Interior reinstallation starts

Hi Guys,
So at 23-12-2012 installing the inside woodwork is in progress and pics follow:-

First job was the battery compartment, batteries have been on the cabin roof since I temp wired them up after coming off the reef. This compartment was never finished in 1994 refit, but now it is.

after 19 years its painted out inside

After batteries installed with all new cables, nav station reinstalled

then fwd facing partition could be refitted

to enable live aboard status, the Bog had to be recommissioned

Then the hull side in way of the head compartment was painted out

 

 

And the job just finished was to fit the aft head, oak paneling partition. This partition was smashed during the two days on the reef, assembled it is to big to remove from the boat, but during the time ashore, I took it all to pieces, reassembled and glued it all up again, then about 4 coats of varnish to finish it. This was all done inside the boat, and it was a pain trying to move it about the whole time as the other work to the hull was being done. But all worth the effort now.

I move back on board today, so I do not know yet if I can get Internet on the dock, if not it may be a while, or till after Xmas and New Year before the next post.

Feeling a bit more relaxed I went to the local bar at Bottoms Up (Carigas) and attended their
'End of the World' party on the 21st. They had it advertised as... 6-30pm until the end of the world!
I lasted till they got fed up waiting at 01-30hrs on 22nd and closed! giggle giggle.

All for now dear readers. MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to ALL
Roy

Launching GL 7-12-2012

Hi Everyone !
Friday was launch day, I spent the day shaking like a leaf, and trying to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything. I cleaned up the deck and all the surrounding junk around the boat, it was either stored on board or taken to Evelyne and Chris's dock. Then at approx 16:30 the travel lift arrived and the launching procedure began. Pic1 = approaching the dock. Chris Nye and his truck in the foreground, full of needed bits, and, 7 six packs of beer in the cooler.

approaching the dock

Then with the boat in position, down she went.

First touch of seawater for over a year.

Then finally floating again at long long last!

With a bit of beer over the bow, she was pronounced officially back in business.

Various pics follow of the following launch party, and the people who have followed the repair job with moral support and interest, and are all now my very good friends.

Morgan the Shipwright

Jeff the wood shop Captain

Gabriella and Patrick, fellow boat owners

Tim Peck an Englishman of distinction

Evelyne and Chris Nye and Tim

Patty

There were many more people, but most were working or live on St John and couldn't attend.
To all in St Thomas and St John who gave me support during this past year, I say a big thank you. It is hard facing such a task and believe it or not, without the interest shown in my boat and the progress I was making, the task would have been an awful lot harder for me to complete.

To all that have followed the progress here on the Blog, and those who donated funds, its the same for you too, to achieve this result in the time its taken is a result of all the support comments and kindness I have been receiving.

With the deck and cabin furniture as the last things to make good, and with the boat hull swelling and sealing up by the hour, I am one really Happy Scoucer !!!

Roy

Well Everyone, on Tuesday this week at 16:30hrs I completed the hull repairs on Guiding Light !!!!!
Now with a LAUNCH date of Friday this week 7 December 2012 she will be hopefully launched back into the water.

I would like everyone to know. I kept a check on all donations received during this 1 year, 1 month, and 4 day refit, and will tell you very kind people that the final sanding painting and finishing part, including all materials used, was financed in whole by the monies recieved by you. THANK YOU !

So with Guiding Light standing resplendant in her new livery.

and the paint job hardening up before the lift.

The last couple of pics in the yard follow.

Next pics will be the Launching after the big clean up.

Roy