The work continues on Sea Otter but it has been a long
winter and spring when we had to re-arrange the budget to be able to stay with
the original figures. The main reason for this was the “private bankruptcy” of
the ship carpenter
Then there were more bad news but also good news. The bad news was that when Rik started to go through the engine, opening it up, he found that a major overhaul was needed. The cost for this was estimated to be close to 35% of the cost for a new engine.
The good news was that the mast we thought was original from the year of manufacture actually was much newer. Here we saved a lot of money because we do not need to replace the mast for quite some years.
With this saving and waiting to install a diesel genset for our 220 volt appliances, we could afford a new engine. Increasing the battery bank and install a good 220 volt inverter for the washing machine and other AC appliances, was another change. We also replaced the plan of an electric cooker, which uses a minimum of 3 Kwh fully loaded, to install a propane oven with four hobs. We do not like this, as using propane was one of our original no no’s. But when you have to keep a budget, you must be able to revise it from time to time.
The new engine will most probably be a Yanmar 110 Hp diesel. This engine is not the cheapest one, but spare parts are available all around the world and Yanmar has a good reputation. We will fit two large alternators on the engine, the Amp output is not yet decided.
The hull is fully recoated and painted, the deck is painted and new anti skid surfaces are fitted. It really looks like a new boat from the outside now. We have found new "origina"l hatches and windows for Beneteau Idylle 15.50, which also will help very much in cutting costs. Further, we have found "original" (new) toe rails, which also helps to cut costs, as they are just laying around and not used to newer designs.
More pictures will follow soon. The estimated time for completion is moved forward to October this year. We cannot wait to start the trail sailings, we have waited so long now and the urge to move onboard is starting to be very strong. Looking back in time, it has been a wonderful time with all the planning, replanning and then to see that slowly slowly the “new” boat takes shape. As the work on Sea Otter now accelerates, more news letters will follow soon. Oh yes, I forgot to tell that we have bought a dinghy, a “Porta Bote”, check their website, it is quite original.
Fair winds and a good summer to all of you, from Chris and Béa.