floydraser

Hmm, could be but there is no filler on the deck. I've just checked my video (2b) where I walk along that side. I found what I believe to be the fresh water inlet for the heads under the galley floor, with a valve which has stuck solid. Unfortunately I won't be able to get over during the week now because some fool found me some paid work!

Here's a bit of an update as I seem to have time on my hands for a change: I've been over to Brundall a few times now and have come to enjoy the food, beer and service at the Yare pub. The best friend of one of my Sons has offered to help with the deck caulking which is not only good news for my knees, but it should result in a more professional job; he's a pro yacht skipper with experience of such things. I said I was going to use the SIS440 but Mike is used to Sika 290 and it turns out to be around 25% cheaper at current prices. Will Kirby of Freshwater Marine was passing and stopped by as he recognised the boat. He and his Dad had a couple of Santa Caterinas in their fleet when they ran Freshwater Cruisers. I now have a slightly better understanding of the canopy mechanism and where to look for it! Competition time, it's called, "Guess what the tank is for". Under the saloon floor the engine bay is in the middle. Starboard side has the black water tank forward and fresh water tank to the rear of it. Port side has the diesel tank to the rear but we found another tank in front of it just as darkness fell and we were ready to leave. Next time I'll have more of the floor up to investigate but it is a mystery to us. On the earlier suggestions on this forum I emailed Martham Boats and Eastwood Whelpton but had no reply from either, I was hoping to trace original drawings from Harvey Eastwoods. I see that the Financial Director of Broom is a Matthew Harvey. Would anyone here know if there is a connection? Floyd.

I have come to the conclusion that the only way forward properly is to rip up the coating and redo the caulking. No point in taking shortcuts so I'll be using SIS 440. It's most likely to happen after the winter which gives me time to find the best price. Does anyone know anywhere cheaper than Bradechem? I guess given the boat is 48 years old, the present coating could have been applied 30 years ago in which, that ain't bad! Covering Letonk.mp4

Thanks John, I'll try and remember to check that; on the list of future jobs is treatment of blisters/antifoul/through hull connections etc. She seems to purr along nicely at quite low revs but once we're able to get her out onto the river proper I'll get an experienced opinion.

Carefull guys; I'm beginning to feel inadequate!

Thanks for that, I'll make a note for the future.

The prop is 16 inch 3 blade according to the hull survey 12 months ago. I'll get in there properly with better lighting when I go next, just to confirm things. I'm taking the view that it ain't broke so there's nothing to fix for the foreseeable future but I am trying to establish exactly what I've got for my own records. I was also given a workshop manual for an OE.138 engine but the engine id plates says it's an OE.160. There is other evidence of a previous restoration and I think the engine and box may have been replaced. Thanks for your help so far.

Ah, I remember the seventies. Having looked at TMP's website I reckon mine's a mk4? I deliberately tried to hold the phone still to get sight of the id plate but I can't see whether it's blank or there isn't one, what do you think? I'll take some plasticine next time and try and get an impression.

Thanks Vaughan, very useful info. I checked the oil while cold and not running, but I'll do it again. I'll also have a look at TMP's website for more info. How can you tell it's one of theirs?

Gearbox enquiry: Please excuse the very shaky video; it was shot with my phone in a remote location where I couldn't see the screen. I am trying to establish if everything is OK in the gearbox department of the Owl. The manual handed over with the boat says it will be a Borg Warner or Meadows. I'm pretty sure it's a Meadows but niether box is shown with an "open" dipstick? They both have a dipstick integral to the filler bung. Would anyone here know if this is an issue? There is clean oil up to the mark on the dipstick and she engages Ok, although reverse can be noisey. There can't be much wrong but I'm inexperienced and thinking long term. Thanks. Gearbox.mp4

Thank you for the kind comments. There are quite a few videos on caulking and I agree this is one of the best. I will take on board his way of doing it but I just think there is an opportunity to treat the top of the old timber underneath while the seams are open.

So all things considered I think I have a plan, but I can't make up my mind whether I'm indecisive, or not. I have resigned myself to the fact that whatever the wonder coating is on the deck, it's all got to come off. This is because the wonder has worn off, it leaks but now holds moisture underneath. So then I'll dig out the old caulking but before taping and re-caulking I want to seal the wood underneath. My first thought was epoxy but I'm now reading about other sealants I've never heard of. Can anyone advise please? Any suggestions would be welcomed. I realise I'll have to make something to feed the slots without spilling all over the teak, but that could be the easy bit!

Thanks. I'll have a look when their website re-opens.

I think you're probably right, and I think it's all going to have to come off and start again.

Thanks, but it's the actual tube which needs replacing, I need 4 metres to be sure.

Here are the latest vids, split into 2 because of the 15 minute rule for Youtube amateurs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGXbvCYJ4WE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ2Bs7yiDIA Part 1 will be along later, it's about the move and will take a while to nail together. Towards the end of 2b there's a look at the stuff covering the deck and I would be interested to know exactly what it is if anyone can identify it? Along side the pump out tube there's a 3/4" rinse tube which needs replacing, can anyone suggest the best place to shop?

Ah, I'm not qualified to argue but I have heard mention of the Ocean 37 hull by Broom? Are they the same?

Close but no cigar. I've just been over for a couple of days and had a more intense look. The Owl's davits have a centre support and the round bar is a solid, heafty beast of a thing. Interesting article though, thanks for posting. Also Chris, I found an orange ankle bracelet under a front bunk, any ideas who it may have belonged to? Funny place to keep it; probably came off in a moment of passion.

Thank you. I keep getting quoted "Broom Ocean 37" for the hull. All I know is that I find it very easy to manoeuvre. I'm taking advantage of the weather and nipping over again tomorrow and Wednesday to take some decent record photos, among other jobs of course.

I helped her load her stuff onto her back and sent off down the tow path, she's probably made it to the Falkirk Wheel by now. Or.. the dream of living on a boat didn't work out after 12 months so she's moved back on to dry land in Swindon. We've stayed friends though and I've promised her use of the boat when it's ready. If I hadn't bought the boat it would be a Glasgow student live aboard by now!

Here's the vid of the first time I laid eyes on her, the boat that is!

These two drawings were among the paperwork handed over to me with the boat. I have heard mention of the Santa Caterinas before and Santa Margherita but never Gipsy? To further add to the mystery: the drawings refer to port and starboard bunks in the aft cabin, but the Owl has a single double bed. I'm just loading a Youtube video but it's taking for ever.

That would look nice but I think as it's way down the priority list I think I'll just have a go at making look a bit more completed. I would to find a pic of it before the saw came out!

Hi John, It's not hinged but has two holes and two S/S pins at the foot. The wire stays have string at the bottom ends and I presume it's all to make it easy to take it down for bridges. Goodness only knows why it was sawn off but whatever the reason the job wasn't completed. I can almost see the point of wanting it shorter as it is taller than the top of the cabin. Gives me something to play with in between trips to the boat I guess!

I was thinking more along the lines of stretching a bit inner tube accross the gap to save taking it down for bridges?