Jump to content

Golden Light 5


Robin

Recommended Posts

I stand completely in awe of the meticulous detail and finish of this restoration. I have undertaken a couple of ground up, nut and bolt, total restorations of cars (Triumph Vitesse Mk2 and Triumph Spitfire Mk3) but this is a labour of love which leaves me just shaking my head. "Respect" as the younger generation say.

Chris

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

With the inside looking good its time to start on the outside of the coach roof. I start by trimming the excess ply at the edges and shape the overhang at the front. you can see from the offcuts the layers of ply and that they are tight together.

IMG_0545.thumb.JPG.a0b158f05b759e2af24eb3184fa0f297.JPG

After trimming the sides square I next  round the edges to an ascetically pleasing shape, I make and use a template to make sure the edges are the same shape all round.

IMG_0542.thumb.JPG.e848d863c1145cc78e3374667eedb81b.JPG

IMG_0543.thumb.JPG.54925599d78eb5f75e9a7e9298997ae2.JPG

IMG_0541.thumb.JPG.94200dd7d00296c1bb1d66405363b27b.JPG

Happy with the sides I turn my attention to the overhang at the front, I cut 40 softwood wedges and glue them under the overhang then fit a sheet of 4mm ply under to give me a strong but visually pleasing finish to the roof.

IMG_0538.thumb.JPG.edc5c838e2a5b077fb50c457c9b6011b.JPG

IMG_0539.thumb.JPG.757a5b35d2cc46b9c052611739ed711a.JPG

IMG_0540.thumb.JPG.f7b2b257b1877f74fe49b01c522a1f15.JPG

The roof is now ready for its epoxy covering, My epoxy of choice is the Wests system  with its various additives for different applications.

First we fill the  screw heads and joints with resin mixed with  407 a low density filler.

Brown in color.

IMG_0547.thumb.JPG.0697a6a2b9504ee476ad044f3d824e1b.JPGIMG_0546.thumb.JPG.b630713e615433d4b7febb2a09840dd7.JPG

When set the roof is sanded back ready for the covering. The sides are covered with plastic for protection.

I use a 200gram plain weave glass fiber cloth which is cut to size and  rolled back on its cardboard tube.

IMG_0549.thumb.JPG.6c2f7ab0496df0f670cf65efa9d6a952.JPG

 

I use a roller to apply the resin and a squeegee to remove air bubbles and any excess glue. I  cover the entire roof with resin which is mixed with a small amount of 406 Colloidal silica this will turn the resin into more of a glue.

IMG_0550.thumb.JPG.069384c8a2df7d05f37d7f44eeff2b10.JPG

IMG_0551.thumb.JPG.ede7358f8018ecc7e1aec84d2c8bf73e.JPG

IMG_0552.thumb.JPG.023592160619ca0b23cdc6e899bcd2fc.JPG

I then roll out the woven fabric across the roof.

IMG_0553.thumb.JPG.c332849431fe2fdecd52e7d83023182c.JPG

IMG_0554.thumb.JPG.275f9a0fc2b31902a7f4a813ccd3900e.JPG

With the first section laid I use the squeegee to smooth out and wrinkles and draw the resin through the cloth. This stage is not good  for your back!! 

IMG_0556.thumb.JPG.a913c63efe0a71bb30ac54f2323da44d.JPGIMG_0558.thumb.JPG.a56435ba866cbaf64e5ceceed91039e9.JPG

The next strip is laid on using the same method. 

IMG_0559.thumb.JPG.afe800c0889ba62357806661fce94437.JPG

   IMG_0560.thumb.JPG.68c77d6212c1a8f2a959bdf861d64896.JPG

IMG_0561.thumb.JPG.f144e9f70f701f763a3298ce7353c681.JPG

This is left to set over night.

The next day we give the roof its final coat of resin I use the same wests resin however this time I  add the 409 microsphere blend this bulks up the resin making it easy to cover the cloth with a good thick coat of resin and  is easy to sand when set, it is mixed to the consistency of Ketchup and is applied using  my squeegee to spread it evenly. 


