Still Getting There!

The motor and propeller shaft is now fitted, the new (Volvo D1-30) motor will be great, its compact size will make it relatively "easy' to service, the only problem (would you believe it) is that the water trap/muffler (new) doesn't fit, that's the $80 dollar one and we need to get a different one from Australia, we don't have the correct size in NZ. - Cost est at about $350.00!!
This is supposed to be the country that promotes itself as a great boat building repair destination, as the Tui beer ad says - "Yeah Right".
Truly, I try very hard not to be grumpy but I've heard all this before, in my past life I was surrounded by cost over runs and supplier excuses from, 'there's been a flood in the basement', to 'the freight forwarder has put the product on the wrong flight', I've had 25 years of listening to these 'reasons', and I must admit, contributed a number myself.. 
The launching has been delayed again by a further 'few' days, maybe next week, still the weather forecast for Wellington looks good.

Over the Hill

 

I thought I should include a couple of pictures of what I mean when I  say 'Over the Hill',  it doesn't refer to me!
These were taken at the summit of the road, not the top of the hill...

In Reflection

The yacht has been a bit of a mission but we will have ended up with almost new boat, the only things that are not new are the hull and deck plus the mast, 3 old sails, anchor and Furlex.
The rest including all rigging and halyards, wiring, motor, instruments, heads, prop, prop shaft, upholstery, internal bulkheads, galley, fitted furniture, interior deck lining's, and stove.
Outside we have a new dodger, jamb cleats and a repaint.
I've still to find out if the Wallas heater, and the fridge work, I've had a temporary work around on the fridge and it looks as if it still works, the heater makes all the right noises, we will know when we get the replacement fridge thermostat and the new switch for the heater.
The inside looks OK with it's new lining and deck fittings and LED lighting system, while I was doing the rebuild we insulated the hull with 40mm of polystyrene then lined it with Autex fabric, as all the portholes have been replace we have happily been able to install a owner designed double glazing system, using the remains of the old porthole frames, looks quite professional, still time will tell.

One More Step...

The mast has been stepped, all it needs now, is installation of the new motor and prop shaft and we can 'hit' the water.
A new dodger is being made and the old mainsail has had a makeover, I was contemplating a new one but $6000.00 was a bit much at this time.
As we will not be racing, only cruising, a new main is not a priority.

Update to Previous Post

Tomorrow

Saturday 3

Severe gale southerlies, gusts 150 km/h in exposed places, easing during evening. Rain, with some heavy falls at first, easing to showers during afternoon.

Issued: 5:00pm 2 Mar

Where did Summer Go?

Tomorrow

Saturday 3

Rain, heavy at times, easing to showers in the afternoon. Strong southerlies developing in the morning, gale gusting 100 km/h for a time in exposed places.

Issued: 3:00am 2 Mar (copy of local weather report)

What a summer! The grass hasn't stopped growing (rain), the grapes on the vines are rubbish (rain and low sunshine) the grapes are what they call hen and chickens, that's different sized berries in the bunch = low sugar=poor quality.

I would not like to own a vineyard at this time, it would be nervous breakdown territory, last year the bottom dropped out of the wine market, now this, thankfully we only drink the stuff.

For the past few days there has been an enormous storm brewing over the Tasman Sea, the weather office is now predicting the possibility of a 'weather bomb', that's when things can get very violent, very quickly and have advised all boating people and drivers on the roads to stay at home and watch the TV.. great!

More little Challenges!

Well, the boat is sitting on the 'hard' at Seaview Marina waiting for the engine, a small delay, as we need a new propeller shaft, the old one is metric and would you believe it we need an imperial shaft to fit the new bearing and new folding propeller! and this being a country of everything being metric.

The mast also needed all new stainless steel rigging as the original stuff was way past its use-by date.
I had half expected that the standing rigging may have been a bit dicy and maybe having to replace  a couple of fittings, not the whole lot and now a new prop shaft - bum!

Its a bit strange driving down the driveway with no boat lurking behind the hedge, I have no excuses of having to go to 'the boat' to do some little job...

Mrs DIY has 'suggested' that I must stay with my primary project of painting and getting ready for the 'Grand Opening" of the gallery in May.

There, I've said it, May, (this year 2012) so no more excuses...

Moving Day!

At last the big day has arrived, the boat was lifted over the hedge onto the waiting transporter ready for the first part of its journey to the sea,.I couldn't get a shot of the boat hanging over the trees as I was hanging onto a rope to turn the boat around, a very scary exercise!.
Because the load was oversize (4m beam) a separate pilot vehicle was need to get it 'over the hill'.
After it was loaded and driven off and because I was so 'emotionaly drained', I waited an hour before heading over to Seaview where the boat was to be unloaded.
I arrived to find it sitting in its cradle waiting for the new motor to be installed, all I had to do was pay the man the money - 'no cash no spash'.
The motor should be installed by the end of next week then it's re-stepping the mast, then into the water, or maybe its 'into the water then re-stepping the mast', I don't know, but it's soon.

On the Move

Just received the message that the transport company are able to move our boat from its current home on our front lawn to Seaview Marina in Wellington Yeah!!!
So, Wednesday next, the boat gets loaded on to the transporter for its 2 hour trip over the Rimatuka 'hill' to Wellington, the top of the road is only 500m (1600ft) above sea level, it doesn't sound much but it's a long steep drive up and over.

Transport

The boat is finished - enough to take the road trip from Martinborough to Wellington, the motor is sitting waiting to be installed but unfortunately no transport.

The closest company that specialises in moving boats of this size, is in Auckland the other end of the North Island and they are not sure when they might be in Wellington and able to do the move.
So it's sit and wait, and try not to get to grumpy...

The only bright spot is that I will be able to finish some of the small jobs that I was intending on doing at Seaview (marina). oh well, sigh....