is about 1/4 to 3/8th of an inch thick and is solid.

The mast has had its final coat of paint and is like new - now awaiting its fittings.

Planning for the deck hardware has commenced and now includes an anchor winch - new hatches, 2 ST sheet winches, clutches, main sheet traveller, etc. The hull is expected to be completed by mid November. The drying period has been around 5 months and I'm reasonably confident that I won't get any further appreciable improvement.

The hull is now having resin applied and a 450 gram chopped mat then 225 gm split strand mat applied. More vinyl ester resin and an 80gm tissue layer. Sanding and fairing then a final coat of thickened resin is to be applied. All deck hardware has been removed and the holes in the cabin top are to be plugged. It is likely that the topsides will need to be painted in which case a new colour scheme has to be considered.

November 2007

Hull liner has been ordered along with laminate for the interior windows section and stern end of the saloon. Existing winches which will be relocated, have been cleaned and put back together ready for installation. The 2.7mm laminate is being used to replace the plywood used along the cabin sides where the windows are located and at the stern end of the saloon. The ply in parts had started to degrade particularly where water had seeped in around the cockpit compass and log.

The mast, standing and running rigging and deck hardware is expected to cost upward of $20k. Hatches, mast steps, some of the deck hardware has arrived. Work on the rigging will commence in a fortnight. The deck and cabin top is to be painted before installing the deck hardware.

December 2007

The fibreglassing of the hull is now complete. All that remains is final fairing and a coat of paint. Work has commenced on the repainting of the deck with the stripping of the beige enamel paint from the original blue paintwork.

The internal laminate has been cut to rough size but required the preparation of templates as there doesn't appear to be a 90 degree angle anywhere in the boat. I'm still unsure whether to install the panels without the windows cut, cut the windows to approx size then install or try to accurately cut the windows then struggle with aligning the panels. The contact glue would suggest the second option then use a router to trim the window cutouts to size. Down below still looks a mess! -

GHD Studios have been busy with the job of removing the enamel paint using wire brushes and masking all the remaining fittings ready for painting next week. All holes and blemishes have been filled and a recess for the sounder transducer created.

Windows replacement

Plumbing

Conduits for mast cabling

Deck Hardware

Dodger

Instrument Panel (wind, log, depth)

Pedestal Steering

Hatch replacements

Hull Lining

Shower and Head reinstallation

New Thru Hulls

Pressure Water

Hot Water

Recommended services -

Survey by Peter Kershaw (02 9918 9289)

Hull work on MM is being undertaken by GHD Studios at Yaringa (Chris Holloway 5977 4434).

Spars, rigging and deck hardware by Superior Spars & Rigging (Duncan & Linda Sandell 5977 3991)

Road transport by Ken Johnson Boat Haulage (0428 568 367)

Sail work by David Ryan of Ryan Sails (5977 4988)

Yacht brokerage - Andrew Coffey at the Quays, Church Point Pittwater - reputable and honest. 9986 0040

Topsides with the masking almost finished.

Recess cut into bow about 3' from the keel for the sounder.

December 2007 continued

And finally some progress on the down below areas I have been concentrating on. The first of the interior panels have been installed.

Undercoating of the deck, locker covers and assorted topside features has been completed along with the finished coat of a navy blue band (masked in the photo) along the cabin sides. The final coats will be applied this week.

The cradle supports for the hull have been relocated to allow the final glassing of the hull - note that all thru hull openings have also been glassed over. This photo shows the head outlet and washbasin outlet. There are a total of 3 one and a half inch and 3 three quarter inch fittings along with the log and depth holes.

The final coats of topsides paint has been applied and masking removed - starting to take shape at last. The brightwork when installed - window frames, winches, clutches, etc will lift the navy stripe and contrasting off white deck. Sun glare from the deck may be a problem initially but the more white than cream deck will soften with time. Two more sections of inside laminate have been installed with 4 more to go. Hatches, windows, deck hardware are now expected to be installed in early January. At that point she will be ready to be moved out of the shed and antifouled.

At this stage the professional painting, osmosis treatment and hull restoration by GHD Studios is expected to cost $9500 plus "extras" (patching, depth sounder transducer mount, etc). The anchor winch, ST winches, mast steps, Profurl furler, 2 Lewmar hatches, 4 triple clutches and deck organisers have all been sourced locally through Superior Spars. Purchasing direct from USA and elsewhere would likely have made some savings.

