Just been inside a workshop at Creran marine for a week with LJ. What a great facility, shame I didn't know about it years ago. Massive sheds with plenty of space, level floors good lighting single and 3 phase electrics etc etc. All for less than £200 a week - bargain. Our biggest mistake was not rubbing down the anti foul outside (though to be fair we didn't have a chance with the weather) The red dust got everywhere and the theme for the week was pink! Anyway we managed to do the hull gunnels and cabin, leaving a few jobs to finish but making it much more likely we will be ready for the start of our season at Easter. I also decided to warm the paint up before applying, an option we have never had before and what a difference it made. The paint is much shinier and although caught me out a few times with unexpected runs was much easier to use and definitely the way I will do it again. Next year we are thinking of having 2 weeks inside so we can do a town hall job and then maybe have a year off the next one. Also already spoken to a couple of contractor a) about taking off the old steel mast and fitting a r adar arch - something we have been wanting to do for ages b) putting a side door in to make boarding easier (provided we get the promised pontoons later this year).
It is quite up-beat here on Mull at the moment, plenty happening and looking forward to being back on the water soon.
Its amazing how much more work you can get done while inside, in the dry and warm, even though you managed a suntan!!
You say about fitting a radar arch. Is that a fibreglass one or stainless steel?
A couple of times I have wondered if I should have had a flybridge and fiberglass radar arch on Sorcerer 11, but I didn't want all the weight associated, with all the equipment, seats and radar being so high up. Might reconsider in a couple of years though.
I can highly recommend a door in the side though. As you probably know I have them both sides and stepping from the boat onto the pontoon at the same height is great.....especially as one gets older!!!
Good luck with the re-launch of LJ and hope the coming season is good for you.
Having looked at the options an aluminium one would be the best/cheapest option. I currently have a horrible steel mast which causes rusty water to run down the wheelhouse and a separate radar '''table'' forrad. By using an arch I can reduce the weight high up, stop the rust issue and have everything (lights horn aerials) on one unit and the radar and reflector higher up so its a win situation all round. Plus the wheelhouse roof will be less cluttered and easier to maintain.
If I was building a 38/40 footer I would go for a flybridge, probably with an arch at the back. The extra height is great for spotting whales and dolphins etc and will be a nice place on a good day rather than being in a hot wheelhouse. I agree about the access with a side door, many of my customers are retired people who have taken up photography and can afford the expensive gear, sadly at a time when they aren't the most mobile. Having better access would be a huge advantage for them and also disabled passengers. Last year we had a group from BLESMA the British limbless ex servicemen assos who came with us despite me explaining the difficulties of boarding. We all worked together and they were a great bunch but I couldn't help thinking how much better it would be for them if we had level access (no chance with a stone pier)
Anyway we are planning on launching LJ at high tide tomorrow so I should be home on Mull for tea.
