Author: frederic - page 133

Aquarel – Change of plans

14th May 2013 – Weather is no good, to much wind. This means we are not leaving tomorrow. I did go to see the boat, check everything and charged the batteries a little more. While I was there, I fixed a few more issues that could become more of problem during the journey.

People told me the boat is stuck in the mud. I had a similar feeling, but this is not true. By undoing some more ropes, she moved forward and in reverse by hand!

Aquarel – Having a go on the engine

9th May 2013 – Together with a friend we managed to start the engine. It took some time. Besides the usual problems, there are a few more leaks then expected and no cooling. (Later I would discover she is totally grounded at the engine room)

The steering is changed. It is now longer allowed to have a contra steering (also called in Dutch ‘Engels stuurwerk / English steering’).

Aquarel – Fueling up the system

7th May 2013 – The Watergeus has plenty of fuel left from the last journey. I brought ten empty Jerry cans and filled them up. Together with start pilot and batteries, I drove to Ghent to unload it on the boat. I think I will need around 150 liters for a six hour journey. I’ll try to take double to be sure. I don’t want to call a tug….

Aquarel – Extending the workshop area

2nd May 2013 – One of the many plans is to create a big workshop for myself. I’ve cut a hole in the wall between the master bedroom and the storage room. I can now walk around the boat without having to go outside. Since they are talking about rain next week, I believe this is a good move.

Aquarel – She is mine!

1st May 2013 – The owner gave me they keys of the Aquarel. She is mine!. From a great happy feeling of now owning the boat, it quickly turns into a more realistic feeling: how and where to start.

She is converted, but the conversion is not what I need. Even if I would like to have a second houseboat, she is not converted to any standard. Barely any insulation, a lot of lost space, wrong materials used, humidity problems, etc..

Hornblower – A visit from Anna

18th April 2013 – Since I have a table in the wheelhouse, we decided to eat on the Hornblower. A close friend came and we had a good meal! She liked it, I was looking at all the work that still needs doing. After two years of heavy work, I realize I still need to do a lot of things. Instead of talking of years, it is now a mater of months. When I bought the Hornblower, I always said it will take me three years and I’m not far off!

Hornblower – Oiling the mast

17th April 2013 – Probably the last day of nice weather. I oiled the little mast and the doors of the ship. Most of the outside is now protected. I can start to concentrate on the inside again. It is surprising that after one winter the wood was looking so neglected. I oiled it with two coats last September….

Hornblower – Paint jobs

15th April 2013 – Some more metal on the outside had to be painted. I’ve painted the railing and the remaining items after cleaning them. The whole ship starts to look good.

It is nice to have nice weather. It is was late, but still a clear sky. I’ve started putting the inside of the wheelhouse in primer.

Wondering around….

7th April 2013 – Sometimes, I would forget I still have a boat with lots of work. The weather was nice, so I finished most of the paintwork (primer) aboard the Hornblower. The wheelhouse is starting to look tidy as well. A few more weeks and she is ready 😉