Good Progress

Today the two freshwater tanks were removed after four days solid work. First an electrician removed the forward aircon that sits on top of the port tank, then a carpenter dismantled the guest double berth, and the settee and pulled up the floor (a major job which involved totally smashing up the previous floor). Two engineers and two laborers came and pulled the tanks out after much wrenching with crowbars. The tanks just fitted down the passageways with a few mm to spare, but I must say the guys were very good – they taped bubble wrap over all of the bulkheads so that no timber would be damaged as the tanks were carried out. The carpenter is a real pro, and has a great sense of humor. I asked him if he will be able to remember how everything goes back together, and he replied “I hope so”. Tomorrow we have a meeting with Demir Marine to discuss the making of new tanks (the old ones are rusty and beyond repair). They estimate one week to make and install the two tanks (from 316 stainless), and then one week to re-build the guest cabin. The floor in the guest cabin was a teak strip veneer over thick plywood. No way we’re going to be able to replicate the teak veneer, so we’ll go for varnished plywood with carpet. Meanwhile everything is finished in the engine room. All filters changed, three engines checked and several suspect water hoses replaced, water pump impellers replaced etc. Actually about 30 different jobs completed down there and nothing more to be done until we hit the water, and see if the engines start! Also the work on the hull and topsides has been progressing well. The cutting and polishing is almost complete and looks great – the gelcoat was dull and chalky, but now high gloss and you need your sunglasses on to look at it. We’ve pulled off the stainless steel rubbing strips as there was rust behind them, leaching down onto the gelcoat. The strips are being polished, the old sealant has been removed, the gelcoat underneath the stainless strips cleaned, and the strips will be re-fitted with new screws and sealant. Sounds easy but so far two very good professionals working for 7 days and two to go to finish. We’re now going to try and get Envoy in the water earlier than May 17, so that we can test the three engines, the watermaker etc. The new freshwater tanks can be fitted just as easily in the water. So, in summary good progress and the end is now in sight, barring any unforeseen problems when we go in the water. Di and I celebrated my 60th birthday on the weekend with drinks and dinner in Marmaris.