Although we are focusing on prelaunch projects we had to get the davits installed. Davits were not necessary for launch, it was merely a matter of logistics. Our dinghy was in storage two hours away from the boat and Bob’s truck was the only means available for transport so we had to get the davits installed and the dinghy moved before Bob returned home. We ordered the davits from Kato Marine in Annapolis, they were great to work with and the davits are beautiful! The installation instructions were clear and they even supplied us with pictures from other customers with the same boat. 

Attached to the stern rail.

After much measuring, eyeballing and second guessing, I marked and drilled the holes.

…wa-la…two davits installed!

After the davits were in place we installed the rail reinforcing straps.

Then we put on the clam cleats.

After hoisting the dinghy off the roof of Bob’s truck, we took the final measurement for the lateral stabilizer that Kato will manufacture for us. Once the stabilizer is installed we will be done with that project!

Almost done!

Wow I can’t thank Bob enough for all his effort and expertise, we got quite a bit accomplished this week! Right now our focus is getting the boat ready for launch, rewiring the masts, plumbing, seacocks, prop shaft and prop, fuel and engine. Everything is going surprisingly well and the major work is near completion!

Mizzen gooseneck is finished!  We used lots of antiseize compound on the threads in case we need to remove it in the future (hope not).

Still working on the mizzen top but the hard work is done! Bob drilled and tapped the holes and cleaned up a bit. I’ll finish the clean up, install the new sheaves and reinstall the top back on the mast.

We chucked the lectrasan and opted for a simple holding tank. The tank needs to be shored up so we had to grind out some old fiberglass and fairing compound then bolt in a framework, it’s not done but it is well underway.

…the dust from grinding in a confined space is awesome, clean up is even more fun!

Starting the framework.

We rewired the main mast which was no easy task. We had to snake wires to the tricolor/anchor light, wind transducer, steaming light, and two spreader lights simultaneously. One large wire harness proved too difficult so we ended up with two separate wiring harnesses, one for the top wiring and one for the mid. Everything worked out great in the end!

After much thought, discussion, measuring and remeasuring we layed out the new marine grade tinned wire. After the wire was measured and cut we covered it with insulation to keep it from banging around inside the mast. Piece by piece…

Then we zip tied (wire tie) the insulation in place along the wiring harness.

Out with the old wiring.

Adding the final touches to the new harness.

Actually running the new harness up the mast was an involved process to say the least so I didn’t get a chance to take any pictures but…  Wa-la, just like in the home improvement TV shows, 30 minutes later, a new completely finished basement! Now in real life, running the wire to all the different locations kept us busy for quite a while but it all worked out and we have new wire to all the right places!!

Adding one last zip tie.

The mizzen mast is considerably shorter, has less wiring and is open at both ends right now, so it should be a bit easier to wire. We’ll see!