The biggest job was the diesel tank replacement. There were 2 tanks which carried far more fuel than we would ever need and they both had leaks starting. It was not worth trying to weld up old tanks so they had to come out which meant ripping up the galley floor but luckily the people doing the job managed to cut the tanks out to avoid having to take the whole galley out. We replace them with one new tank which will more than adequately do.
The first picture is looking right into the bilges with the galley floor all taken out and the old tanks gone. The steps from the cockpit are also gone so we had to climb in and out of the boat like monkeys getting a handhold and foothold where we could. The boat was in quite a mess for a while but we managed to cook, eat and sleep all right so there was no need to look for accommodation elsewhere. It seemed to drag on a bit because we had to wait for the new tank to be made and for the people doing the job to fit us in when they could.
The second picture shows the new tank arriving (mind the herb garden!)
Needless to say, this was all an unwanted expense and inconvenience but it is all done now and there are no more horrible diesel smells emanating from the bilge. It seems to go through everything!
Another bonus is that the new floor in the galley is much better - it is level and does no squeak and a cabinet was made slightly narrower when put back which meant a door could open properly at last.
While all this was going on the people who supplied us with and installed a new radar (over a year ago) finally got around to coming out and finding why it didn't work properly - turned out to be faulty cable running down from the unit on the mizzen mast. It was out of the guarantee period date but they accepted the responsibility about that.
After discovering there was no plug for the new tank ( and consequently having one more last diesel smell in the bilge when we tried putting some diesel in for the first time) we managed to procure one - the next challenge was getting the motor started again with the need to bleed the new fuel lines but that was not too much of a drama and it was good to hear it functioning again - music the ears, in fact.
We almost slipped the ropes and took off to Whangaroa just to enjoy the boat for a week or two and catch up with Erin and Ivan but there were too many appointments and social obligations coming up that we did not miss. Besides, the weather was going through a cool snap so we stayed put.
It is just as well we didn't go away because John discovered that a wound on his leg was inflamed and not healing. This happened while he was out fishing on Ken's boat "Aquadash" a while back when he was hurrying to help someone land a good-sized fish. The doc. prescribed antibiotics to get rid of the infection but it has become ulcerated so it could take some time getting better. He is visiting the doc. every two or three days now.
John's latest project is turning the quarter-berth off the galley into a sort of utility/pantry room. The fridge and freezer were already there and as you can see there are some nice new cupboards. Not finished yet - the top shelf needs railing and all needs varnishing.
We should have done this ages ago it is so much easier finding things now.
The plastic container is where we hide the washing up until it gets full or we feel like doing it.
I hate doing it when I am feeling settled after dinner or there is something good on T.V.
John has finished in the forward cabin now after making the toilet enclosure and lowering the bunk on the left side to make it even with the right - so much better and more inviting as a bedroom. He also fixed the wooded areas and I took all the old dark green front-runner down (felt "wallpaper" fabric - used to line the hull for insulation and looks) and replaced it with a fresh new lighter colour. The left squab had to be re-cut and rather than fix up the old red covers we have decided to make new blue covers as per the fabric sample in the photo.I think that is about it for now.
The winter has not made us suffer so far - it is easy to keep the boat warm while we have the use of electricity and the sun is still warming. I rather like the fine clear winter days.
