Fittings in Place

Fitting Fairlead on Caulking

Reggie worked hard today to install the fittings on the new teak work, and I worked almost as hard supporting him.

All Bow Fittings in Position

He started at the bow, installing the fairleads, a padeye, and the hinges and latch for the chain locker lid.  The latch required a lot of effort because it had to be carefully mortised into the wood for a flush fit.  The result was very good, with the latch engaging nicely when a small amount of downward pressure is put on the lid.  The water seal should be excellent.

Then he shifted is effort to the cockpit where the big jobs were to cut holes for the emergency steering access plate and the two forward drain fittings.  The forward drains were flush mounted as before, and now the rear drain is also flush mounted which represents a big improvement.  Before, the flange of the rear drain sat on top of the wood, resulting in 1/4" of water pooling at the rear of the cockpit.  This work would have frayed my nerves because one false calculation or move could have ruined the cockpit sole, but Reggie worked with the speed and confidence of a professional.

Cutting for Emergency Steering Access

Cutting Forward Drain Hole

All of the fitting except the latch were bedded down in teak caulking compound.

While Reggie held the forward cockpit drain fittings down I worked below, spinning up the big nuts tightening them with the multigrip pliers.  Then I connected up the drain hoses.  Tomorrow I'll connect the aft drain hose which will allow to wash down the cockpit without getting water in the bilge.  

Things went so well today Reggie thinks that he can finish the job tomorrow, a day earlier than he had expected.  He needs to caulk the perimeters of the wood work an do some tidying up.  I figure that collecting and loading up his tools will take 45 minutes.

Drain Fitting on Caulking

Forward Drains Flush and Tight Fitting

Aft Drain Fitting Nice and Flush

I am looking forward to getting control of the boat again.  It is as dirty as it has ever been, both above and below decks.  Below decks I'll have to clean every item and surface of the dust that has permeated every nook and cranny of the boat.  I'll hose down and scrub the topsides.  I figure that this effort will take a full day