Today we have sides!!!

Paul just couldn't resist another trip today just to see what was going on.

And we have sides

Paul had to check that every thing was going to plan

All the internal superstructure was being welded in and as we left the floor bearers were being fitted.

There have been deep discussions about the positioning  of the side hatches as we don't want them to conflict with the new paint livery. So Jeff came out of the paint shop and cast his expert eye over the problem in hand and came up with a few suggestions of how to achieve the desired effect. I was a bit concerned, as when you look at the boat now from the stern to the bedroom window there is a very long windowless space and we were in two minds as whether to put in a port hole but Jeff advised us that once the hatches are in it will alter the appearance so there is no need to worry as the sign written panels will give a pleasing effect on the eye.

There has been various measurements taken to see where best to position the engine as the steel man needs to know where to weld in the engine beds. We have to allow enough space  to incorporate the washing machine in this area but still be able to  walk through. Paul will need to chalk it out just to allay any doubts. He will go to the yard when it is quiet and he can spend a few hours on his own with his lump of chalk. He has it in his mind but he just cannot define it until it is marked out on the floor.

Hopefully by this time tomorrow the cabin sides and roof will be in situ but guess what as I write this it is p***ing down in broom handles so work has probably stopped for the day.

It has been suggested that this phase of the stretch could be completed by Friday afternoon however moving the rear bulk head is not going to be as easy as one thought on paper. Once this is removed the boat is going to the other side of the dock and the engine placed in position. It will then be returned to the cutting bed and work will continue to resite the rear bulk head. It should be explained that the side hatch doors are going to be wide enough to allow the engine to be removed at anytime and also the washing machine because at the moment it is confined to the galley with no hope of ever removing it as it appears the galley was built round the washing machine with walkways too narrow for the machine to be removed front or back.