Boat Work Times Two

As many of you know the time and energy any boat project takes is at least twice the amount originally estimated.

[If you could care less about boat work, scroll down now to the scenic video at the bottom of this blog.]

Along with the usual spring commissioning work, we finally had to do something about the paint on the hull topsides.  The 15-year old Awlgrip (paint) was cracked and peeling in places, and it had to be extensively sanded before painting.  

The first photo shows part of the hull near the starboard bow.  The "blotches" are where the old paint had to be completely sanded off.  (After holding a 20-lb. industrial sander over my head all day, I definitely did not need to go to the gym for a workout.) 

Portion of the starboard side of the hull showing areas where old paint was sanded off.  The whole surface was sanded at least lightly

The first error may have been deciding to do it ourselves, but the biggest error was definitely deciding to do it in the open yard from a ladder.   I didn't count how many trips I made up and down the ladder, but I sure feel it now in my knees and feet.  I will have it moved under cover and get a stage [scaffold] set up "next time" (if I am not too old for anther time).

After sanding, two coats of two-part polyurethane (Interlux Perfection) was applied with a roller.  The red stripes and white hull sides were done on separate days (4 days total). 

Starboard side from the stern after painting.  Note the reflection of the ladder in the glossy surface.  (The transom was not repainted as it had been repainted a few years ago due to some storm damage.)

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It's not quite like a professional spray painted job (~$9K), but it passes the 20-foot test (you can't see the blemishes from more than 20' away). 

This job extended our time in the yard, but we enjoy Yarmouth, and the Royal River Boatyard is a great place to work (try the video below shot at the yard in the morning quiet just before work begins).

 

Now only a few small jobs remain and we plan to launch on Monday morning (3 days).

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Photos and video shot with my iPhone4, and edited using iMovie.  This video is reduced resolution from the original HD.  Music clip from "Morning Has Broken" in Rowan Tynan's Album  "Dawning of the Day" available on iTunes.

I am still experimenting with video.  This low resolution version does not appear to be very good in full screen mode, but better versions are too large to download in a reasonable time. )

Back "home" in Maine

We arrived in Yarmouth three days ago, and took the winter shrink-wrapping off, and got electricity and the plumbing connected.  Now we are living aboard again, but blocked up ashore while working on various projects before launching.  It is like living in an RV except for having to climb a 12' ladder to get aboard.  

Tropicbird under the winter cover when we arrived.

It is great to be back in Maine.  The best part is the friends we have here.  The day we arrived two couples we know came by in the late afternoon, climbed up the ladder to visit.  We enjoyed refreshments and conversation in our cockpit as if we were afloat.   

However, we are having to adjust our thin southern blood to the temperature - 43° F this morning. 

Jane still in her sleeping bag warming up with a cup of coffee.