Stranded on the Largest Island

We had a few very busy weeks making everything ready for launch. Lots of electrical equipment and the batteries had to be installed, lots of rework had to be done, stainless steel work, painting of the deck etc. etc.

The engine controls had to be fitted and adjusted, the fuel system prepared (and we had plenty leaks there), anchor chain and anchors fitted, and all these other little things that, added up, takes ages. But the hard work, enthousiasm, and energy of Craig and his staff made for excellent progress.

On the day we would launch, the mast also had to be stepped. This is always better done in the water, with the hull equally loaded. The first attempt almost ended in desaster, because the boat builder had forgotten to fit the cotter pin that secures the propeller shaft in the coupling to the gear box.

Finally we were ready to go, and Waratah was in her natural element. I motored her around into the Durban Marina, where she will stay for the time being. A lot of work still has to be done to make her ready for sea.

We made a lot of progress this week. All the hatches and leaking dorade vents are done, the main sliding hatch is watertight now. The rudder gland packing is in, the anodes are on, and the hull has the first coat of antifouling paint.

Inside we fitted a new exhaust hose, and my gas system for the galley is being installed while I am writing this.

All my electrical components from C-Dyanamics in Cape Town have arrived as well. Monday we will get the electrician in.

All in all a very good week!

Around all the hatches the rust in the gaps between the hatch frames and the deck has been converted, and primer applied. Today the fairing can start. The weather is still dry, so we will continue over the weekend.

Found that most of the dorade vents have been mounted without sealing to the deck with Sikaflex. So we are redoing them all as well.

Tomorrow I will take an easy day, and do a dolphin watching trip with one of the local charter operators. Looking forward to some time at sea. I am feeling so relaxed here in Durban.

Had a productive day yesterday. First I took all of the old exhaust hose and ductings out. Then refitted my water heater, which was installed and connected the wrong way. Placed all stanchion posts, and prepared everything to commission my dinghy and outboard engine. The hotel where I am staying is right opposite the marina. And it’s much easier to commute from there to the yard and back every day by boat. Plus I save 200 Rand on taxi’s every day.

Then today I will finish the list of all materials and equipment I still have to buy. Also the work on my hull will start today. All the epoxy coal tar which did not cure properly will have to be sanded off. I have the zinc anodes already. Also the paint needs to be ordered today.

The mast builder dropped by as well yesterday, and we went through the schedule. We will launch the boat first, and step the mast with the boat in the water. That way its is easier to adjust everything properly, when the hull is supported by water. On the hard the hull shape is always different because the hull is supported in certain spots only instead of evenly.