Just had Blue Swell out of the water for maintenance after 26 months being afloat. Unfortunately had to wait a little longer due to other commitments.
Maintenance included the usual Antifoul, Anodes, Polish and this time Replacement of the Shaft Gland Hose's.
After getting the shafts disconnected had to call for assistance to remove the flanges with a plate press. This turned into a very long, time consuming job due to both being seized on the Keyways. Eventually they came off having to be pressed every last millimetre.
The Gland hoses were in very poor condition and delaminating on inspection so I would recommend everyone to have a good visual feel around them especially the underside. The correct hose is very expensive but only requiring 10 inches shouldn't be too bad says I.....when the invoice drops in at £72.00!
A survey and valuation was carried out for insurance purposes and only a couple of points noted for later attention.
With some help from friends this year which was much appreciated, if only to make Tea at times and take me away from it all when stressing lol !!!
As a bit of a thank you and belated birthday for me I took them to Brighton Marina for an overnight, an evening of good food, too much alcohol and Karaoke and a very late return onboard at 4.20am.... Ooops
Enjoy the Season
Geoff..........
-- Edited by Blue Swell on Wednesday 4th of June 2014 02:19:28 PM
Haven't heard from you in a while, thought you must be busy.
Blue swell is looking good again and must feel better with a clean bottom.
Always something to do on a boat, but it seems like you didn't fair too badly with the things needing to be done to get her back up to scratch and at least you were kind enough to treat your friends.
I'm boatless at the moment having sold the Mitchell in February. She went to Scotland, Lochinver. That's the second boat I have sold that's gone up there.
Going to post up some details about my new boat now.
Thank you for your kind comments, to be honest BS was pretty good, im not one to neglect even when not using regulary and I always try to keep things well lubricated or maintained.
Hoping to get across to France again this year and need to kick my own backside and get fishing! The bigger trip maybe the Channel Islands but think that might have to be next year.
