| Kaholee Refit |
March 29, 2007 It was a day filled with random tasks, all of which were necessary in the grand scheme. I began with some additional milling work on the companionway trim pieces, this time on the groove required to contain the swashboards. Then, I sanded all the woodwork that I had milled so far, including the companionway trim, instrument panel surround, and the old swash boards to remove the failed and flaking existing finish. I sanded all the woodwork through 220 grit, by machine and by hand, to prepare it for varnish. While in sanding mode, I sanded the sliding companionway hatch to remove old paint and prepare it for new coatings top and bottom. I also removed the tape and cured sealant from the aluminum cockpit hatches; the sealant cured nicely overnight, and the excess came away with ease. |
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In the afternoon, I worked on a template for a custom holding tank to be installed in the space outboard of the head. With a large chainplate knee 2/3 the way through the available space, I puzzled for some time over whether to attempt to extend the tank aft of the knee, or keep it forward of the knee. Among other factors I considered were to allow space at the top of the tank for fittings and hose connection, space for future access to the chainplates for inspection and maintenance, and space for hose runs and the large diaphragm pump required to operate the Lavac head. Unfortunately, the confines of the space were such that there was only so much that could be done, and with all the other space in the boat already slated for use in other ways, the location was all we had available. Eventually, I decided that attempting to extend the tank further aft than the knee was an exercise in diminishing returns, between the added complexity of the design and construction, accounting for the factors above, and for minimal effective gain in usable capacity while still allowing the required room for future access and for the plumbing runs required. With that decision made, I pressed on with the construction of the tank, using cardboard to mock up the basic size and shape (and adjusting the size when I found that it wouldn't fit properly) before cutting the various pieces out of 1/4" plywood. I estimated the capacity of the tank at under 12 gallons, which isn't awful for a small, previously wasted space. Finally, I began the assembly process by securing the plywood together (all except the top, which needed to remain off while I completed the fiberglass work on the main section) with basic stitch-and-glue techniques--or at least the "stitch" part for now. I drilled small holes in the adjacent panels and secured them with small plastic wire ties, which held them in place for the time being. I left the assembly in this stage, as it was too late to begin filleting and fiberglassing. |
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Before leaving for the day, I did a little varnishing, applying the 3rd coat to the hatch surround and companionway slide supports, and the first coat to the companionway trim and instrument panel surround. (I planned to paint the plywood panel and interior of the instrument panel, so left them unfinished now.) |
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