First job was to repair the transom. After grinding out the corner, the crack was only surface deep for the most part (a bit deeper near the top), so it was just a case of some fibreglass matting in the corner, followed by fibreglass paste, which was smoothed and followed by paint. The area cracked was actually the joint between the marine ply we bonded in a month or so ago, and the actual boat. Nothing had been damaged other than the joint. Quite lucky really!
We then decided to check the gearbox oil. Checking this prior to my holiday revealed it was half full with water, most probably from a leak somewhere. However, no water was present this time, so a nice job escaped there!
Finally, we wanted to look at the engine water coolant system. Whilst on holiday the amount of water squirting from the engine had really slowed, to pretty much a drip on the engine idle. Obviously the first check would be to clear the inside of the nozzle and pipe. Dad wiggled some thick wire inside both of them, and then we connected it back up. It worked fantastic. More powerful than I'd ever seen it! What a difference a bit of salt water makes!
Next on the agenda is a new ski pole (probably home made, have you seen the price of these?!?), and some vinyl graphics for the rear of the sides of the boat. Also on the agenda is more usage of the boat as soon as some decent weather comes back!