 

IMG_0562.thumb.JPG.b329dfe65ca3e99a4ecd78282bc49c39.JPG

IMG_0563.thumb.JPG.34055e71e4cad01fac019e9926eca316.JPG

  • Like 12
  • Thanks 1
  • Love 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Its been a little while since my last post, mainly due to a heavy work load and the need to press on with the restoration if we want to use her this summer.

The coach roof is now ready for paint. First we sand it back flat and fill any imperfections followed by three undercoats and two top coats.

IMG_0564.thumb.JPG.1634f24c6815dfe28a36fe636d89010f.JPG

IMG_0565.thumb.JPG.8b77a2738ec3502145d5999eaa1bd6aa.JPG

 

IMG_0566.thumb.JPG.11f1ab3bd720a2e114a9d07b15162152.JPG

IMG_0567.thumb.JPG.66505493864256a5b3f2d0e18b6d593a.JPG

That's the coach roof pretty much complete. Moving back to the inside, next on the list is the window hoppers, there are four in total and due to the curvature of the cabin sides every side section is a different size with different angles. 

First I plane a board to the required thickness and cut out eight side sections  slightly larger than needed.

IMG_0568.thumb.JPG.b15f4b08c0d36000ca68eec84472e444.JPG

IMG_0569.thumb.JPG.5a8fec0f62d96e5f600a7fbc9f70d046.JPG

I fix the first piece in situ temporarily.

IMG_0575.thumb.JPG.6dc0fc2fccd197335bcb3cbbb3b01b75.JPG

Next I hold the glass against this piece which will then give me the size of the other end.

IMG_0576.thumb.JPG.94dd619e77794851e9f8ad394978e3c3.JPG

 

This process is repeated until I have all eight  cut to size.

IMG_0577.thumb.JPG.96b14771d568c635e6fb6098b34aebb5.JPG

These are now sanded and fixed temporarily to a batten to allow all sides to be varnished at the same time.

IMG_0591.thumb.JPG.bbc8d4021c4b81162f2d2e70d58e68bc.JPG

 

IMG_0592.thumb.JPG.8f6051cf0a182d963d3eedbe28a0a97f.JPG

These when fitted will have a vertical  batten to hold the glass in place and a top rail to hold the curtain rail, all varnished before fitting.

IMG_0590.thumb.JPG.bf9eba9750d59a36b21ac008d7a4d716.JPG

And with the top rails fitted.

IMG_0571.thumb.JPG.e171987aab46ea07dc3623dd4b6a57c9.JPG

IMG_0572.thumb.JPG.459b6b1f0beda1e8d16e696a95cbfb30.JPG

My attention now turns to the small bulkhead at the bow  which forms the chain locker.

As before I make a template from scrap ply.

IMG_0578.thumb.JPG.cf6249d534ea521de7008fde250824fa.JPG

I cut out the ply including a hatch for access to the locker.

IMG_0579.thumb.JPG.83d887a532a2a74436036b1d442fb18c.JPG

 This is varnished before fitting.

IMG_0593.thumb.JPG.c6503b725e871cd1199a40be89920f8f.JPG

The hatch opening is trimmed with what is called  a cock bead, this is a j shaped timber bead which covers the raw edge and gives a nice finish to the panel. I  make enough to go round the draws in the forward berths at the same time.

IMG_0616.thumb.JPG.204a3bf8028997cb92cbd285b9056415.JPG

IMG_0603.thumb.JPG.fbf5f211b4c1347ff74032c2abdb0111.JPG

  • Like 13
  • Thanks 2
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Its been a while since my last update, my last post was in April and time was ticking away and we still had a lot to do if we were going to get her back in the water by mid  May. The focus was to crack on with the furniture, the plan was to keep the layout as per the original but with a bit of a lift in quality.

First in line was the berth fronts there is a drawer in each, luckily  in my workshop I had some old good quality  Mahogany fronted drawers which had been removed from a ship that had been scrapped. I striped them down and sanded each piece.

