In one
of my previous posts Manufacturing Items In The Workshop March 2018, you will see that I had constructed the sliding hatch, however
the manufacture and fitting of the various other component parts that make up
the sliding stocks and panels that close off the companionway, proved to be
very time consuming. I decided to use nylon runners screwed to the hatch sides
as opposed to hardwood; my train of thought considered that the contact between
the differing materials would result in less friction and therefore a reduced
likelihood of wear between these and the sliding stock grooves.
There
are hardwood inner and outer guides fixed to either side of the companionway
bulkhead that form grooves for the panels to sit in, however I considered that
there would be a potential problem of water collecting and flooding the lower
groove. My solution was to glue in a thin insert of hardwood into the bottom, the
profile worked to direct the water towards two drainage slots cut in the aft face of
the bottom guide.
You
will see from previous posts that I have panelled the aft face of the
companionway bulkhead in sapele, I had for some time mulled over in my mind
that the outer face of the companionway panels might look aesthetically
unappealing if painted; this became immediately apparent once they were slotted
into place. I therefore continued the hardwood boards onto the plywood panels, taking
care to line through the grooved joints to maintain continuity.
Note the
drainage slots cut into the bottom guide
The companionway
panels in place. I plan to fit a bronze star
in the centre of the featured
upper panel (for good luck!)
Other
work undertaken included the fitting of the rudder, mainsheet transom horse, constructing a platform in the
starboard locker to support the auxiliary fuel tank complete with retaining
straps and a plug in point for the motor alternator wiring feed to the battery to allow
quick disconnection and removal of the motor.
To
achieve a professional looking fuel tank installation, it was necessary for the
fuel delivery pipe to pass through the bulkhead forming the aft face of the locker.
To maintain its water tightness, I fitted a rubber bellow Witches Hat, the sort
of thing you would commonly see fitted to a steering wheel or a gear stick, this
provides an excellent neat looking flexible seal.
Note on the
port side the alternator plug in point for battery charging
The stowed auxiliary
fuel tank showing the Witches Hat
for the fuel delivery pipe
