November 3, 2021

Skeedeen Phase 7-6

Wednesday

I began the day with some minor reassembly on the boat, beginning with the anchor roller and chain stopper on the anchor platform; the grabrails on the windshield; and the forward bow for the bimini top.  I did not reinstall any of the snaps along the edge of the windshield, since the canvas guy said he planned to replace all these when installing the new canvas later.  I also reinstalled some of the loose trim, including the cockpit edge trim and access panels, that were now complete.

The companionway hatches and doors required a second maintenance coat on their main sides, so after the usual prep and cleaning I applied the varnish.

Next, I needed to install the framework for the winter cover so that Jason could come back the next day and properly fit the cover he’d built about a year ago, but which had never been installed.  Even though I’d have to remove parts of the framework to make room for the mechanical work that would happen a few days hence, it was important for Jason to have the opportunity to install the cover in the controlled conditions of the shop.  Though I’d conceived and built the framework myself the previous year, this was the first time I’d installed it on its own, and, following some instructions I’d put together after the original construction, I was pleased with its simplicity and modular construction, and that the installation was straightforward and logical.  The frame took an hour to install start to finish.  Afterwards, I removed both sections of the bimini frame, since the cover required they be out of the way–but the support they provided during the installation of the frame was invaluable and a key part of the installation simplicity.

Total time billed on this job today: 5 hours

0600 Weather Observation:  Clear, 30°.  Forecast for the day:  Mainly sunny, 5o°