All Change!

There's been a change of scenery in the Osmosis Shed with a shuffle round to let some boats out and a couple of new ones in. Our Contessa now has another for company named Bugle, also there to have it's hull treated for the dreaded boat pox. After a pause whilst several other rather larger boats were treated, Jim and Steve, the osmosis team, are getting ready to re-coat the hull once it's fully dry. There are a few areas around the stern that still have high levels of moisture so the lamps are on them to dry them out which should be complete in a week or so. They're about  to work on the Westerly in the foreground any time now and when that's complete they'll get started on our yacht which will take about a week to complete. During this time the props will be taken away so there'll be no access or work on board for a week until it's cured. There will then be another round of musical chairs and, with a bit of luck, we'll end up in the other shed for a few weeks whilst the GRP work is finished off.

It's amazing what a difference a couple of weeks can make, the galley is looking very different, the bilge pump and been moved allowing the gas locker to be re-instated and the water system is starting to take shape. Paul's fitted some new plywood panels to make up an outer surround for the cold box and put the spacious inner liner that's been specially fabricated in place. There's about an inch and a half gap all round that's now filled with foam which should be good enough as insulation but we'll add a bit more on the outside where we can. Initially I was surprised by the number of hours quoted for the job. Now it's clear why they were needed, it's a fiddly job, especially the new gas pipework. It's satisfying to see it all coming together as planned, the cold plate is unobtrusive and the compressor unit fits amazingly well in the space behind the cooker. All we're waiting for now is the Corian top that Eggo is preparing based on the ply top that's already cut out for the sink and taps. Can't wait to see it in place!

I've managed to complete a variety of time consuming jobs that have to be done before work can progress including the forward battery plinth and the base for the calorifier.  I'm also rather relieved that I've been able to run the NMEA cable up from the nav area to the coach roof without difficulty. The acrylic has arrived so the instrument pod is ready to accept the instruments as soon as the 90mm cutter arrives. With so much stuff now installed it's been possible to have a good clear out of the interior and tidy up. The recycling bin is now full of cardboard and all those bits that wont get used such as the old galley top taken to the skip. It all looks so different, some way towards being a yacht again!