This week we take a close look at that saloon table that has a coffee table incorporated into it. Amazing to think that in the same week the same man is also doing the rubbing strake.
Esper Refit 24 – saloon table with incorporated coffee table Read Post »
With the non-skid down the entire deck is now covered in 70s-pattered vinyl for protection. The remaining areas of Awlcraft have been buffed and polished, which means the painters have almost finished. Meanwhile, down below, three carpenters and two varnishers are cracking on with the cupboards, trim, floorboards and finally, the saloon table, which has a rather cool design feature. The swimming platform has to be sent to Hat Yai in order for it to be bent.
Esper Refit 23 – carpenters finish trim; teak-lid deck boxes Read Post »
Sorry we’re late. We said we were going to do something a little different this week… see the video clip for an update from both the UK and Thailand. Meanwhile, back in Turkey, guess who’s back?
Esper Refit 22 – Waldringfield boatyard special; the painter returns Read Post »
The osmosis treatment continues with West System 410 Microlight applied to the hull. Pong, head carpenter, begins the task of shaping the toe rail whilst trying to maintain the bend in the wood!
Esper Refit 21 – Awlcraft ‘Snow White’ painted on the deck Read Post »
The osmosis treatment continues with West System 410 Microlight applied to the hull. Pong, head carpenter, begins the task of shaping the toe rail whilst trying to maintain the bend in the wood!
Esper Refit 20 – West System 410 Microlight for osmosis Read Post »
Week 19 was all about painting the topsides with the final coat of Awlcraft. The question is, what colour did we go for?
Esper Refit 19 – painting topside with Awlgrip’s Awlcraft Read Post »
The stainless work is starting to take shape now, with a new companionway ladder being fitted. The floorboards are all up and the lads start preparing the hull for her layer of fibreglass.
Esper Refit 18 – osmosis treatment with biaxial fibreglass Read Post »
The stainless work is starting to take shape now, with a new companionway ladder being fitted. The floorboards are all up and the lads start preparing the hull for her layer of fibreglass.
Esper Refit 17 – stainless companionway ladder Read Post »
In the week that Thailand falls under martial law we have a special news bulletin on how the locals are coping with the threat. Meanwhile, in the boatyard, the top coat is now being applied and the masts look like new. Goy’s paint team are working on various lids and covers too, leaving just the topsides and deck to paint. That won’t be until the toe-rail ‘cuts’ have been smoothed and the cockpit box finished though. Meanwhile the cockpit seats are complete and the varnishers are doing a fantastic job on the floor.
Esper Refit 16 – teak cockpit with grey caulking Read Post »
We’re still waiting for the top coat to arrive and the painters are almost done faring the deck and boxes. The cockpit box is taking shape too, whilst the varnishers are applying polyurethane in their make-shift, dust-free workshop made of clingfilm.
Esper Refit 15 – varnishing teak floorboards with polyurethane Read Post »
It was one of those weeks where progress seems to be accelerating. The decks have been fared and when we left Esper on Saturday lunchtime, she was being masked off for some priming. Meanwhile the carpenters have completed the heads doors, which means we now have one purple door and one green one. They look fantastic!
Esper Refit 14 – Awlgrip 545; faring complete; Wilson Art laminate Read Post »
The paint has yet to be delivered but that’s not stopping the painters from getting the deck ready. The saloon now has a teak floor and the carpenters continue to veneer the interior. The big news this week, however, was the launch of Thea after two years in the boatyard.
Esper Refit 13 – epoxy mixed with microballoon; Thea launch Read Post »
This is tropical Ko Lipe where Liz and I spent her birthday for the last couple of days. It’s a rather splendid place and here’s a short photo-diary to remind you why Thailand is still a popular tourist destination.
A Magical Birthday Tour Of Ko Lipe Read Post »
We’re into week 12 and things are starting to take shape. For the first time I walked into the saloon and got a glimpse of what it’s all going to look like. The deck fittings and the engine look like new, whilst the teak floor in the saloon looks fantastic. We ended the week with a little farewell party.
Esper Refit 12 – engine respray; bending teak toe rail; faring the deck Read Post »
Whilst the local people celebrated Songkran we took a short break in Ko Lanta where we answered some of your questions.
Esper Refit 10-11 – polishing deck fittings; answering questions in Ko Lanta Read Post »
