Back in Business

Our hoped-for launch in early December last year did not materialize. Instead we had some good family time over Christmas and house-sat for some friends in Deltaville in February. The house-sit gave us the perfect opportunity to implement some changes that we had thought we would have to delay.

 

 

 

 

 Our neighbours while house-sitting

Firstly we were able to clean out our integral water tanks. This involved also installing an opening hatch in the center areas, which were previously unacessible due to baffles. The tanks were pretty gross and it was a relief to be able get at them to clean them. Then Chris painted them with a paint suitable for potable water storage and they looked wonderful.

 

 Water tank prior to cleaning

    

 

 Water tank after cleaning and painting

 Secondly, Chris took the opportunity to paint the floor, sink, and gel-coated areas of the head in white. Their original colour was a brown/cream shade that was in serious need of freshening up. We could have done neither of these things if we were still on the boat as the fumes were pretty intense, so we were very grateful to have the chance.

 

 Head in process of being painted. All cream areas are now white

 We got back on the boat late February and proceeded to get ready for launch. This happened at the very end of March and was a pretty auspicious day - 3 years and 8 months after we got hauled! The boat looks wonderful in the water The slight hitch is her slow settling lower and lowerinto the water as we load her up. But the beer is so much cheaper here :-)

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 Jess tightening bolts under the back deck

Now we are days away from leaving Deltaville. Our dinghy outboard is giving us grief - we might just buy another one in order to get on our way. And we have a third crew member -Jessica - who has exhibited great patience as we meet one delay after another in our quest to get underway.

 

 Launching!

 Jess has graciously agreed to write the blog once we set off - watch this space!