April 15, 2016
Salty 41
Friday
After an overnight cure for the epoxy plug filling the (as it happened) unneeded hole for the starboard turning block, I proceeded with the block’s reinstallation.
To prepare the modified engine hatch for its final paint, I applied a coat of epoxy-based 2-part primer, which would help ensure that the one-part final paint would cure properly over the still-fresh epoxy. I had enough primer mixed to coat the entire hatch, though it wasn’t really needed.
With most of the work done in the cabin and no longer any access required forward, I reinstalled the bi-fold head door, and loaded into the forward cabin some of the spare gear and equipment that I’d removed early in the project.
The original light gray gelcoat on the deck (and hull, come to that) was in good overall condition considering its age, but was dirty and oxidized, which didn’t enhance its appearance.
To clean it up and restore shine, I used a light polish on the smooth surfaces, which had a good effect on the gelcoat. These three photos attempt to show the work in progress, though there’s not enough contrast in the photos to see it properly.
In a couple hours’ work, I polished all the deck areas except the cockpit well (which I’d do a little later, once I was done with work on the engine) and a portion of the after deck, which was cluttered with tools and the ongoing Monitor windvane line installation.
With the required connector now on hand I could finish up the VHF antenna cable installation, after which I could reinstall the backrests in the cabin, since I no longer needed access behind the electronics panel.
Now that deck work was complete, I reinstalled the lifelines, which I’d removed for storage and for the duration of the project.
Total time billed on this job today: 5.75 hours
0600 Weather Observation:
26°, clear. Forecast for the day: Sunny, low 50s