We left the manouvreing to the marina as there were plenty of errends to take care of today, and by mid-day we came home to see our home up and out the water, standing proud.
Whilst we are out of the water, access is by a steep ladder, so everything is carried up and down these, shopping, water carriers, laundry, Delia...
On closer inspection of the hull, she really needs some clear TLC, I think it's a good time to be committing to this work.
The jet wash began...
and the mud and weeds came away exposing some areas of rust. The blacking was well needed!
Whilst out the water, this is a good opportunity to look over other areas hidden away normally. In this case the rudder and propeller are problem points.
If you can notice, the tip of the rudder is bent. No it wasn't us. When we purchased her, she had this little blemish from years of hire-boating neglect quite possibly. So that is due to be either straightened or cut off and with a new piece welded on. We had learnt how to steer with this slight problem, with the tiller at a slight angle, but it would be nice to steer her straight with a straight tiller when it is sorted out.
In addition, the engineers pointed out that the cup that the rudder post sits in has worn away and rusted meaning that the tiller wobbles around. This cup should sit tight on the post and support vibrations giving a clearer sense of movement with the tiller. So that is being cut off and a new one made especially to fit. Yes the cost is totting up...
We discussed the propeller which spread a smile across everyone who craned their head under the swim to look. Yes it appears that Jaws the shark has had a go on the blades. This should be replaced at some point. But £350 and 5 weeks waiting time (as it is a left-hand propeller) means it will have to wait until we plan to have her out the water again.
When the hull had dried off in the sun, the first coat of Black Bitumen was applied to the hull to protect from rusting in the water and already she was looking smarter!
Whilst taking that last photograph, I noticed the mechanism for hauling her out the water...
The motor controls the spindle of strong wire which is attached to two platforms on wheels that the boat sits on. I gather that the platforms were in the water underneath the boat and the boat was pulled out by the winding wire. The wheels of the platforms were guided up by rails like tram tracks. All 14tonnes of boat is held in place by the platforms and guide arms either side. Fortuantely we have a flat bottom so there is thankfully no wobbling on stilts.
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