January 2008

Recommended services -

Hull work on MM is being undertaken by GHD Studios at Yaringa (Chris Holloway 5977 4434).

Spars, rigging and deck hardware by Superior Spars & Rigging (Duncan & Linda Sandell 5977 3991)

Sail work by David Ryan of Ryan Sails (5977 4988)

The mast has now had its steps installed and is awaiting conduit and cabling, light fittings, etc.

Painted cockpit. The next major tasks to be attempted in January after the joinery and hull work is complete is the plumbing and electrical work. I have decided to install a head holding tank and Y switch now rather than wait until it becomes regulated. Finding a place for the tank is not easy even a 50 lt flexible one. Under the V berth and lose valuable sail storage space or under the divan next to the SS water tank?

Valuable assistance and advice has been received from members of the S&S34 Association based in Perth especially Simon Torvaldsen who is building a brand new S&S34 from the same moulds that Morning Magic was derived.

see http://www.ss34.org

The deck hardware is being prepared for installation now that the topsides are complete and the internal panelling installed. The sections of 2.7mm laminate were glued in place then trimmed using a router (using the window openings as the guide). The joins will be covered with wood trim.

The window frames and perspex are ready for installation when slightly longer screws are obtained - they will look something like the above. The hull meanwhile is waiting on a final covering of "gunk" as it is described and an undercoat before the antifoul.

Above the waterline should come up with a polish only. There are a few small chips in the stern which will need patching but other than that the hull will soon be finished ready for the thru hull installations and plumbing.

February 2008

Progress has slowed again due to my work commitments and changes in ownership of Superior Spars - we are now waiting on Craig to start putting the final touches to the deck hardware and mast. In the meantime the hull is 2 undercoats off antifoul.

The last of the major hardware expenses - 2 self tailing ST50 Arco winches have arrived. I intend using 2 of the Barlow halyard winches removed from the cabin top for spinnaker winches.

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Applying the "gunk" prior to final fairing and painting.

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HoldingTank from WRENGCO tanks

Assistance from the Yacht Doctor - Joe Tarantino 0400 156 390

Painting by Bruce (GHD Studios)

- So far - about 2 months later than expected and pobably $8k over budget and climbing (there was no intention of stripping the interior, providing anchor winches, re-painting topsides, re-chroming fittings, total re-wiring and replumbing, etc when the budget was formulated).

February 2008 -

Nearing the end of the hull work - a light sand and the fitting of the thru hull fittings then a wait until the final undercoat followed by antifoul within 12 hours.

Interior also slowly taking shape with slowly the operative word. People who should know have told me that it won't be finished on my schedule - I'm sure it would have if I had the time. A few hours a week is not enough. The laminate is completed and the window frames in place (not yet sealed and mounted permanently) and the rear hatch mount prepared (require enlarging the opening in the cabin roof by about 6 inches).

The cable dangling through the ceiling is the power cable for the instruments. Teak veneer has been ordered and should be applied in 4 or 5 weeks and then the trim can be fixed. The photo below gives and idea of what the coachroof will look like with windows in place. Sikkens oiling of the grab rails, toe rail and hatch surrounds just completed along with bulkhead compass mounting.

March 2008

And now for another major decision - the above waterline paintwork (which I thought was gelcoat) has apparently already been painted. My intention was to buff up the hull and that's about all. However, we have found that the paint is patchy in places and with a little rubbing the top coat will rub off leaving undercoat exposed. The decision is either to leave it for 18 months and then have it painted or spend the money now - there goes a new main sail!

Decision made - Morning Magic is to become a blue hull with white trim and waterline. Wrong again! The hull is not as uniform as I'd thought and my expert painter (Bruce) convinced me that a navy blue gloss will show up the hull imperfections - better to stick with the off white rather than torture board significant areas of the hull. So the hull will be off white (with navy trim, waterline and maybe some additional stripes).

Hull preparations for painting.

April 2008

Olin's birthday is rapidly approaching and there is now no chance of getting near the water before May or June. The above waterline has been primed and with a few hours sanding is almost ready for the top coat. Delays again due to illness and work priorities has meant that no work has been possible for the last few weeks.

