30th January 2011

Spent some more time working on the inside, the galley this time. The original work surface was 18mm Ply covered in a yellow patterned formica. As I needed to replace the sink the old work surface was going to need to be replaced. I looked for 25mm work surface, but couldn't find anything suitable and normal work surface is too thick. However, in B&Q they sell some cheap surface which is only 38mm thick and was ideal, its a nice granite colour so it will match the internal colours scheme. You can see the large tiles I'm going to use for the splash back, they are a slate affect so everything will tie in nicely. 

The layers of varnish are building up as is the paint in the rear cabin, its lifted my spirits a bit seeing her come together and I can keep warm in the rear cabin with the gas heater on. 

23rd January 2011

Guess what? More rot!!! I'd found a soft patch on the rear deck, and tried to seal it with resin, but in the end, like all the other rot I've found it was time to cut it out. Guess I know what I'll be doing at a later date...

17th January 2011

I decided to refurbish the interior lights, the chrome was discoloured, the glass needed a good clean and the back/reflectors were rusty and faded. These are the before images:

Brasso, elbow grease and a quick spray of paint on the reflectors and they look as good as new:

15th January 2011

I've spent so much time recently working on the outside and cutting rot away that I decided to do some work on the inside. Chopping the rot away has been demoralising and hopefully varnishing and painting the inside will lift my spirits a bit. You can see how the timber has come up with a simple coat of varnish, already looking a thousand times better. I've decided to paint the inside with Sadolin Superdec Opaque paint, its water based and according to the details I've read doesn't need to be sanded between coats, will not peel, fade or crack and doesn't need an undercoat and should last 8 years. 

  

 

  

I'd also routed the rear timber that covers the transom, it was an £80 piece of timber and I had to route and plane off about £60 to create the shape I needed. Its a pity I don't have a hamster anymore as I could have used the sawdust for it.

9th January 2011

Originally Sabrina had two dinettes in the rear that converted to beds, I've decided to change one of the tables into a bench seat so that I can fit the calorfier under it and fit a larger one at the same time.