Newsletter 07 Nov 2004 <
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The
estimated time for completion was October this year, but as we learn all the
time, we are always too optimistic about the time plan. The new estimate will
be, sailable in January 2005, and final cast off around April 2005.
All
bulkheads are ready and most of the other frame work, such as cupboards,
shelves and sofas are ready and in place. Béa and I are doing the insulation
work now. After this the electrical cables have to be drawn, the water and
waste system has to be installed, this is not too difficult as cable tubes are
prepared in place and water pipes have to be visible (for safety) inside
cupboards, below sofas, etc. The electic system will be covered with panels
inside and outside of cupboards, ceiling, etc.
One
of our “headaches” was the construction of a sofa and a cupboard covering the
engine box. We have radically changed all special designs by adopting the idea
to construct a platform over the whole area. This platform extends in to the
L-shaped sofa, which has to be elevated up as well. However, this will give us
deeper space inside the sofa for storage. One drawback will be that there will
be no 2 metres 5 centimetres headroom around the sofa, but 1 metre and 75
centimetres. The lesser hight to the ceiling will have no inpact on us, as we
are shorter than that, both of us. If we have taller guests, they will have to
duck just as they have into a sofa on a pilot salon equipped boat.
This
construction of the area around the sofa will also be easier to make, create
more storage space and be less expensive to make. The labour cost in this
rebuilding has escalated to sums not planned in the budget, so we have to do
most of the easy work ourselves now over the winter. We are simply over the
planned budget already and are using the reserves. There are still materiel to
be bought and it is mostly vital equipment, this has priority over the labour
costs. Béa and I are looking forward to
a busy winter with double working shifts. The good thing we did was to go
through every work hour, every little screw and bolt in time before the budget
was reaching the limit. At least we have eliminated the surprise part of it.
Simply, when the limit is reached, the boat has to be able to sail safely. If
some joinery, lists or whatever work is still to do, we will do that later. We
think and have been told by so many in the cruising community, go as soon as
you can, and this we will do.
New
photos will shortly be uploaded to the website.
Stay
in touch and look after your boats,
Until
next update, all the best,
Chris
and Béa.