My Boat Is Now Afloat

[BlowingOldBoots]

The Rival was launched today after being out the water for the last 2 1/2 years. The tanks were finally cleaned, the inspection hatch seats cleared of old silicon and new neoprene gaskets cut and the hatches fitted. Once launched only one tank was commissioned and bunkered with 235 litres of new fuel with 60 mili litres of Soltron. Topped up the engine coolant, opened the raw water inlet, checked the exhaust outlet seacock,turned the key and the big Perkins fired up instantly. It has always been a good starter but after 2 1/2 years I was a bit surprised, the key was literally turned and it started, no cranking. The motor ran for about 15 minutes before revving up and then spluttering to a stop as the inevitable air in the system worked through. After removing the air she started running smoothly. Just one dribble from the stern gland, so that required a bit of greasing and that was that. Just got to hook up the VHF antenna, the tricolour and the anemometer (the mast was raised without fitting them - stupid me), check the electrics and off I go to Cairnbaan for 2 months. I also need to fix the spray hood leg and fit the hood.

[mm5aho]

The best place for a Rival is in the water! Nice to see Contender's big sister back in the right environment.

We'll wave, on our way past Cairnbaan next Tuesday or Wednesday, on our way to St Kilda (race) via Oban and Lochmaddy.

Anyone else heading that way then?

[BlowingOldBoots]

Best of luck in the race. I was going to head off early today but I was knackered so have delayed until Monday.

[wully]

Got mine in the water today

Got an air leak in the diesel supply but

So tomorrow I'll be heed doon erse up and covered in ferkin diesel

[wully]

I HATE DIESEL.

At least the motor now starts and runs. And I'm half way to being a sailing boat.

Duty calls this weekend but if the weather stays fair I'm off for a yotty pub crawl next week .

[BlowingOldBoots]

Today I fitted VHF antena, tricolour, anemometer all up the mast, installed a new deck penetration for the cables and filled the holes from the old pair of deck glands, wired up the instruments and VHF, installed the battery charger and wired that up, commissioned the shore power system and bled air out of the pressurised waster and got that working, cut the cockpit locker floor panel to fit around the new gas pipe installation. I just need to get the spray hood port tube base plate remounted, then clean up the interior and get going. Then there is all the small stuff, you know the score, the last 10% takes 90% of the time.

[BlowingOldBoots]

Arrived at Cairnbaan and A and R Way have started the internal joinery.

The transit up to Cairnbaan was rather pleasant, for £15 we used the services of Hugh, who was very fit for his 77 years. He prepared the locks and took the lines, easy money and well spent as the day was hot and humid. A few boats ahead of us and a couple behind as well.

A few observations: a full escorted transit, which is not mandatory, is run by 'The Yachtspot' costs £60; the team at the start are very young (or I am old) and were not aware of the price menu, I wanted the two months but they said they could only offer me monthly, so I will have to address this higher up the chain; the waiting pontoon at Ardrishaig was full of boats that were clearly not waiting, I had to raft up overnight against a wee fishing boat.