and how the Captain looks while at work~
Monday, July 26 2010
Nothing has changed since we've been out cruising the US in our motor home this past month, which I suppose is a good thing. The new windows are still there and looking great. Tom can not wait to get back to concentrating on finishing up the pilot house and remaining windows.
There is a very sad abandoned house boat in the back of the yard which the owners have given us permission to remove the rails and ladders before they demolish her. Ah another task for Tom before winter hits. I believe the rails & ladders will look wonderful on our boat deck.
Friday, June 18 2010
Four years ago Toms wish was to alter this boat into a true pilothouse trawler and it’s coming to life right before my eyes. The stationary windows are in and now it’s on to the 3 hinged windows. Works in progress, we’ve yet to settle on which hinges or closures – but that’s half the fun, right – shopping. It’s shaping up to be one awesome pilothouse. Tom continues to amaze me; his attention to detail and patience are remarkable.
This is Eric, we believe he is the kindhearted soul that retied our tarp this winter when it tried to blow off. He was going to splash his houseboat today, so we’ll miss his tender neighborly care. Happy motoring Eric.
We’ll be taking a little break next month, its road-trip time for July 4th. See you again in August when our vessel transformation continues.
June 6 2010
Tom just returned from installing two more stationary windows in the pilot house. He was able to park the motor home along side the boat and it's amusing to see both of our 'babies' side-by-side. The keel was also sanded down nice and smooth.
May 20 2010
Who knew we'd have to wait 2 months for a weather window - yes even with the boat being on the hard we had to wait to do our work. During these past few weeks Tom has been at home designing, planning and fabricating the windows for the pilot house in the garage. (Polyester resin has a very strong smell). We've had lots of discussions about the sizes, shapes, material, latches & hinges and came up with great custom windows. We decided NOT to put in a new door on the starboard, but rather utilize the small door at the rear of the pilot house. We will still need access from the boat deck to the aft deck, but that's on our future drawing board. With the motor home parked right in front of the boat Tom was able to work long days and get the 3 windows across the back of the pilot house done. I make it all sound so simple, but believe me working with the raw materials, actually having to form windows, frames, cut the plexiglas and secure them properly to the boat took many long hours of planning and doing. Tom hopes to get the other 4 fixed windows done within the next few weeks as well as the 3 hinged windows. We'll be installing two porthole windows and finishing the small door at the rear of the pilot house too. With these new windows now in place Refugio is taking on a new look and it's exciting to watch the redesign.
