The last few weeks have seen a lot of action onboard KJ with work parties held each Saturday, and yes, we have achieved a lot.

All in all, it has been a successful few months for KJ and her crew but as always, we could really do with some more help both onboard and in the back office. We are well on our way to success with the project but as the old saying goes “many hands make light work”.   

I am pleased to report that the deck at the bow has now been fixed down to the new beams, caulked and tarred and I can now say that the work to the bow section is now over 90% complete.

A new 2.4m deck cross beam has been made from laminated ply, this is to temporarily replace the beam under the anchor winch assembly which was suffering rot on the support ends.

Two new knees (or shoulders, or whatever they are called) have also been shaped and laminated; these will be given a couple of coats of wood treatment before we fit them.

We were more than a little dismayed to notice the accommodation bilge pumps were running every few minutes and, despite frequent emptying with the diesel pump, these continued to fill rapidly with water.

Every area was just filled with water (well a horrible brown liquid substance really) and I feel no shame in admitting that I had a panic session!! Old photos were checked for an indication of previous repairs, internet searched for dry docks, places located to beach her as despite a thorough search of all accessible areas, we couldn’t ascertain from where the water was entering!   Floorboards were lifted, fresh water tanks moved and ballast shifted but there was no obvious sign of any leak.

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