Restoration Project (3)

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We have just returned from another trip to Scotland to further our restoration project. The boat is currently in a shed with a slipway view. She has no engine or windows and although her gas fittings have now been replaced as a result of a leaking pipe and connections, the cooker bears a large sign warning us that it is a criminal offence to use it until additional ventilation is provided to both the cabin and gas locker. 



We took advantage of a lull in activity pending delivery of the new engine and windows to commence a cleaning operation. I began by tackling the inside of the hull behind the head (toilet) which has also been removed to enable reservicing of the seacocks to take place. I don't think anyone had touched it for 40 years, so if nothing else there was a sense of achievement when I finished and found that there was actually white under all the blackened layers. In the meantime Mister E inspected the bilges, only to discover that the main one under the cabin sole had clearly not been emptied for an awful long time. That was hardly surprising when he also established that whilst there was a pump it was not actually connected to the bilge. Using a hand pump he transferred the contents off the boat by bucket amidst a cloud of foul smelling hydrogen sulphide. Based on previous experience, I stayed well clear.

With leaking propane gas and poisonous flammable vapour rising from under the floor, it's perhaps as well for the previous owner that he made a farewell sale when he did, rather than take what could have been a last sail of a different kind.


On the plus side the prevading scent of diesel has evaporated and I also made headway in ridding the main cabin and lockers of  mildew and mould. Once cleaned,  it looks as though a sand and a varnish will restore the teak inside to an impressive finish. 

Sadly every time we examine anything there seems to be another item for replacement or refurbishment. So much so that Mister E half expected the VHF cable tucked inside the mast and stored separately from the boat to give way when he handled it; he was not disappointed!


Still it hasn't all been hardwork with some evening strolls along the canal and a lovely stop in Inveraray today on the way back. Then when we arrived home, the postman had been with two large tomes on how to rewire a boat; it seems Mister E wants to leave nothing to chance so I am now acquainting myself with electric wiring circuits, boat batteries and secondary power sources!





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