Who saw Thyme coming, Inshore 3 Race 3 RPYC

The forecast was light and a plan was hatched to enjoy a sausage sizzle across the start line. Had it been done before? Would it distract the competition….

The day dawned and unexpectedly the wind began to build. The sausages rolled themselves on the grill.

Despite the shenanigans, we had a good start. Suspect the others were over early, but apparently the start boat was drifting backwards…. 

We were lucky we consumed performance enhancing sausages, as the crew needed their energy for a busy day.

We were really impressed to get a 2nd on handicap, thanks to everyone who joined the crew that day, it was loads of fun!

Apologies to Riz for spoiling his chances of taking out Series 3 - who saw that coming….

You can never have too many spares

Craving a BBQ, I was thankful for some foresight on the big issues…

My first stainless welding project was to make a hot plate and grill out of stainless, ensuring the plate would never rust.

The burners on the other hand could not be stainless…. So I bought plenty of spare burners ensuring I could easily replace them when required. 

A five minute job, and now back to more important things….

Now I’m ready for the weekend.

Out and about….

Out and About

Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing–absolutely nothing–half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boat.

As long as it’s not all work and no play that is. To maintain optimum balance, Simon, a work mate and some friends headed out to enjoy the Repentance Day holiday. It was perfect light conditions for a sail to Fisherman’s Island.

Fisherman were scarce despite the effort being high. Rod or mask, there were only minnows to be found.

The day was all too soon over, and back to messing about with boats my friend.

Racing in Fairfax Harbour

Racing in Fairfax Harbour

Was keen to get out on the water with friends and what better way than to join to Royal Papua Yacht Club Sailing Division races. We had an eager crew, the ice and beer was cold, now all we needed was some wind.

Well, the wind didn't arrive.... and being first race in while, enjoying the beer and company, we didn't fly the MPS. The competition did....

So while the results don't reflect the lovely day out, we will be back! 

We'll give those light boats a race when the SE Monsoon kicks in and our days are filled with 20+ knots ;)

Amanda’s favourite boat bit

 Amanda's Favourite Boat Bit

The anchor winch on Thyme has always been my favourite boat bit. Different boats do things things differently, but it always been my job to release the anchor, assess the set and hold, and hopefully bring it back up! Along with that goes marking the chain etc... but thats another story.

So many of our cruising buddies had small and light weight winches and were often experiencing issues in some of the trickier anchorages. I loved that I could always count on the trusty Maxwell HWC2200.

Thank you Simon for giving my good friend a little TLC with a service and grease.

Ohhhh listen to that, like music... said no woman ever, hahaha!

Freedom

Monday morning

Released from another hitch this morning, I couldn't wait to get Thyme out on the harbour and Pat, another Moresby sailor was happy to come along for a ride.

While it was only a light breeze, the sun was out and it felt fantastic to be out on the water.

Our friend Rob from Vitamin C motored past so we called him over to get some photos.

Thyme never missed a beat and I was surprised how easy she is to sail after spending time on Windsong II. I may have been just a little rusty getting her into the berth, but slow and steady did the trick.

Steel boat maintenance

Steel Boat Maintenance

Having spent my career fighting rust, first as an industrial painter, then as a coatings and weld inspector, I am regularly asked question on marine coatings systems.

Thought I would share some of my top tips and some background on Thyme and why she still looks so good. My golden rules to start with are:

• Good surface preparation
• Surface Cleanliness
• Following a manufacturers approved coating system and compatible products
• Following the guidance provided in the manufacturers technical or product data sheet (TDS or PDS)

Here is a history of the paint systems we have used:

Original at the time of construction in 1989, Nelson New Zealand

Contractor - Nicholson Protective Coatings

Fully abrasive blasted inside and out to Class 2.5.

Application of Altex Devoe organic epoxy zinc 302

All welds stripe coated with a high solids epoxy, Altrasheild 2000

Airless application of 2 full coats of Altrasheld 2000

Airless application of Polyurethane 239

Refurbish 2001 Sydney Australia

Contractor - Atlas Abrasive Blasting

Mast removed, Vessel lifted from water and transported to blast yard

Spot blast localised areas above water line where coating breakdown evident, below water abrasive blasted to class 2.5

Spot prime above water, fully prime below water using Altex epoxy polyamide primer 201

Spot prime above water, apply by airless spray of a period of days 240 litres of Altex high solids epoxy 236

Apply 2 full coats of polyurethane to entire vessel above waterline, conventional spray method. New 1.2mm polyurethane non slip deck treadApply 120 litres of Altex ablative antifoul below waterline, ABC3

Refurbish 2011 carried out in Kudat Malaysia

Remove fixed cabin top fixed portlights and hatches. Replace hatches and fit new opening portlights

Prepare and apply 2 coats of Interthane 990 polyurethane to all areas from deck level up

Hand prepare and carry out touchup work on internals where coating breakdown evident such as bilge and under sink areas. Apply 2 coats of high build epoxy Interseal 670

Below water pressure wash sand and apply 3 coats of Sigma ablative antifouling

Maintenance painting always carried out utilising epoxy / polyurethane systems and applied in accordance with manufacturer's technical data sheets

Current Coating Dry Film Thicknesses

Cabin Top Sides - 2000 microns

Decks - 1500 to 2000 microns

Hull Above Waterline - 1000 - 1500 microns

Bilge Areas - 1500 to 2000 microns

Engine Room - 1000 - 1500 microns

Cockpit - 800 - 1000 microns

Below Waterline - expected to be greater than 3000 microns

Here are some pics taken a few weeks ago of the dry film thickness. I've taken some in the bilges and some on the cabin sole and top sides. 

Its fantastic to enlist the help of Amanda in those hard to reach bilges ;)

Always happy to answer any coatings questions!