Boy has it been a terrific week! After 2 years and 10 months (exactly) we have launched our Lochin. She was lifted from Landsborough on the 9th June, to the hardstand at the local marina. The only drama we had, was that the crane that lifted her from her cradle got bogged in my father in laws driveway. Because the ground was so soft the low loader couldn't get in either. The crane eventually maneuvered itself onto some solid ground to be able to pick her up, and then the crane had to take the boat to the truck. For awhile my heart was in my mouth as she was swinging through the air in amongst the gum trees. Of course everything went like clockwork after that.
At the marina I worked day and night on small jobs to get her sea worthy (amazing how time consuming the small jobs are), and she went in the water on Saturday morning. What a great feeling. By no means is she finished on the inside. The head is still empty and the galley needs tap, cooker and a shelf in cupboard. Then we need to lay the carpet and have the upholstery finished. We have to design a table for the wheelhouse maybe one that can be partly folded up to save space. Kelly is looking forward to stocking up the galley and has a long wish list already.
She went well in the sea trials, no dramas. She sits beautifully in the water. We plan to lift her again soon to finish off the water line and anti-fouling. Important here because of the warm water growth. Also need to re-pitch the prop. (She's over reving by 150 revs.
Have'nt had time to get some really good photos of her, but will post them as we get it organised.
She has taken up so much of my time and attention, in the last 4 months especially, I need to start paying more attention to my business (and the family).
Would like to say thank you to all of you for your encouraging posts. Need to also say a big thank you to Simon.
Regards to all,
Harold
-- Edited by Harold Timmer on Monday 15th of June 2009 09:58:57 AM
Congrarulations! I hope you enjoy using her as much as you have restoring her.
What engine/gearbox are you running? and what prop have you currently got? Just interested. I have a 280 Ford Sabre 3:1 ZF box and (I forget the prop spec) (just found out it is a 22x18 I increased it form 22x16.5) have had 16.5 knots at 2300 rpm which is 200 under max. I think with a few folk stood in the wheelhouse to keep the bow down she might max out at 2500 and do more like 18 knots. I do not have adjustable trim tabs!
All the best
Martin
-- Edited by Martin on Monday 15th of June 2009 09:35:35 PM
Hi everyone,
