GEOFF ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
Tony G,
Thanks for your vote of confidence, Tony. The sub-sole fuel tank is indeed constructed of plywood with two layers of 3/4 oz matt and at least two coats of resin applied over the lot, sanding between coats. I didn't know you could do that either, but the word is, it works if you give the epoxy about 12 weeks to cure. Same with the water tanks. If you fill the tanks before the full cure, the water will be tainted with epoxy taste, but that clears after awhile.
All exposed plywood below decks will be veneered in Tasmanian oak, trimmed with teak and varnished. Some plywood with a decent grain, e.g. underside of doghouse roof, will be epoxied and then varnished.
As far as headroom goes, I didn't place much importance on it. I go below to sleep, eat & poo, all sit down jobs. I spend (or used to spend) most of my time in the cockpit, or the beer garden. My height is or was 5' 10-3/4", since I broke my legs, I am 5' 9-1/2" on my right leg and 5' 10-34" on my left leg. It seems the boat is always listing to port or starboard depending on whether I'm facing forward or aft :)
GEOFF ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
Ebb,
G'day Ebb, yes you can see the slump, starboard side at the stern. It don't slump now, and will never even twitch again. I called her the sick sadistic twisted *****, for awhile, buy only in private :)
I don't know about moving the head aft, I just moved it about 3 feet from portside and a quarter turn to face aft and there it is. The main bulkhead to me is the bulkhead beteen the saloon and forward cabin. It supports the mast. (Well, it does now since I fixed it.)
Thanks for your comments Ebb, I didn't know I was capable of inspiring anyone. I'm just a babe-in-the-woods when it comes to boat building, or any other building for that matter. I did take a carpenter course a few years ago. Signed up to make kitchen cupboards, etc. The teacher said my project was a little ambitious for a first try, so I made a table tennis bat (ping pong paddle - ha).
The cockpit drains are constructed from thick wall plumber pipe and glassed over. Since your comments, I will put another couple of layers of matt over them.
I don't like the idea of a hatch in the cockpit floor. I dont' see what could fly around in there. There will only be the engine and starter battery, both well secured.
I like the idea of a diesel below decks. I have been sitting in UHURU's cockpit up to the chest in white water. I don't know if an outboard would have kept going, and if the engine had stopped, if I would be here to tell the tale. Mind you, I believe she crossed the Pacific with an outboard, and the diesel was fitted in OZ.
About my aft cockpit drains, you say "treat it like the rudder tube." How the hell do you treat the rudder tube?
Reading that last bit, it sounds like a stupid question. Hi Ebb, I'm Pommy Geoff - :)
A NOTE ON THE FIRES DOWN UNDER
Geoff was asked about all the fires raging in Australia.
"The fires are way to the south, NSW (New South Wales) and ACT(?). The whole of NSW is drought declared. As is most of Qld (Queensland). Since this cyclone, the situation has eased, but by no means solved our problems. We've lost our whole population of frogs. They were 2-1/2 years old and couldn't swim. Never seen water in their lives, all gone." :D
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Sept 29, 2003 Letter Con't
"UHURU" is progressing well, albeit very slowly. I've put new windows
in the saloon. Planned to use the existing frames, but on removal they
were rotted and cracked and literally fell apart. So, I filled the gap
in the cabinside with epoxy glue and reinforced the edge with 2-inch
tape all around - two layers inside and out. Then bolted 10mm (just
less than 1/2") perspex (a clear plastic). I used the same method for
the side windows on the doghouse, using 6mm perspex. I don't think it
looks real "flash," but it was comparatively cheap when compared with
new frames and toughened glass. I used a sunlight UV resistant bedding
compound and it is neat but not flash, but super strong.
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Sept 29, 2003 Letter - End
The insulation for the fridge is glassed in place and work has started
on the rails and stanchions. The pushpit will extend around to the
doghouse. It will be possible to have a firm grip on a handrail on top
of the doghouse with one hand, and a grip on a solid rail with the
other. I've had some interesting moments getting back to the cockpit
after reefing, or escaping from an unfriendly anchorage, with just a
wobbly pram hood and a thin wire for the cockpit. She will also have a
targa bar, supporting antennaes and solar panels - two 50 watt'ers.