September dawned grey, windy and slightly wet.

Progress still seems slow. ‘Instant coffee’ approach does not sit well with a small yard and boat repairs.

A new welder is on site and things are happening, altho if you give a cursory look over you wouldn't tell. Most of the weld joints have been done on the interior. Welder had started welding joints on the outside, but rain has kind of gotten in the way. Currently he is doing the watertight bulkhead that had rusted thro, and then moving onto the structure in the chain locker.
Once the structure is in, the new bow thruster tube will be cut.

The aft cabin cupboards etc are getting along. The new ‘entrance’ to the cabins works well. As there are 2 double cabins aft, space is tight so Andrew has juggled things to be as practical as possible, while giving as much space to the cabins (as opposed to the passage / entrance). Even for my fat frame, I can get around.

In the coachhouse, the old engine bed has been removed in preparation of the new motors. These are expected at month end : )
‘Wobbles’ in the steelwork around some windows, has been removed. One panel is going to be completely replaced as the ‘Heath Robinson’ work done previously......well, lets just say it will be easier to replace the entire panel !

A discussion was had regarding the internal helm station. Do we or don't we keep it......?
It was decided that as a practical thing it was almost pointless, but as a marketing item it was invaluable. Andrew has the un-enviable task of installing an internal removable helm station......over a watertight door (hence the removable)....both of which we don't foresee using......

The forward heads hatch has been cut and is awaiting additional support. Ditto the enlarged new forward cabin hatch.....I am glad to say that even my frame will get thro it !

The positions of the aft cabin hatches / helm seat / mainsheet rail / gallows structure was broached. A block / working / concept model was used visualize setup, and identify possible issues and solutions. Hopefully by next visit, the positions would have been marked up for discussion and finalizing.

External paint colour was also discussed. 4 samples are going to be painted - 2 in sun, 2 in shade, of 2 different colours.
Basically blue is the above waterline colour....its just a matter of tone / shade.
Currently we are looking at Cobalt and Steel Blue........

For images see 'Favourites - September'