After pumping out over 80 litres of diesel from the fuel tank we finally got the tank out from under the port divan and sure enough a small hole was discovered in the seam. The tank is now with Superior Masts & Rigging to be fixed. A LCD TV and new electric head have been purchased and the framework commenced in the port pilot berth to construct bookcases, storage and mounting for the TV. The starboard pilot berth will remain as a berth. Happy birthday Olin!

Shiny new paintwork - awaiting boot and cove line, final hull primer, skin fittings and antifoul by end of month.

With Joe Tarantino's help the skin fittings, tranducer and log are now installed (difficult to be both inside and outside the hull at the same time). The fuel tank has been repaired and pressure tested although I don't expect too many years service (4 holes being repaired).

May 2008 -

Interior painting has now been finished along with sea cock installation. The new bow fitting is being fabricated along with the mast collar. Apart from misplacing halyard fittings and the mast base the rigging is going well. Inside the teak veneer is ready for installation. The genoa winches have been removed ready for mounting the new Arco ST50 self tailing winches

New bow fitting with dual anchor roller

15 1200mm lengths of teak veneer is in the process of being applied inside. Outside the bottom has had its final sand ready for the final undercoat and antifoul.

Old and new mast collar awaiting the fitting of halyard blocks.

Plastic holding tank made to measure. Inlet and vent connections shown. Outlet is in the bottom on the right side. Expecting to take the waste from the Jabsco electric toilet to the tank inlet (above waterline) while the output goes to a Y valve to select discharge or pump out.

The tank will be secured behind a panel with an inspection port.

The cove strip has now been added.

June 2008 -

It's now 14 June and while she was ready to emerge from the shed it hasn't quite happened. Small matter of no winches to strap her onto the cradle.

That was last week - this week the new winches are fitted (including the spinnaker winches) but still in the shed. Should be released in a couple of days.

And finally the first coat of antifoul -

Now that we are outside things are progressing - the mast is to be stepped on Thursday 3/7/08. Interior lacquering is complete and have started on the hull liner.

July 2008 -

In the meantime, wiring and construction of a bookcase and mount for a LCD TV proceeds. The photo below gives an idea of how the teak has come up on the bulkheads.

Morning Magic about to emerge from the shed 4 June 2008.

We are on the move!!! 18 June 2008. The mast is also finished and ready to be stepped. Looks beautiful thanks to Lisa, Craig and Matt. Joe has also finished the head plumbing.

Wiring and cabling is well on the way. Expect to be back in the water around the end of July or August 2008.

The mast went up a day late but what's a day in 400? More cabling, joinery for the battery and anchor winch, more hull lining, and mucking about. Cables from the mast have been run. Rather than run cables loosely through the hull I have elected to use the square and rectangular profile conduit. On the starboard side I have the transducer cables (log, depth and wind from the mast) with mast lighting, cabin lighting, speaker. On the port side I have a larger rectangular profile containing high current cables for paralleling/charging the forward battery, lighting, speaker, 12v outlets, emergency nav lights. Under floor the VHF arial cable and 12v for bilge pump and water pump. Through the ceiling (when I've worked out what to do about lining) will be some lighting and power for the instruments.

The boot stripe is also now on.

Safety lines are currently being replaced and internal potable water and waste plumbing commenced. A couple of leaks around window screws to be attended to and the mass of wires brought back to the switchboard now ready for terminating. The switchboard panel (with VHF, CD radio, Volvo controls) needs to be able to be removed as a unit so all cabling is being terminated in plug/sockets.

We now have a tentative arrangement for re-launching - in the week commencing 11 August. The date is determined by my painter Bruce, from GHD Studios, having a couple of weeks leave then allowing 2 weeks for suitable days weather wise to polish and apply the final antifoul.

By that time we should have a new bilge pump operating and the wiring/plumbing completed. Unfortunately Joe Tarantino isn't well and that has slowed internal plumbing and fitout. I'm wishing Joe all the best.

Craig and Matt have been busy with safety line replacement, deck fittings (clutches, winches, organisers), finishing the anchor winch and aligning the mast. Cabling termininations are proceeding along with hull lining and reinstallation of cushions.

