Man power vs Horse power

Well, after much head scratching about how to get the engine in, four friends turned up last Saturday and gathered round the 10hp Nani (80kgs) to debate their approach. I left them and went to put the kettle on and by the time I returned it was done ! Consequently I don't have any pictures of the exercise. However, I am assured that it went like this. The engine was slung beneath a strong pole and lifted up into the cockpit. It was then manoeuvred into position and placed onto the bearers. All pretty simple and done in about 20 minutes - hooray for that.  The engine needs a propeller and a beautiful piece of engineering is currently sitting in its box on my kitchen floor. It is a Darglow feathering propeller and it is a joy to behold - I never thought I would be so enthusiastic about such a basic necessity however it is truly lovely. In order to check the clearances, D made a cardboard propeller (which in my book is in the same category as a chocolate teapot) but it served its purpose. Whilst the engine was going in, I took the opportunity of the cover being off to take a better shot of the boat overall. Other items are all coming in a rush now and an expensive visit to the Southampton Boat Show sees us now in possession of some fancy lighting, a twin hob (spirit stove), the radio and nav instruments and oh yes, the berth cushions have been collected and are lovely. We are also planning to collect the trailer from the East Coast and visit the sailmaker to discuss options. I am also compiling the order for the running and standing rigging. A discussion at the boat show with a bloke on the English Braids stall has made us contemplate a more modern approach to standing rigging. More on that if we go down that route - I will keep you in suspense for now. Anyway photographs as usual below.

Cardboard propeller

 

 

Real thing

 

 

 

And there is the engine

 - in situ

 

And a better view of the boat overall