The swimming platform is pushed through the transom and into custom-made brackets, counterpoising it. We clean up the Aquadrive and coupling system and take a look at the veneer that’s been varnished with polyurethane.
Weekly Video Round-Up
Pong introduces this week’s clip with a large measure of yadong.
Swimming platform and brackets
Yoong has been hard at work this week. First he completed the fixing brackets for the swimming platform, pictured here:
With the help of the other workshop employees he offered up the platform, measured it and then cut it to size. Here you get a glimpse of what it’s going to look like, complete with the backing plates.
Oyster 435 Chainplates
The Oyster 435 is a beautifully designed boat, but one of the most common issues with the 435 was the chainplate design. They were notorious for leaking. With this in mind we have capped the top of the chainplate to help reduce any sideways movement.
Butyl Tape Extrusion
We’ve talked a lot about butyl tape recently. This is one of the cleats installed with a new bedding plate, sealed with butyl tape. This is how much the stuff extrudes after two days.
Cleaning up the Aquadrive and coupling
Before the mechanics could put the engine back together we had to clean up the coupling and Aquadrive (these are the parts that connect the shaft to the transmission). They were in need of a cleanup and Dang’s done a pretty good job. We had to the replace the bearings in the Aquadrive too.
More veneer and varnishing
Dang plods along with the varnishing, the idea being to end up with a completely smooth finish on the veneer. Talking of veneer, we had to purchase some more so Ton could finish up various bits and pieces, including the chart table area and the covers for the chainplate bolts.
More painting
Finally, another glimpse of our engine (and I specifically asked them not to paint the alternator!)…
… and the teak beds which you can see in the cleat picture, above.
What’s Next?
I think I’m being presumptuous when I say I’ll have the deck fittings finished, but I live in hope.
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That alternator is well painted. I hope it still works or you may have to take a trip to a marine supplier.
I know, Dominic, and I specifically told them not to paint it. I was pretty annoyed when I saw it but getting angry wouldn’t do me any favours.
Wonder if that alternator will still function with all that paint on it!
Everything coming along nicely although grinding exceeding slow-there will be a sudden rush I am sure, especially when the boss gets back. Ha Ha
It would be nice to think the project will have finished by the time the boss returns, but I doubt it.