August 2008 -

Work continues rather slowly - the hull has now been polished and the Sail Drive leg antifouled. All is now in readiness for the final antifoul and launching. We have still much to do below and a few more items like the blocks and jib sheet cars on deck. The main sheet traveller is also being replaced.

A possible solution to the ceiling headlining has been found - more about that later. The 240v shore power is complete but the 12v terminating is continuing along with last minute cable runs. The construction of the bookcases is almost complete while I am about to start on the forward battery and joinery in the V berth.

Hot water looks like being delayed so the plumbing will be confined to cold water at this point. A Jabasco pump and accumulator has been installed for pressurised water. The Plastimo stove & oven has been sitting in my office for months now - almost time to start that installation too.

A new phase commences - on the water.

Polished up & ready for the water.

Launched - 4pm 6 August 2008

Supreme Marine are to complete the service on the Volvo Sail Drive this week. Once I finish the electrics and the fuel leak we will be able to take her out for some motorised sea trials.

David Ryan has been examining the current complement of sails - maybe another season in the main, genoa can't be adapted to the furler so looking at No 2 and 3 to see if there is any life left in them. Longer term he will fabricate a new main and genoa.

Bruce Marsom from GHD Studios did an excellent job on Morning Magic's paint work. She certainly looks like a new boat which is not that far from fact. Craig and Matt from Superior Masts and Spars also performed brilliantly to get the rigging sorted out. Again, the only things not touched were the stauntions and pushpit.

***

The rigging has been adjusted, mast top fittings in place (VHF, anometer, windex), radar reflector and halyards run so she is starting to look like she could do some sailing. Down below the wiring continues along with installing the auto bilge pump. Purchased the superceded ST4000 from Bob Clow which on first glance fits perfectly on the cockpit locker side of the cockpit.

One problem has re-surfaced. I had thought that my diesel leak was due to tank corrosion but after having it repaired and pressure tested and 50lt of diesel loaded I find there is fuel in the bunded area. Damn - it turns out to be the only piece of hose I haven't replaced - the feed pipe to the tank has a crack where it enters the tank and in spite of my double hose clips it leaks!

More hose replacement of the type I had so much trouble with replacing the cockpit drains.

September 2008 -

Not a lot to report - very slow finishing off the wiring and internals. The motor service hasn't happened yet as a result of my slowness in finishing the electrics.

Small jobs being finished off. Sisalation fitted to the cabin ceiling in preparation for the lining. Most jobs need doing two or three times before I get them right. Forward ventilator now doesn't leak but the fuel leak is still there! Maybe it wasn't the hose. More investigation needed.

Costs continue to rise as bills are finalised for hull and rigging refurbishment but should slow appreciably now - costs to date all up around $112,500 but this includes insurance, TV, survey, slipping, transport from Pittwater, etc, etc.

The only appreciable costs remaining are a couple of new sails and dodger.

October 2008 -

The 30 hour service on the Volvo is complete so we are nearing sea trials. A bit more wiring and plumbing to go. The TV and now the stove has been mounted but gas plumbing still outstanding. Started in the forward berth where a 3rd battery is to be installed to power the anchor winch and toilet. The foreberth hull liner is next to go on.

Ceiling liner

Galley with sinks installed

Head holding tank and Y valve access

Electronics supplied and advice provided by Bob Clow of Clow Marine Electronics

Dodger by Jason of Peninsula Marine Covers

Rigging, stainless steel work and hardware supplied through Superior Masts and Rigging - Craig, Matt and Lisa.

Volvo serviced by Justin of Supreme Marine.

The deisel leak is interesting in that it gets to a level and doesn't go any further which indicates the leak to be higher in the tank. Foreward liner cut to size and teak toerail received a long overdue coat of Sikens.

Jason from Mermaid Marine Covers has set up the frame for the dodger and finalised the design so we will have a nice new navy blue addition before long. The forward liner is installed and the ceiling tacked in place - the sisalation coupled with the felt backing of the ceiling mat has made a noticeable impact on heat in the saloon. Still haven't finished wiring but with the purchase of a new battery or two that should speed up. Also need to source a gas tank and plumber to install the oven.

Installed two GEL 100AH 700CCA batteries and a voltage sensitive relay, finished off the ceiling (almost), fitting trim here and there.