The berth fronts were cut to size and varnished, I then cut out the drawer openings and fitted a small cock bead around the opening.

IMG_0617.thumb.JPG.53265563f54fc1d24ff6e3ead1f6767a.JPG

 

 

IMG_0613.thumb.JPG.5881dadc4103a02c50a8faea42858801.JPG

 

IMG_0614.thumb.JPG.a5cdc14316642b2cca6b74a40b6bae86.JPG

The berth fronts are now ready to install.

IMG_0618.thumb.JPG.54887151390e56031eef191a3bd79850.JPG

IMG_0620.thumb.JPG.fc3553c25be3cd799c796969c10e8080.JPG

The base of the berths sit on a Mahogany strip which forms a border for the floor to butt up to, this stops the floor from scratching the berth face when lifted.

Next on the list are the numerus doors and frames. we need a door and frame for the heads, two tall cupboard doors and frames, a pair of doors below the sink and a small pair behind the sink.

The frames are made from Mahogany and either morticed and tenoned together or half lapped for the smaller ones.

IMG_0622.thumb.JPG.a765829b381c15e5ea0f30b141a10ea0.JPG

IMG_0623.thumb.JPG.3f4b9846167c51a9233be3e107bb98e5.JPG

IMG_0621.thumb.JPG.7c3d170078bf8e0884fbf6f0ad7be3f4.JPG

The doors are made from marine ply and edge lipped in Mahogany.

IMG_0636.thumb.JPG.6a202951864f6c9d67e2b0c73381f888.JPG

IMG_0637.thumb.JPG.f599500e175722e37a253d24216d731e.JPG

 

  • Like 15
Link to comment
Share on other sites

With the doors edge lipped and the frames assembled, I chop the hinges in and  hang the doors on the bench. its a lot easier than fitting them on board. The tall cupboards need infill panels to the top and bottom of the frames these are also fitted on the bench.

Next I dry fit them on board before removal for varnishing them.

IMG_0631.thumb.JPG.e674222da76327fcee9a72f8ab1ad8f8.JPG

IMG_0648.thumb.JPG.58809a1c7156c8b416263f1192954090.JPG

IMG_0632.thumb.JPG.26869ffd664a344cff0a95b4b6435dea.JPG

IMG_0645.thumb.JPG.ac7c212f79bf3de84a38fa5614fa40a9.JPG

IMG_0647.thumb.JPG.25eef425b08dc1ca73aac1f94a26ba0e.JPG

IMG_0646.thumb.JPG.ee94436b253119a651f1db2e1cac3ebb.JPG

IMG_0649.thumb.JPG.834bcc369031d1de38f848465c2eadeb.JPG

The main doors to the forward cabin are the originals but re-varnished, but a new frame was required.

IMG_0650.thumb.JPG.0ab06f9a7ac2ea72163f2e25e78d0207.JPG

IMG_0651.thumb.JPG.d951408dd477f616e6a8837ba9b62070.JPG

Happy that everything fits the doors are removed and handed over to the varnishing department ( my wife)

IMG_0638.thumb.JPG.d63241c91f471d332657ece50fbbf773.JPG

IMG_0642.thumb.JPG.6ade4175fbf23bf37830c7a5729e4f47.JPG

IMG_0640.thumb.JPG.3a51fbd53f316a5acaa5572029614619.JPG

IMG_0639.thumb.JPG.9dbf4c25ca45ce71a7c7e481e2d50fda.JPG

It might be a relatively small cabin but it also required a lot of moldings, these are all varnished before fitting.

IMG_0657.thumb.JPG.597fac90739c63891897b2718a857561.JPG

IMG_0653.thumb.JPG.4ed76dba4fdef60ca83b297e2a6d0a3f.JPG

IMG_0656.thumb.JPG.7a61cc0982835f1643f08133bc16a8ac.JPG

IMG_0655.thumb.JPG.b5ae9d309dd6640c02a9414b0aab9c8f.JPG

Next is the flooring at first glance they look ok however when you turn them over you can see the original blockboard is breaking down. Its done well to survive 54 years!

