Monday 27 September 2010

Ive passed the Batten but the race goes on.





Forgive me, for it has been two weeks since my last post and I have done a lot of work, even if it doesnt look like it. It certainly feels like it as I have the calouses and bruises to prove it. The frozen shoulder I had last year has returned but on a good note, im losing more weight and toning up. My size 10 jeans now not only need a belt, but one with two extra holes, so its not all bad.
Norma came for a weeks holiday and put in a few days work, helping out with cleaning up and painting.
I finally planned the bathroom layout and cut the window opening and installed the window. That meant I knew where the prop pole needed to go and welded it in place. The hull sides and ceiling were battened out and then I could see the best way to frame around the roof hatches. Ive installed the water tank filler and breather pipes as these need to be buried in the forward bulkhead.
All the battening has been masked up with tape to make clean up and cutting back easier after foaming.

I was realy pissed off with the Fore deck lockers because they were only two thirds of the available area, so I cut the ends out and extended them. They still need lids and finishing but I can do that later. I wanted to get all the hot work and welding done whereever there would be foam insulation, so ive welded on the last two deck cleats, the mast tabernacle and the framework for the battery box, plus the two bow anodes.

All the windows and battens are masked up and Gerry, the spray foam guy is coming tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

7 comments:

  1. Does this mean that you've verified all the welds are OK?

    It's looking really good. One other question, I thought this was a river boat but you mentioned anodes - are you going to sea in your "oil tanker"?

    Regards

    Brian

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  2. Hi Brian,

    I know it is not common practice but magnesium is used for fresh water anodes. The Dutch us aluminium cos they can go in both.

    I'll let you off then Ames, as it appears that things have been happening.

    :)

    Billy

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  3. Brian, regardless of fresh or salt water, electrolysis happens where there is a build up of electricity either in the hull or in the water due to a leakage of power. As the charge moves from one pole to another, from anode to cathode, the polarity of the charge changes and takes metal from one and deposits it on the other. Usually this is part of the boat thats eroded away, so the anode is sacrificial. Anodes are made from metals which are less noble than the ones we wish to protect, so is eroded first.
    Magnesium is used in fresh water.

    The gash weld was repaired last Friday, and I have checked around the hull in the dark with the aid of a powerful torch and havent yet found any others.

    Cheers Billy, I wouldnt want you to think ive been slacking.

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  4. Looking good - How are the battens attached to the metal?

    john

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  5. So happy to see this moving along for you after all your frustration.

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  6. Battens are fixed with self tappers, which I helped by drilling a pilot. They shear too easily if they dont get some help.

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  7. Very impressive Amy. Glad there are no more leaks. Boat is looking good.

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