November -

David Ryan (sailmaker) has examined all the sails and we have decided on a new genoa and main but in the meantime he is going to adapt the No2 jib for the furler with UV strip, etc. The No4 jib is still in excellent condition so it will be adapted as well. The storm sail and storm trysail are also in good condition apart from the corroded rings which he is going to replace. The drifter is also useable after he replaces one of the rings so we will have a spare main and a genoa that is too light to be of much use.

Back inside I found that I am short a couple of cables from the forepeak back to the cockpit for the anchor winch! At least now I've checked all the circuits and have all nav lights (and emergency nav), cabin leds, pumps, radios and instumentation operating. And the motor reliably starts and stops.

Plumbing to the head will be the next challenge while trying to avoid more holes than are absolutely necessary to feed the hoses. Hot water not yet resolved.

And the new dodger.

December 2008 -

With a name and registration number. Not long now. Awaiting some sails and a hot water service (probably delay further). We now have 27m of L type 8mm SC chain on the anchor winch. Wiring still not completed.

More wiring to a solar panel but forward winch & head still to be wired along with the voltage sensitive relay between the batteries.

Our old sails have been repaired by David Ryan Sails and are now on board - we should get a season out of them until the new furling No 1 and main are finished. The No 2 has been converted for furling with an UV strip in the meantime. The trisail and storm jib are still serviceable and a No 3 put away. I was able to recover various blocks so the main sheet is now working and a bit more mucking about with the vang blocks should result in a yacht that can sail (at least in Western Port - no Sydney to Hobart yet).

The water heater mounts are being prepared behind the engine between the rudder stock and engine exhaust. We purchased a 25lt Kuuma heater which, with mm to spare, just fits into the cockpit locker - then hopefully through into its home position.

A door between the saloon and head has been constructed and fitted (numerous times) and is getting close to being the correct size. The problems again are the numerous curves involved.

***

January 2009 -

Strong points in the cockpit, water heater fitted, cockpit anchor winch switch fitted, halyard tidies installed, saloon door fitted - awfully close now. Lazy jacks, jack stays, finish plumbing and electrical work still to go.

15 January 2009 after 20 long months of effort we are sailing again.

We've now had a second outing this time with First Mate on board. Everything worked to her satisfaction so I've managed to get through my first exam.

***

February 2009 -

Work continues on the water heater, plumbing and electrics while waiting on sails. There is the matter of cabin trim that I've also been putting off and the laminex in the head that remains unfinished.

Almost completed galley.

Plumbing nearly completed - pressurised water OK except for a connection on the galley flick mixer - it leaks. Hint - don't disconnect hoses with the system pressurised. Open the taps beforehand! Otherwise get wet.

Shakedown - LAUNCHED

With a 20 knot breeze, a 25 year old mainsail, No 2 headsail we could still manage around 9 knots over ground (a couple of knot tide helps). A very happy skipper (after a nervous start - I was more concerned about getting in and out of the pen without scratches and embarassments). As it turned out MM handled beautifully in reverse, forward, under power or sail.

Thanks to all who worked on her to bring her back to what most onlookers think is a new boat.

Wiring of the anchor winch and toilet near enough to complete - continuing with the plumbing which is still a few days away. Various pieces of trim to be installed - aiming for an April completion. Craig has fitted a beautifully crafted gas bottle holder on the stern and we now have a whisker pole on board.

Water heater installed (conduit to be fastened and engine heating to be connected). In respect of the latter after reading the volvo manual it says something about being a closed system - maybe no engine heating! More research.

Still a few leaks in the pressurised water to be sorted. Toilet electrics now finished but winch yet to be tested. Permanent 500W invertor has been installed and some fine tuning of the switchboard. The hot water connection to the motor is now resolved after noticing a photo of a Volvo 2030D on a Bavaria34 which had hot water - two plugs on the front of the motor is where the takeoff and return connections are made. Also, now thinking about an emergency crank for the motor - the flywheel looks like it takes one but there has to be a decompression release somewhere on the engine.

March 2009 -

Canvas hatch covers have now been installed, winch tested and quarter berth opening port installed. Finally some rain in Melbourne - lots of leaks. couple of the windows, multiple spots around hatches. Re-tightened all window screws, and a bit of epoxy here and there overcame the majority. Fitted the locker doors in the head. Checked oven and grill on the stove.