Project Dredgersaurus – Grime busting
Project Dredgersaurus – Grime busting
by: Peter A.
There has been satisfying progress on a number of fronts since my last mutterings, namely, pressure washing of both the fibreglass cabins and the boat. We have sent the metal cabin fittings away for shot blasting and priming. The broken window now has new laminated glass, a straightened frame and just awaits delivery of some mastic tape to complete the repair. The starter motor has received a deep clean, we just need to make it work again! There has been chippy activities with respect to new doors for the cabins.
All the cabins are now devoid of metal parts and have had the loose paint and grime washed off the interiors. So, interior decorating can commence when the paint, staff and the weather are in alignment.
Attention has also been given to the repair and preparation requirements for the exterior of the fibreglass. As of today, we now have the materials to undertake this work right up to the top coat(s) of paint. Again, another fair weather job, although yard dust may be an issue.
A journey deep into the depths of the starter motor, primarily to remove silt residues and inspect for corrosion has begun. Testing following reassembly has still to be completed.
We have been very fortunate in being able to borrow a steam cleaner for the attack on the interior of the boat. However, steam cleaning in a sealed plastic suit when it is 26 degrees and sunny is just a tad challenging! Not a lot of cleaning water is used, but plenty drunk! The oil/water/dirt residues have been pumped from the bilges into bulk containers, which will be processed in the appropriate way. The job was finally completed this morning when the exterior surface mud on the hull was blasted off. This is a major step forward in getting the boat ready for the much more satisfying ‘making good’ stages.
With a few days of hot sun and no rain, the last of the solids in the bilges can be gathered up and the areas left clean.
When the cost codes are in place for the project, we will be able to purchase some of the more expensive items, primarily associated with the JCB jib refit. Steady and satisfactory progress is being made on many fronts, but (Bob) it will take as long as it takes to do the job right!
