Milestone moment

Thanks all,  I've got loads of trials to run, timing should be abs spot on as I've done the belts on both engines using the correct locking pins. Strangely the idle adjustment is cranked right out and attempting to wind it in,  the engine revs off the scale, will do compression tests and chuck some injector cleaner as 1st options, she has got new fuel filters running new diesel, I'll probably just pick up an escort engine and swap pump, injectors, etc, if that doesn't work will recon the spare engine, swap it in and recon the next one. Always useful to have a spare engine in the garage. Perhaps that way I can get lovely shiny engines like some I've seen

The wonders of Ebay, Escort van with a 1.8 diesel engine came up £160.00 for engine and gearbox, buy it now, I asked him if he would give me a price engine only, and he came back with £100.00.  Had to drive to Newport Pagnall but now got complete spare lumpnpump, going to swap out pump and injectors in first instance.  What was reassuring was, I heard it start and run before he took it out of the car. I then had to wait all of 20 minutes before he removed it. That boys' work with a petrol angle grinder was nothing short of masterful, although I wouldn't recommend anybody refuelling their petrol boats near his scrap yard.  Old school scrappie as well, he was quite happy for me to wander off with my toolbox and salvage a few bits for my daughters Peugeot 206 whilst I was there.  BTW, slightly off topic, If I ever meet the guy who wrote the Haynes Joke book for the 206,  I AM gonna kill him!!!!

Massive clear up of the tent today and tomorrow, before she is moved under the high canopy at the yard so we can start refitting topsides and get a bit of space to work on the hull, clearance between tent and hull was about a foot.  She will go afloat unfinished,  despite best intentions,  but will be an ongoing internal project whilst we at least get some time cruising, ah the optimism, actually thinking at one time we might make the Thames meet.  Does anyone else find that jobs/work do get in the way of getting things done on the boat.

Good luck with the move...every thing seems to be getting in the way of our boating so far this season. Illness work and lots of golden wedding celebrations. 
we were going to the boat next weekend with friends who have hired a sail boat, now louise is off to hospital on Wednesday to have her gaul bladder out  .....
we will get there sooon I hope

Chris Meyer wrote:Massive clear up of the tent today and tomorrow, before she is moved under the high canopy at the yard so we can start refitting topsides and get a bit of space to work on the hull, clearance between tent and hull was about a foot.  She will go afloat unfinished,  despite best intentions,  but will be an ongoing internal project whilst we at least get some time cruising, ah the optimism, actually thinking at one time we might make the Thames meet.  Does anyone else find that jobs/work do get in the way of getting things done on the boat.

Everything seems to get in the way...the days when there is nothing in the way and I could get some jobs done, it's far too nice and we hsve to go boating 

driftwood wrote:now louise is off to hospital on Wednesday to have her gaul bladder out  .....
we will get there sooon I hope

I hope thaat all goes well, and you're both back out on the water soon

Just a quick update, Hull being surveyed, probably about now. We want to assess how dry she is before making a decision on refinishing below waterline, if she's still wet, we cant epoxy as it will just seal it in. Will take advice from Simon Kidd, (anyone used him?)  Also had another smoke and mirrors moment, had originally thought the seacock mounting plates and strainers were ok and best left alone, now find, that actually, they were not through bolted as the bolt heads had corroded away, so when I was trial fitting new seacock, felt a bit wobbly, then came of in my hand guvnor.  We would have checked in greater detail before launch, but just goes to show.

Oh yeah, the old "it came off in me 'and guv, honest" sketch
Good job you found it now though

So do we have a revised launch date yet

My last didn't seem to post?  Surveyor very happy with hull, never seen one that old,that dry, recommends fill and fair sanding damage, then 2-3 coats of high build epoxy primer followed by 2 coats of gelshield. You can actually buy a freeman 32 for not much more than that will cost (see posts). Hey Ho

Latest update, time has caught up with us, we've run out of time to finish the F26 on shore, and we really have to concentrate on getting the Cleopatra sold in the spring, I think we've missed the window to get any realistic offer on her now. So, the 26 has to launch by mid october, the Cleo pulled out then and I'll work on her over the winter.  Just got to finish, below water line, finish regelling above, fit rubbing strakes, fit new sea cocks, fit shaft seals, anodes, shaft knives etc etc etc, refit windows and screen, use old canopy and make a temp tarp cover, then put her out on the mooring, very small boat yard, very limited space!! 6 weeks, easy

Shouldn't be a problem at all then

Yeah, thanks mate! You and your, "I'll get on my boat and gor for a 2 week cruise", are you afloat now?