Elizabeth Gets Her Bilges Wet
I spent the last week doing a few things getting her ready for the launch. Decided to compound, glaze and wax the hull. Not sure why I didn’t do this earlier in the season to protect against the harsher summer sun, but like most things, better late then never. Rebuilt the raw water pump. Took apart a few seacocks and regreased them. Finished installing the new bobstay chainplate. Sent the alternator regulator out for repairs.
Rosie and Darrah came up for the event, and to help load the mast. Was a beautiful day for a launch indeed. Feels special when your the only boat around GOING IN the water, rather then being hauled out for the season. We got the mast aboard with the boat still in the slings, but lowered, kissing the water. We were able to walk it aboard without too many grunts or strained muscles.
I heard a steady stream of water flowing into the bilge as we lowered down the last few inches. Stuffing box needed a few turns! Always reassuring to see your auto bilge pumps kick in though. We had a lovely motor over to another marina where I’ll stay for a few days and wait out a forecasted gale, out for a 140 mile trip under power, with mast lashed on deck.
Well Congrads!!!
She is starting to look nice, Im envious. Wouldnt mind seeing some inside shots. My tired old girl is slowly coming around as well. My friend dick, who is a 65yo black smith fabricated a new mast shoe and created a much better piece for the main pulley for my centerboard. The new white spruce boards showed up at my parents house…will be turning them into spreaders. The old spreaders still look fine but Im gonna save them for if in the future one breaks i have the pattern piece to make another one….and considering the old ones got no love for many years and the wood is still in great shape…I think I will be ok lol. If all goes well in 2 or 3 weeks the mast can go back up. The rigger has a few stays he is replaceing and just need to piece it all back together…did I mention its getting fucking cold too dam fast lol.
Good Luck on your trip… Im kinda envious
deryk
hmmm hopin he has heat aboard…its getin cold!…good luck
Can you believe it! The BCC Elizabeth has set out on a motor trip!