Strakes and steering

This latest pic shows the new iroko rubbing strake that been fitted under the freshly sanded teak sheer strake – these hardwood features will soon be receiving a coat of teak oil to keep them looking bright.

The portside underwater hull is being refastened this week.

We will also be stripping out the seams in preparation for re-caulking and stopping of the seams with red lead putty next week.

The final painting stage will soon be with us – we'll be looking for volunteers to give a hand!

Barry Watt, our local engineer, is now stripping the steering gear down. This revealed the four three-quarter-inch-diameter bronze bolts through the hull all broken! This was certainly the cause of much of the hull leaking. Barry hopes to return the steering gear to full working condition.