New Web Location!

www.kiwiboatowner.com

You will be automatically-redirected if you go to the blogger site. 

A touch of Gloss!

On the heels of my brilliant cabin sole refinish, I've now done the grate at the foot of the companionway steps and the steps themselves.

I know what you're saying..."wear a helmet!"

But I use rubber-backed mats in this area, and the steps will be covered in non-skid adhesive strips, so don't fret.

Before

After

The dings and knocks on these pieces have been left intentionally.  It is not my intent to create an interior that looks factory-new.  I want the history and character of the yacht to remain, but I want the interior to absolutely-dazzle visitors.

12/7/13 UPDATE!!

I've finished the companionway steps, the slatlted sole piece and the engine access panel. It really sets the area off.

I see that the next phase will have a few challenges.  These screws have badly stained the wood.  Will need sanded all the way back. 

UPDATE 15/7/13

I've done a trial on the small cabinet door that opens to the back of the cockpit instruments with a gloss polyurethane and I don't like it (!). Thankfully I wiped it off again before it cured with no trouble. 

The gloss finish is just too revealing of flaws and it is very difficult to get a smooth finish without a lot of sanding. On the cabin sole this was ok as it was done in the garage, but on board it would be too messy. 

So I am now researching the proper method of bringing some lustre to the factory varnish with a hard paste wax and some elbow grease. 

I will report back. 

Next fine-weather project- choker block

The next bit of decent weather we get, I'm going to climb up the bottom bit of the mast and install this unit, which came with the boat, but which has never been installed.

I'll journal the installation here.

Success!!

Success!  With a brand new pre-heat solenoid in hand I went down to the yacht tonight and replaced the old unit.

Installation was fairly straight-forward, but I made sure to wire brush every ring terminal to ensure a good electrical contact.

As soon as I depressed the glow plug button I heard the lift pump clicking away strongly (it is VERY obvious when it's working, and the voltage drop at the engine panel is noticeable) and the motor fired instantly with 10sec glow plug heat.

A word of advice with new motors, never assume that some small components like this wont be transferred from the old engine. I assumed it all must be new, but not so!  It must have been pulled from the original engine, which of course would not have come with some of these ancillary parts.

Old one ~ note that solenoids can fail by still "clicking", but not making good contact ~ very deceptive

Yes...I have a label maker...that says "NEW 8/7/13"

On to the next challenge, feeling of accomplishment etc...