FINALLY IN THE WATER

Our daughter Amy is here with us for a few days enjoying the very nice spell of weather - we’re having; very sunny and temperature in the low 30s. We all had our first swim at the beach by the marina, and the water is already 22dC. Amy returns to London on Friday evening and starts her new job next week. Yesterday was finally launching day, after 28 months out of the water. Apart from being more comfortable living aboard Envoy in the water, this is important because all sea cocks have been removed, serviced and re-sealed in place, and we needed to ensure there were no leaks. Better that we find any now, with time on our hands. In fact there were only a couple of minor leaks from hoses which were solved by tightening the hose clamps. The Yanmar “Wing engine” is also leaking a very small amount of water through the dripless prop shaft seal. Demir say this is easy enough to resolve and will do so in the next day or two. After launching Demir bled the fuel lines and we started all three engines; Lugger main. Yanmar wing and Northern Lights genset. All started and ran fine and are charging, both AC & DC. It was great to helm Envoy from the haul out area to our berth, even though just a few hundred metres. During the next few days I’ll be checking out the watermaker, aircon, and other equipment which needs sea water cooling, and go for a sea trial to check the stabilizers.
In other areas we’ve also made excellent progress. Cutting and polishing is all complete, with Envoy looking very pristine – the best she’s looked since we bought her. Demir Marine used electric polishers on the hull, but the topsides were done by hand and I assisted with this. Pretty hard work and those guys earn their bucks.
Was good experience for me to learn about the correct application of cutting compound and polish. The engine room fire suppression system has been checked and certified, along with our seven portable extinguishers, that all needed the dry powder replaced. The new water tanks are being made and should be ready by about 19th. It will then take several days to install them and get the guest cabin furniture and deck replaced. We also bought two second hand folding bikes – these are “Genius” by Mobiky and great, weighing only 13kg each and folding up small enough to go into bags which we store below decks. They are aluminium, and have chains that don’t require greasing, so are very clean. We’re finally reaching the stage where most jobs on “the list” are completed and if not for the water tanks needing replacement, we would have been able to leave Marmaris within a few days.
Several months ago I was contacted by Herb Fava. He had come across our blog and wanted to bounce some ideas off me about buying a boat in the Med. Herb has contacted me again advising he has now bought a 74ft Fairline Squadron in Spain and will shortly start his cruise. Check out www.barefootinthemed.blogspot.com.