IMG_0659.thumb.JPG.a1a8aadf75bae77197b31cc77b236f4e.JPG

IMG_0660.thumb.JPG.ae96ee0a24542f119606bc5af329d34d.JPG

We use the same marine grade ply to make new panels not just for the forward cabin but throughout the boat.

 

 

  • Like 7
Link to comment
Share on other sites

With the interior coming together nicely Chris is busy varnishing the cabin sides and painting the decks.

IMG_0661.thumb.JPG.22f66477f18f124f58a0a84d859113d5.JPG

IMG_0663.thumb.JPG.bbf45bfb5dff7068cd2fa592ca7ba7d2.JPG

The decks are scraped to remove any loose paint or dirt, the toe rails and cant rails taped, then on with the paint.

IMG_0664.thumb.JPG.7c2623d94a2c95d798692d9671d40064.JPG

its easier to remove the aft cockpit locker tops and paint them while they are removed.

IMG_0665.thumb.JPG.c344e624f5f8116f84a3666f0fbbdb4c.JPG

With the decks complete Chris presses on with sanding and painting the hull.

IMG_0624.thumb.JPG.ce6b72152064d131a9f9a97f5e042cc9.JPG

When the hull is dry a quick coat of antifoul is next on the list.

IMG_0666.thumb.JPG.2b9189dcfede2af48ebdede0051bbaf3.JPG

Back inside the door frames get varnished, The pipe boxing behind the toilet is constructed and laminated with more of the blue Formica and will be  capped off with Mahogany.

IMG_0682.thumb.JPG.517fbbc3450f609ae0765a83c7e4ea88.JPG

IMG_0701.thumb.JPG.e00a336380b9cfcff84331aba658a1f2.JPG

Please ignore some of the dates in the pictures, I didn't take enough pictures at the time of construction so I  had to take some more yesterday to show how some of  the items were completed.

The waste from the sink is connected to the hull fitting ready to complete the cupboard.

IMG_0683.thumb.JPG.4bd1bbde2a7879de34a89e6a0ba17510.JPG

From the main saloon to the floor in the forward cabin we have approximately a  400mm drop I build a step across, this has a removable top to give access to the bilge pump and hides the pipe work to the heater matrix.

IMG_0684.thumb.JPG.89ffad885a4fc284c07067db74d4dec5.JPG

And complete.

IMG_0700.thumb.JPG.2ce7f1271e8ca669bac908152b170b19.JPG

The original sink area was just open above and below however we decided to infill these areas for a tidier finish.

IMG_0695.thumb.JPG.bb0ab66e55f62d7442e34cacfdc45ae3.JPG

IMG_0694.thumb.JPG.67e3d9b18d4e043a82829298ab88c758.JPG

And all finished off with a period shaving mirror.

IMG_0710.thumb.JPG.c81c9487760c118c4cbbf4648f9f1e3f.JPG

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Like 10
  • Thanks 1
  • Love 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Guys

Thanks for all the positive comments.

Lulu   The paint we use for the decks is  International Interdeck it covers very well. and i haven't forgotten about your request for a step by step guide to varnishing.

Robin

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, JanetAnne said:

Ask him what that mirror cost, go on Sam, I dare you.

Hi Sam

 As I'm  only just out of the dog house for this one i would not like to confess the exact amount on this forum however you could pay  the mooring fees at Beccles Yacht Station  for 24 days and nights and still have enough left over for an ice cream on your last day.

My excuse was it was a makeup mirror and as such a present for my wife!

  • Haha 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are still pressing on with the interior but I have just realized I haven't shown the exterior of the cabin coming together.

IMG_0602.thumb.JPG.20f5a0deab03cf13f5df0802b59ee551.JPG

IMG_0601.thumb.JPG.132b175ba40995e1271bdbdf347f34ee.JPG

IMG_0599.thumb.JPG.1e453757b7ec54b4cb0b3e74e7f4a935.JPG

IMG_0598.thumb.JPG.0b2288d549126baea01379e2e0692bc6.JPGIMG_0597.thumb.JPG.77cde2f34ca00b811ef9f5f14232004c.JPG

IMG_0596.thumb.JPG.8fce0d773064d590602b48b25b359b06.JPG

We are now entering May and need to get her back in the water soon, so every spare hour is utilized.

