Month: November 2015

29th November 2015 – The engine room is the only area I haven’t touched. Time to clean it out, fill the engine with anti freeze, close all the cranes to the water circuits and to make a list of things that can go. I closed the floor again. The engine is covered in some blankets and looking down, it is clean. At least one area…

I noticed most of the smell is gone in the main hold. There is still some rubbish around, but I’m making progress.

27th November 2015 – I removed the toilet, massurator and sink to clean the fuel from underneath. The plumbing behind was no good anyway, so I just pulled it out fo the wall. At least, I have now seen most of the ship in it’s bare metal.

26th November 2015 – A few hours more cleaning. There is still more diesel in the bilges then expected. Sometimes you wonder where it is coming from.

22nd November 2015 – Cleaning the ship by removing insulation and wood. An easy job where you don’t have to think. From the moment you start thinking on how much work needs doing, you kill yourself. It’s a phase you have to go through.

14th November 2015 – In winter time, boats get green and moldy. When the ship is painted white, something I would never do, you notice it much quicker. Therefore it took us two hours to clean her. She now looks white again, but for how long?

And this is how she looked before…

12th November 2015 – I had a few hours spare so I continued removing the old paneling and insulation. Nothing special, just work. While doing so, I realised how much work it will take to rebuild the interior. From a small project to a major conversion…

The current outdated interior looks simple, but it worked. Sadly enough, after being passed through several owners it was damaged during every conversion or adaptation. The main criticism on the previous conversion is the electricity. Loose wires with tapes or unprotected connected with blocks. I was surprised there had not been any fire.

While being aboard, you start dreaming, making plans and also realising none of them are going to happen. The idea that you have a certain potential with a ship is so nice, you should enjoy it.

11th November 2015 – I finished my first set of plans. It looks more like a children’s drawing then a serious plan. I will nearly change the whole concept from the current situation . Water tanks and bathroom will be at the front of the ship, followed by a bed, table and chairs. At the entrance is the kitchen area. Like a friend said, it is easy on paper…

4th November 2015 – My mother came to see the ship. She realizes like everybody else, there is a lot of work that needs doing. It is not exactly a ship I’m proud of at the moment.

3rd November 2015 – A friend came to say hello. It was warm, so we sat outside and had a drink, just enjoying the new ship. Sitting inside is still impossible because of the fuel smell. I will try to remove some of the interior next week.

1st November 2015 – Just continued for a few more hours removing the floor and measuring the ship. There is metal left then expected and this good news. The deck between the accommodation and the old wheelhouse is still there. This is good news. Less welding, and something to start from.