April 12, 2016
Salty 38
Tuesday
The structural work on the modified engine hatch was complete, and after sanding as necessary I test-fit the hatch, which fit as intended. I ordered longer screws to secure the hatch to the flange beneath.
With most major tasks on the project list either complete or awaiting additional parts, I turned to some of the interior reassembly, starting in the bow, where I reassembled the wire chase cover on the starboard side and the v-berth fiddles, after cleaning up the shelf areas as needed.
In the hanging locker, at the owner’s request, I installed two pair of utility hooks, then reassembled the various interior dividers and covers, as well as the two sections of the outer bulkhead.
Across the way, I installed new vent hoses to replace the originals that I’d removed earlier in the project, and reassembled the cover panel behind the head. For now, I held off on reinstalling the bifold door till I was sure I didn’t need access.
In the vertical hatch that covered the forward end of the engine room from the cabin, I installed a fire port, a simple ring that allowed use of a fire extinguisher without removing the hatch. I installed this as high in the hatch as I could to allow easiest access and best effectiveness.
To cover the wire chase between the new electronics locker and the electrical panel, I cut off the aft section of the original cover (the forward part was no longer needed) and installed it.
At the forward end of the cockpit, I installed a pair of heavy padeyes for lifeline tethers, bolting them through the bulkhead into the cabin. I kept these high enough to clear the newly-raised engine hatch.
During my hardware-rebedding phase earlier, I’d stopped after completing all the sidedeck and related hardware so I could focus on the new systems installations, but there were a few items on the coachroof that still required this treatment, and now was a good time to take care of these. I started by removing four U-bolts–two at each end of the cabin top. The port after u-bolt featured highly rusted nuts for some reason, and these took some torque to loosen. I thought I might replace that particular U-bolt; the other three appeared serviceable.
I removed interior covers over the fasteners securing the cabin top winches and line jammers, but would get to their removal another time.
Meanwhile, at the transom I finished up the installation of the two cable clams.
The replacement exhaust elbow arrived, and I installed it and cut the hose to length, completing that installation. I’d been contemplating how (or whether) I could run a siphon break for the raw water injection line, but completing that would be for another day. Space and access was at a premium.
Also engine-related, I installed the new Cutless bearing, securing it with two set screws as original (with a dab of sealant in the set screw holes to help hold them).
I planned to lay out the self steering control lines next time so I could order any hardware required, so to prepare for that I installed the tiller.
Total time billed on this job today: 7 hours
0600 Weather Observation:
45°, showers. Forecast for the day: showers and rain, high in the 50s