On Dry Land

As we prepared to leave our winter moorings at Viking Marina strong winds picked up and created waves on the canal but we couldn't delay our departure.  Our destination was literally across the canal and into Goole Boathouse where Brent III was booked in for a week on land and some maintenance work.   On arrival at the slipway Brent III was manoeuvred onto a trailer and pulled out of the water.  She immediately had her first treatment, a pressure wash to prepare for blacking the hull.  

Brent III on the trailer being pulled up the slipway.

The trailer was pulled up the yard and we were given steps up to the stern for access.  It took a little while to get used to Brent III being out of water, the trailer was parked on a slight slope which was reflected inside and her lack of movement as we moved about felt odd.   Paul G came on board to assess the work we required on the propeller shaft which we have noticed vibrating.  As we expected all it's components needed replacing including the boss which holds the prop shaft as it passes through the hull.  Paul cut out the boss leaving a precise straight-edged hole for plating.  The replacement parts arrived on Tuesday and Paul carefully aligned them and welded steel plates around the new boss.  Paul explained each step of the process and we were impressed by his attention to detail in the work.  

The shaft, boss and propeller lined up through Paul's hole before welding.

Meanwhile Kev and I prepared for blacking and mixed the hardener into the epoxy pitch. Unfortunately it was a cold day and the blacking thickened into an almost unworkable consistency; this was remedied by standing the tin in a bucket of hot water.   Two days later we were ready to apply a second coat but this time the epoxy pitch was warmed to start with.  

On the trailer after all the work had been completed.  Bess is standing on the back deck waiting for a lift down the steps.

Over the weekend Cath and John of TV fame, after an appearance on Barging around Britain with John Sergent, came to see us before we sailed off and Shaun and Paul came to take our car back to Rotherham.

On Monday morning the trailer was gently rolled back down the slipway and Brent III re-entered the water.   Due to her length and the angle of the slope her stern was almost submerged before she was able to float off.  

Re-entering the water.  A wooden bung was used to plug the exhaust which was submerged.

Back on board we were ready to sail off but once again our first destination was across the canal, back to Viking Marina for diesel.  Then we sailed down to the docks to turn round ready to start this years continuous cruising.  

Heading into Goole Docks to turn round.