I mentioned earlier in the post, the entrance doors were the originals in a new frame they came up really nice and blend in very well.

IMG_0692.thumb.JPG.bf3ff571cb5ad9380dd1e47f20d35d8d.JPG

IMG_0691.thumb.JPG.91d9bdd2ab8b3249f4acb7f86607c6a1.JPG

The Vee berths are complete and the back panels are covered with a felt type material to make it warmer to the touch when laid in the berth. (Its a lining fabric for campervans) 

IMG_0702.thumb.JPG.13c30f4c6b5b1ec752a88739dbb7aaf6.JPG

The triangular section between the bunks get a varnished top and becomes the tool store. later on I intend to make plywood trays to slot in to hold all my tools and spares we carry on board. (probably next winter)

IMG_0704.thumb.JPG.5ae1d91277ae2796b1bc21a2e53f02d5.JPG

IMG_0705.thumb.JPG.fdb331c177a8e9d5a19abc9e1027786a.JPG

And with the cushions fitted.

IMG_0707.thumb.JPG.8fc9cfdbcf294ddad94159311b468e77.JPG

Light fittings came from Lee at Jackson Marine, they cleaned up very nice and match the rest of the boat, four in total were needed.

IMG_0698.thumb.JPG.c827216ebf0e17f107661505abbf6a85.JPG

All the floor panels are carpeted and dropped in.

IMG_0712.thumb.JPG.6b1cf3becd6f639a20787200241ebaf6.JPG

IMG_0718.thumb.JPG.4bf330a8eab7ec328c74042d80320709.JPG

Spot the mistake with the floor in the saloon?

The helm came in for some treatment over the winter, The wheel got varnished and the brass polished, The seat was moved back 60mm to make it more comfortable but that meant I had to make side panels which hold the controls.

IMG_0605.thumb.JPG.70797efe995e8cd4edb403501a250677.JPG

IMG_0606.thumb.JPG.c2152eb4f1589ca7a956a30762db7c66.JPG

IMG_0716.thumb.JPG.81cc651f93ff9bef9c954aafe6851627.JPG

With just  a few minor bits and pieces to complete its time to get her in the water.

IMG_0670.thumb.JPG.cecf45cd50dd71a94bafea88beded6cc.JPG

IMG_0672.thumb.JPG.e01b1121d31407f525ea8209b8539773.JPG

IMG_0681.thumb.JPG.7f5361c77bcabe476dbf4e487406a586.JPG

She has been out of the water for about six months so we will keep her in the slings for a couple of days to let her take up.

Its now about the 20th May so we get her through the lock on the 28th and enjoy the Bank holiday weekend for our first break.

The Bank holiday  turned out to to be a fantastic weekend with no problems with the boat.

We have now used her every weekend to date and plan to do the the same through out the summer with the odd week thrown in for good measure.

This was Phase 5 of the planned 5 winter phases planned for the complete restoration.  we are over the moon with what we have achieved to date but i already have some up grades and modifications for next winter.

If you see us on the river or moored up somewhere please give us a shout. but please don't think you can get away  with  a " nice boat" comment and walk on, that is just the trigger for me to start telling you all about the last five years, many a weary boater has had to be rescued by my wife with the phrase "Robin let them go they have got a life to be getting  on with"

I hope you have enjoyed our  restoration and we plan to be back next winter with the upgrades.

Robin & Chris  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Like 14
  • Love 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 11 months later...

I saw kingfisher up at coltishall in early june. I saw her by the Norfolk mead mooring, then she came up to the lock where I was moored but you’d gone again by the time I came back from a walk. I commented to my friend what a beautiful boat, stunning. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

For details of our Guidelines, please take a look at the Terms of Use here.