Another overdue update on the outfitting of ‘Waratah’. The first two pictures show the inside of the hull, after application of ceramic insulating paint. This is a much better option than spraying polyurethane foam. First of all you can’t see what is happening behind the foam layer, secondly even closed cell PU foam will absorb water after some time, and last but not least, PU foam will give off really bad toxic fumes in case of fire.

Picture number 4, 5, and 6 show the water tanks in the keel, and the blue special water tank paint we are applying. Picture number 7 shows the water tanks with the covers bolted on. Every tank has a see through inspection cover. Picture number 8 shows the engine in place, which will later be enclosed by a separate compartment.

The last pictures show the arrangement of some of the hatches, dorade vents, and winch and jammer blocks.

The first 3 pictures are showing the hull with studs where the zink anodes are going to be fitted. The next pictures show the cut-outs in hull and deck for hatches, vents, and through hull connections. The last picture shows the tank tops, with connections and inspection covers.

‘Waratah’ needs 4000 kg of lead ballast in the keel. It was quite difficult to get such an amount, because most of the scrap dealers around Welkom have long term delivery contracts with India and China. Well, Wynand did it, and finally the pouring of the ballast into the keel could begin. The first picture shows about 3000 kg of scrap lead.

There were some big chunks and ingots that were put in the keel first. The smaller lead was then molten on a specially rigged furnace and poured over the ingots. About 180 - 200 kg were molten at a time and then poured in. The 1 1/2 inch feed pipe of the funnel kept getting clogged, and had to be heated with a cutting torch to get the lead going. On the last picture ‘Waratah’ seems to be on fire, with all the smoke coming out of the hatch openings.

It’s been a while till I had the time, and internet access to post an update again. Well here it is.

Wynand did an excellent job in fairing the hull. It’s not easy, and time consuming, but the result when ‘Waratah’ receives the final coat of paint will be worth it. Here are some pictures of the fairing:

The blasting of the inside of hull and deck is well underway. Here the first pictures. Note how the engine is hanging belowdecks, nicely wrapped up to protect it from the dust.