Roger Clark's renovation of Concerto
Since I completed the purchase of Concerto in early December, not too much has happened. Not only did Christmas get in the way, but I was also seriously ill with food poisoning. After suffering for 5 days, I was admitted to hospital for 4 days. I was suffering from acute dehydration and my blood pressure had dropped to 98 over 41. They pumped in 10 litres of saline, plus antibiotics. Feel fine now.
Last Sunday I went to the Boat Show and spent a fair sum on necessary bits (safety mainly) plus negotiated very keen price on a Raymarine e7 chart plotter with Navionics Gold charts for £1015 (anyone beat that?). All the other electronics will be updated next winter, so will continue using the existing equipment. Other things I also looked at were: folding propellers as it currently has the wrong size fitted, new shaft seal to replace the original greaser, Tek Dek for the cockpit seats and coamings to replace the worn out Treadmaster, Eberspacher unit to fit to the existing ducting (no unit in place) and crockery as none was provided. Also had some interesting chats on many stands including meeting someone I used to race against in Mirrors 45 years ago! Also did not miss the Westerly Owners, even bought a flag.
During the week I ordered a new sprayhood with grab rail and a new Pack-a-Main from C J Marine. Delivery has been promised by mid March. That will be great as I should launch either at the beginning or middle of April.
Today I went over to start work in earnest. Tried removing the propeller using a method recommended by a supplier, slacken the retaining nut and then tapping the boss with a toffee hammer to loosen the taper grip. It did not work. Then tried their alternative of using 2 hammers and hitting either side of the boss together. I think the hammers I used were too light as this did not work either. Think I shall have to buy a puller, if I cannot find the one my late father made. The first main task has been to start removing the antifouling to prepare for epoxy coating. I used an old 1½" chisel as the bond was not too strong. Managed to remove all the starboard side, but my arms ache like mad. I left the boottop for the moment as I have not measured the height to the rubbing straight to ensure a straight waterline. I did use goggles and face mask, plus wore some overalls. Certainly a lot of hull to work on, especially on your own.
Tomorrow I cannot face more scrapping, so it is back to the Boat Show, as I have another ticket, to find so more bits I need. I hate to think how much time I have spent on research to make sure I am spending my money wisely.
This thread will be updated as I make progress. It might even encourage a few of you to start working on your boats.
