Winter mods 2008/9

During the winter the boat lived mainly outside but was brought into the garage for some modifications. Launch was rather hasty so a number of things were due for improvement.

I did not fit the steel swing bilge plates last year having learnt that Paul Hadley had sailed Millibee without. I decided to try with just the cases, not the best shape for the passage through the water maybe but getting in the water was important as season end approached. To my surprise the bilge cases worked well. Their lateral area is actually greater than the bilge plates on my old Hurley so it was no real surprise. The only problem was when speed increased water came up the open slot in the cockpit (it surprised my wife who was sitting there the first time it happened!). So the first thing done was to cover the slot with a lenth of painted 6mm ply held on with a foaming polyurethane glue to stop water rushing in and a slot cover to stop items falling in.

You can see the one for the other side on the trolley

Covers to stop items getting lost!

The next image shows a number of things. The rudder was simply a mortise that dropped onto the tenon at the top of the rudder. I found when you had a number of people in the boat knees had to move forward to go about as the tiller arm was fixed. I cut the end of the mortise off and put a stainless bolt through so the tiller now lifts to 90 deg. I have also found this more comfortable if I am standing whilst helming as the tiller lifts to a comfortable position.

Tiller, rowlock and depth/speed sensor fitted

Tiller shown raised

You can also see a rowlock has been added. This will be for a Yuloh when I get round to making it or an oar to scull with until then.

I have also bought a depth / speed fishfinder. I didn’t want to leave it permanently attached to the boat so came up with the clamp for the tramsom mount sensor. It works really well giving my speed and importantly the depth of water available. When I leave the boat it takes only a moment to remove.

Inside the boat I have cut apertures that give access to the storage under the cockpit seats, very useful as it also stops items sliding across the floor (sole) when heeled and a surprise advantage is it keeps drinks cool!

I have had a proper boom cover made for me by a local companly (East Anglian Covers, Melton Constable). It increases the living space and keeps the weather out. Entrance is by zipped panels on either side. It fits really well and I thought good value at £120.

Moored with boom tent fitted

Apart from touching up the paintwork and adding snap shackles to to anything I can to speed up rigging that’s about it. DC is now back on her mooring ready to go.

Moored and ready to go!