As the wet season is about to begin here in the West Indies, with possible days or endless torrential rain, I give myself a tap on the shoulder for getting ready when I was still in the shipyard in Portugal. There are 4 of these fixed hatches on the boat, all sealed 40 years ago....and they were leaking and rusting.
So here is just a tiny, and the last moment of the (relatively) easy part of the job: removing these aluminium frames from the hull.
And then: totally removing the old sealant from the frames and hull, abrasing the inside aluminium frame track for the new sealant to grab the metal, removing all the cleaning materials from the frame and the hull, washing everything with alcohol and then the critical part - laying new sealant (super messy), aligning the glass in the frames (these are two part frames connected by a small metal bar with two screws...from the inside...), making sure all is properly sitting in the frames, and....well I could go on and on as I both love doing this work and appreciate anyone who might be interested in how exactly it is done ...
Would you find this technical / motivational / inspirational content interesting? Please let me know so I can decide if I should go that way - the details way (I love accurate detail).
What’s really important is that all 4 fixed hatches are now completely waterproof!!! Not that there are absolutely no leaks (very small ones) from other fittings in the cabin roof and deck... but these will be taken care of as well. Another important thing to note is the satisfaction.
When I go through such meticulous work that took days to complete, as well as blood and sweat, and get the desired results - I gain the best reward - satisfaction and happiness.
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You are lucky 😉
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Hope so. So far i've been lucky. And luck is important when living on the ocean.
I love your easy fluid style of writing.
I sew and create lots of things and somehow have a deep appreciation of anything DIY done with the care and passion you put into your project.
AND it is a case of a 'stitch in time saves nine.' Whew, haven't thought or used that old idiom in a LONG time!
Keep writing your quality posts.
Thanks very much! I've got a few sewing projects on the boat as well. The UV strip on the fore sail is in tatters, some sail covers are schafed, and of course all the cabins cushions need replacement. Still learning how to sew. It requires, I find, a meditative level of concentration as well as accuracy, good planning and foresight.