sandr081

I never realized how much rain can fall on a boat until I took apart the cockpit scuppers . Once the scuppers (drains) were removed and the drain holes were covered with masking tape, its amazing how much water will collect, or will drip into the interior of the boat .  Having just re-installed the diesel engine, this all-the-sudden became a huge concern since they were located directly over the engine room. Luckily my good friend and dock neighbor Ryan donated a  new pair of scupper drains to LINDITA!   They were a totally different size and shape from the previous ones, however things like that don't really seem to matter anymore. I'll make them fit, somehow.  Another customized improvement is underway!     First I used a Dremel to bevel the orifices to fit the new scupper drains.                             ...

My last post covered restoration of the mast, booms and rigging. Here I'll address another major issue connected with the mast project, the bow pulpit and bowsprit.  The very most forward point of the boat, on the tip of the bowsprit is called the Kranze Iron .  It holds and helps spread the load from the forward rigging.  Upon removal we found that the round plug of wood had broken free from the bowsprit itself and was sort of floating in place.  One thing helping to hold it all together was the bobstay. Its a piece of standing rigging going from the bowsprit down to the waterline attached to a chainplate or tang.  This particular rig also has a  dolphin striker which acts mostly as a support for the bobstay. You can see the dolphin striker pointing down here.   The very bottom of the bow, just above the waterline is where the bobstay attaches to a tang fitting. Notice the crack in the bobstay shackle... Luckily it all held together thru 2 days of sa...