Ariel #24

[Tim Mertinooke]

Here's a nibble of what I'll also be doing to the boat this weekend...

[ebb]

Can't a tendency to squat be countered by balancing with weight and ballast? For instance if you have 100# way out at the stern why not try a similar weight in or near the forepeak? Certainly would counter any hobby horsing....?

[Tim Mertinooke]

Sounds good, but I liken this game to leveling a chair by shaving a little off one of the legs.

I plan to remove the cabin sole this winter and epoxy/glass over the porous roving so hastily thrown in by Pearson. I will also be removing a section in the V-berth sole similar to what Bill(231) did for access there. I want a smooth transition from bow to sump for water to flow and mght try some creative drain/pipe thing for water from the anchor locker to flow. I like Ebb's pipe idea, although I don't think mine will be that elaborate. The entire bilge will be faired and painted as well and I want access to the entire bilge so I might change the access panels when I put the new sole in. I think by adding weight, it would complicate my plan because I wouls want it removable, but don't want free pieces of lead able to scoot around. A-24's on a diet, I just assume keep the weight out.

[Tim Mertinooke]

Here is the second coat (the door got its first today though.) I'm thinking one more coat tomorrow like they recommend and then I'll start painting the sides which is a puke yellow. Yellow...Yellow...Yellow...I can't wait until the whole boat is de-yellowed.

My yacht lamps came in yesterday and I can't wait to throw them on once painting is complete. What a difference a coat of paint makes. Slowly but surely!

[Tim Mertinooke]

The indoctrination continues...

[bill@ariel231]

Tim

you are going to like those lights, I've got the same model in the main cabin in A-231. They've held up well for 8 seasons with no corrosion (unlike an earlier pair that lasted just two). Are you putting any lights in the "galley" side?

bill

[Tim Mertinooke]

There is a dome light there, but I haven't decided if I will replace that one or add something different. I plan on working that detail out this summer once I actually use the boat. Glad to hear the lights held up that well, they sure do look great. I am going to add two more in the v-berth, but I decided to leave the v-berth alone for now because I am going to do a marathon session in the future (winter maybe?) grinding and fairing there. One thing and section of the boat at a time. I'm 31, but I wish I was retired so I could wake up in the morning and ask myself "what part of the boat will I work on today", not "I wonder if I will be able to work on the boat today?" Too few hours in a day and its really too bad we humans need to sleep...think of the possibilities...