Today was spent detailing the aft generator. Chad and I were both full on scrubbing and cleaning today. All contaminants are being removed using de-greaser, wire brushes and clean rags. After it is painted it will get a white glove test (white glove being a clean white rag). Oil or water leaks observed after painting will be logged in the defect list and should be corrected immediately.

Cleaning is also well underway on the forward generator. A significant ammount of oil is visible in the drip pan. The plan is to clean, inspect, paint and identify any leaks.

The generator oil supply and drain hose, which is located at the bottom of the oil pan, broke off and recontaminated the oil drip pan while it was being cleaned. The oil was contained for the moment but the hose needs to be changed. The oil will need to be drained in order to change the hose since there is no cut off valve immediately after the oil pan. When the hose is changed a valve will be installed.

Sonny has put the primer coat on the repair job on the exterior of the boat and continued with painting engine room. The paint being used is very strong and the vapors have permeated throughout the boat. Time will dissipate any odors but I will be prudent and ventilate all areas of the vessel.

All workers have been used for half a day for the last few days. This has allowed me for better management of the projects at hand.

Pictures are not available today because of camera issues. I dropped it in the bilge. It is a simple thing that ruins the best laid plans. I will roll with it, besides the final product will be that more impressive.

Aug 12, 2010

Generator frame project is near end.
Everything is bolted down and new fuel lines are in the process of being replaced. This includes new fuel lines for the forward generator as well. All of the fuel lines need to be replaced.

The hoses were found at a distributor in the area. Keep a note for future reference. This place was very helpful and beats any local price so far.
Hydraulic supply co
2601 sw 2nd ave
Ft. Laud. 33315-3115
954-463-6460

‎

They have a very liberal return policy so I got a few extra pieces I might need. Hopefully I can make just 1 return trip for a refund, instead of several trips.

Began cleaning aft generator. All contaminants, loose paint and rust will be removed or neutralized. Particular attention is being paid to the areas were steam cleaners will not touch, such as any of the electrical. Once cleaned, it needs to be painted. This will help identify the source of any leak, and it will look great.

Picked up some of the generator pieces that were painted by sonny. The control box will be mounted tomorrow after cleaning

Sonny began the first coat of fairing on the exterior starboard side. He brought his own application tools and saved us the money of purchasing it.
I told Sonny that I would be winding down the project next week in preparation for guests. I will only need him a few days a week and I will schedule him in advance.

I will work on the expense report and pictures tonight.

Aug 11, 2010 continued

After much thought, I have decided on a new strategy. Close projects and prepare boat for guests by the 20th of August. The reason for changing my strategy is as follows:

• Doing the through holes, and replacing the rudder shaft bolt may prove far more time consuming then I originally thought. Bolts are already free spinning. One of the factors it is free spinning may be due to corrosion along with the amount of torque needed to spin the nut free.
• Every project that has been tackled has consumed more man hours then originally thought. One of the reasons for this is as simple as a rusted nut and bolt, versus a lubricated nut and bolt. The lubricated nut can take as little as 17 seconds to remove. The rusted bolt could require cutting. Depending on the thickness and location of said nut and bolt, this can literally take hours (trust me, I have seen it happen too many times).
• Once projects are begun, they must be committed to. There is no knowing how much damage and repair must be done to resolve the problem until the project is under way. Call it exploratory surgery. I can't give any answers until I see what I'm dealing with.
  
• Availability of material will not be known until the project is also under way. This has proven to be a consideration. Everything we need is available, for a price. The secret is to find a balance between what you need and what you want and how much your willing to pay for it. Bottom line: Saving money takes time.
• If you plan to be here on the 30 of August and use the boat, it must be ready. 10 days minimal would be prudent to leave as a trial period of all systems. This would allow for the testing of air conditioners, water maker, navigation system, steering, propulsion, jet ski, tender, and lets not forget weather.

Things can always go wrong. Preparation is great medicine.

I will have your boat as safe and as ready as I can make it By August 30th.

Aug 11, 2010 continued

Generator frame primed and painted.











Insulating the frame with a rubber membrane.
This, along with the generator being bolted to the plywood serves to dampens vibration














1'' thick marine grade plywood, that has been primed and painted, is used between the the generator and frame.














Mounting holes are measured then drilled through wood and aluminum frame















Frame before receiving generator


























Generator is in place



























Genny being bolted in place.













You can very easily stick your hand under the generator frame. This allows access for inspection of fuel tanks and fuel lines.

Aug 11, 2010

The generator is bolted in place. Access is available all around the generator.
This will make any future projects to be done on the fuel tank , generator or air conditioner pumps a lot easier. The additional room will leave little excuse if proper maintenance is not done. Everthing is now easy to access.

Aug 10, 2010

The generator is in place after a long day.
pictures and further details will be posted tomorrow.
I am confident of the strength of the new design. It far exceeds the limitations of the the previous frame.
Sonny did not work today. He will be back tomorrow or the day after.

Aug 9, 2010

Frame getting a protective coat of paint
















































Forward raw water pump with new wiring and connectors
























New junction box








Aft water raw water pump before re-wiring.