Island Missions Support: Update: Progress Report

Eric using patterns to build the walls for the shop

Another work trip in progress! Insulating of the the wood shop is now complete except for the overhead section where future welding repairs will need to be done. Building the walls is very tedious and slow as nothing is square (very common in boats) and everything needs a custom pattern for accurate measurements and fits. After the walls are fitted, they are removed and a coat of Kilz primer is painted on the backs. Once the primer is dry, they are screwed into place.

Eric:
"Finally cutting something besides R Board insulation! Fitting up the walls in the forward area. 1/2" Douglas Fir plywood. Being marine work nothing is square. You can't use a level and many "straight" edges are actually curved. Makes for slow going fits. That's why we generally have to build accurate patterns for each panel. Once a wall is fit it all comes off to be painted on the back side and edges before permanent installation. I only want to do this once for as long as we run her.
Install is with stainless screws on wood to wood. On the aluminum frames we drill, tap and install stainless machine screws coated with Teflon anti seize. The idea on a vessel is everything needs to be removable."

Most of the outside of the ship was scrubbed and cleaned while the weather was still warm and Mary continues to clean the forward stateroom in-between other projects. DJ is getting a much needed break for several weeks in the Caribbean helping a friend move their boat.

Each piece of insulation had to be custom cut and fit. Each section for the overhead had three layers and the walls had two.

Building patterns for the walls

The cuts in the deck made by the firemen when they were first trying to put out the fire below decks. We have them covered with gorilla tape right now and will be getting welding equipment after the first of the year to do the repairs.

Cuts in the overhead of the wood shop

DJ working in the engine room before he left for his trip

Cleaning the outside of the ship one section at a time.

*Starboard side (right)

*Port side (left)

*Fore-deck

*Cockpit

The New name of the ship is 'Far Horizons' and will be registered out of Fl. Once we get to the ship yard sometime next year, we will put the new name and home port where the other name is now.