Building (and sailing) a Golant Gaffer: July 2017

D has been hanging upside down in the cockpit wiring like a mad thing so now we have a lot of the electrics in place. The main battery has its own box in the starboard side locker and the battery switches sit on the aft face of the cabin. Just above the engine cover sits the panel for other controls and switches. In reference to the title of this post, we have noted that some of the West epoxy applied earlier in cooler weather has 'bloomed' and taken on a cloudy appearance despite D providing heating and keeping the temperature up sufficiently (or so we thought). We will need to do some remedial work on small areas of it unfortunately.

Anyway to other things...there are things getting test fitted to the hull, the stem fitting that came from the Golant Gaffer 'Just Right' (see post 9 Feb 2016) has polished up nicely, the chain plates have been positioned and the wooden backing blocks fitted inside the cabin, the mast support post has been made and is currently being varnished, the fittings for the bowsprit shrouds have been put in place and the cockpit teak finished. Also the turning block for the halyards needs something to attach to so that is dealt with by a fitting on the front of the cabin.

We spent a useful day on another Golant Gaffer measuring up for a cover which I will make and have got a bargain on a heavy duty sewing machine as I don't have one that is up to the job. There is already a small queue forming of other gaffers who have plans for it ! The cover will provide a bit more flexibility in poorer weather, allowing wet waterproofs to stay outside. More on covers when the stuff arrives.

Obligatory photographs below :

Electrics - battery box