Preparing to Go


Clamping and gluing


Wine cork spacers

 The four deadlights (windows that don't open) across the front of the deckhouse have deteriorated from UV damage, not to mention that they have started to leak a lot if it rains a little. It was time to replace them. We put the job off until the last minute for a lot of reasons, but now we must do them before departing.

Removing the old windows used to be a big job but I have a new multi-tool that chisels them off quickly. Still there is much to do. After removing the old window, I have to remove the old supports for the interior trim and fit new ones. Lots of clamping and gluing involved.

Due to the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion we must leave a gap of 3/16" between the fiberglass and the window so the adhesive can flex. Last time I tried fabricating spacers from the adhesive but this time I cut slabs from artificial wine corks. I think they will work much better


Provision Pile


Wine Supply

 Lynn has been provision shopping for weeks and is waiting on George to finish deadlights so she can start loading. Our guest room is overflowing with food and supplies.

It's embarrassing how much wine we take, but hey, we're gone for 6 months. This is the load in the Volvo.

The windows are installed and the boat is weather tight again. Hurray! The far window in the top photo still has the protective coating as it is just finished and we haven't pulled it off in the top picture.

Lynn is shown doing some cleanup after the final caulking.

Still some trim to install inside, You may see some headliner hanging that will be held up by the trim. This is a major milestone.

Next photos Southbound East Coast.