Sunday 6 March 2016

Manifesting reasons for previous concern about mounting Hydrovane so far off center, issues have arisen that are causing delay in mounting the thing. As we are awake when Will Curry, the fount of Hydrovane expertise, is not and vice versa, communications are on a diurnal cycle.

Thursday

Notwithstanding lack of any fatuous dissemination for 6 days, have not been goofing off. No really! Prep work completed and a coat of varnish has been laid upon all deck brightwork (this expression like many in maritime activity is misleading (much like 'sheet' which does not refer to the large expanses of fabric, but rather to the ropes (which are, of course, called something else) that control them)) and does not mean the shiny stainless steel (OK, it's not especially shiny at the moment - it's on the list).

Also accomplished was creating a 10mm hole through the transom. This would not normally be considered a positive achievement, but for purposes of this report, we shall consider that it is. At some point in the near future 5 additional such holes will be produced (wait, wait, this may not be a further descent into the abyss) through which 6 bolts will be introduced to fasten supports for previously mentioned Hydrovane wind steering appliance. Despite rampant misgivings, technical crew remains highly optimistic of a non-disastrous outcome.

Final bits for this particular enterprise were procured today, to wit: teak for pads to fit flat mounts to rounded fiberglass, coarse sandpaper to accomplish appropriate curvature, 10mm x 75mm bolts with nyloc nuts and washers as well as some non-related stuff. As we have reserved a slip for Tuesday at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, which finally has electricity on its dock, normal indolent behavior will be held in abeyance for the interim.

In the 'non-related stuff' category was a cap for petrol tank (gasoline to us insurrectionary, former colonists) that came with new Yamaha outboard, but went walkabout several months ago and proved extremely difficult to find until visiting Yamaha dealer in Kuah who had one (should have been 2 sentences, but got on a roll and stuck with it).

Sunday - Again

All varnishing done. Large expanses of stainless steel polished. Lower bracket of Hydrovane installed. Upper bracket unlikely to be completed tomorrow due prep for awkward location of port mount and boat a disaster area, but progress. Probably go to Royal Langkawi Tuesday done or not. Longing for return to observance of favorite (possibly second favorite) deadly sin, sloth.

Monday

Should have sent this yesterday. Didn't.

Upper bracket easier than originally anticipated except for port-side mount. Placed 60 grit sandpaper over gelcoat with double-sided tape and now rubbing back of teak pad on it for shaping to contour. If anybody knows a better way don't keep it to yourself. "May", he optimistically averred, "get this thing mounted today". However, every hour or so have to come inside to pound down a liter or two of water, cool off and change T-shirts. Have visions of retiring from retiring. Couldn't get me to do this for money.

Jack