There's a hole in my bucket dear Lisa, a hole (now fixed)!

[ianj99]

Slurry blasting by Marine Blast of Dunoon exposed a couple of small holes in my 33yr old Bruce Roberts ketch, which needed a 'spot' of welding - see photos.

Fortunately Mr Google came up with Magus Woolf from Ardrishaig and he did a great job at short notice and was affordable. 3 coats of epoxy, 2 of primer and 3 of AF and she was ready to hit the water again.

The front section was a result of poor drainage of the chain locker and the other due to leaks at some stage from the heads plumbing.

The third photo is the loo discharge pipe after 30years - glad I never used it for any solid waste!!

Thanks to Craig and the guys at Portavadie marina for lifting her out and sorry the hoist burst a hose returning her to the water - she's a heavy old girl.

This was my first visit to Portavadie marina and I found the facilities excellent, the staff friendly and helpful and it is a lovely sheltered spot, free from traffic noise and unlike Tarbert, also from commercial vessels traffic. I would recommend a visit by anyone heading up Loch Fyne - great restaurant and bars as well - both reasonably priced.

 

[uxb]

That's a ****ty looking pipe.....

 

[NormanS]

If you didn't use the loo for "solid waste", what did you use?

Repair looks good.

 

[TQA]

That is the beauty of steel. Repairs are quick and easy and the finished job should be as strong as the original.

 

[ianj99]

That is the beauty of steel. Repairs are quick and easy

Yes, sadly a liveaboard couple whose converted fishing boat needed more than a couple of planks replacing, have had to give up their home and move back onto dry land due to the actual repair cost estimated to be in the region of £20 to £30k.

The worst part for me, was having to 'dismantle' the forecabin and heads floor. I was particularly impressed with way Magnus cut all of the radiused corners in both hull and 4mm plate with an angle grinder and 1mm blade and then them needing negligible dressing to fit. The welding on both sides is first class but Magnus did say, that for strength, he was not going to grind the exterior welding flush so the repair is visible from inside and out. This is fine with me as I have no plans to sell her so the appearance is not relevant.

Ian