Monday 6 August 2018

Have decided on an unorthodox strategy for attempt to seal hull window. Measure once and cut twice has worked awfully well for me, but this time will try planning ahead, thinking about what to do before actually doing it. Some people say this works for them. Also aiming to use every possible technique to seal window and frame - separate problems: Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure, made for fiberglass, may work for stainless, glass and Sikaflex. Injection of epoxy then redrill of screw holes will pull unit tight to hull. Excessive amounts of butyl to squoosh (not a real word) into every possible nook and cranny. Stern looks to intimidate any potential misconduct. If all this fails will consider nailing a board over the whole thing until able to find someone competent to fix properly.

Of course a squall came up with everything open. Had saved taped plastic sheet used last night to seal large rectangular hole, but after rain started, hull was damp. Tape keeps out water once stuck, but doesn't stick when wet. Peeling more tape from roll and cutting while drying the side and getting it stuck in the right place before more rain hits (with higher wind sea water was also splashing up) was probably quite entertaining. Sailors should have at least three hands, four wouldn't be untoward.

- Later

Done, except for cleanup. That's more Jan's forte than mine, but you do what you have to do. With any luck the two holes will remain dry. To be perfectly honest, will be surprised to find no more leaks. Sanguinity at low ebb (that's a nautical phrase meaning not a freaking chance).

"The nice part about being a pessimist is that you are constantly being either proven right or pleasantly surprised." - George F. Will

Jack