Back in the water

After four long days of work we were ready to go back in the water with nearly, if not all, the jobs done.

While Eddie and I sorted out a multitude of jobs from rigging to refitting the toilet we must also say a big thank you to Morgan Marine. Not just for the jobs they did but for the help and assistance they gave us making it possible for us to get so much done. Everyone in the yard was so helpful, lending tools, giving advice and being so easy to work with. Thanks to Ric and Steve Morgan, the bosses, Mat and Will the engineers, Ross who has made a 26 year old hull look like new, Andy for finding the parts and Gary for such delicate manoeuvring with the transporter. Also thanks to Volspec and Mat their engineer for fitting and commissioning the engine and finally Richard from Clear to Sea, for the stripes and lettering complimenting Ross’s work on the hull.

We went back in the water around 10am on Monday taking her out into the estuary to commission the new Volvo D1-30 engine. The Max prop had been refurbished by Darglow but fitting was down to us. If you have never fitted one before it’s not straight forward so well done Eddie for getting it back on. The performance was slightly better than predicted with 3000rpm max revs giving 7 knots and a cruising speed at 2200rpm nearly 6 knots.

After about an hour on the water we returned to the Morgan pontoon where she will stay until the 30th, when weather permitting Eddie and I joined by Roger will sail her back to the Axe in Devon ready for the final few jobs, a good clean, provisioning and then the off mid May.

 

 

Re fit, the final session

Back up to Brightlingsea for 5 days to complete refit, re launch, commission the engine and test the rig. Looking forward to getting on the water as I bought her ashore and haven’t had her in the water yet.

I’ve not said anything about the boat yet. For those who don’t recognise her from the photo.  Sancler is a Moody Eclipse 33 built in 1989. She has a masthead rig with roller furling genoa and in mast furling main which should make for more relaxed sailing. Included in the refit has been the fitting of a deck ring to rig a second forestay and fly a storm jib when necessary. We also have a cruising chute for those balmy down wind days!!!

She has a pilot house giving the ability to sail/motor from a protected inside position which we may be very happy with should we meet some rain in Scotland, or anywhere. Some may call her a motor sailer I prefer a sailer motor’er, as the pilot house is quite low, not much more than a raised coach roof. The hull is basically a Moody 34 which is a good sailing hull so combined we have a good sailing yacht with the comforts of a pilot house. I also went for a bilge keeler as wanted the freedom to dry out when ever we need to but also the shallow draft will be ideal for a cruise down through the French canals some time in the future.