During the school term's Spring Break in 2011, we hauled out to see what we had. One of our friends had dived on MERGANSER the previous June/July and commented that other than some muscles/barnacles on the bottom, she looked really good - and so did the zincs. But now it was time!
Welsh Marine, in Blaine, WA did the haul out. We were quite happy with service we received, and grateful to our friends Richard and Nan for allowing us to stay with them for a few days while we finished things up.
First we needed to remove the back stays so we can get the travel lift near enough.
We weren't sure if the back bar of the travel lift would clear the back
stays while still allowing us to get the lifting straps where we wanted
them. You can see the straps in the water.
Next we wrapped MERGANSER around and back, so she is just above the straps, and the straps are just where we want them. Mind you the tide is falling during all this.
See the tiller and rudder start to go over? We just made it, with a little help from soft mud!
And up she rises!
This is our first look at her underwater profile. Just what we expected, and she doesn't look too bad considering we aren't sure when her last haul out was.
Taking a closer look at how things are put together. Just near the strap you can see the "divers special" zinc plate. At first we thought there were tubs running from it to the prop and shaft. While MERGANSER was in the water we couldn't figure it out. Once out the water it became apparent these weren't tubes but straps, and was the bonding system, as there is really no way to put a zinc caller on the prop shaft.
The guys broke for lunch, and our crew did, too. The kids were there for everything, and the yard was very impressed with them. Way to go, kids! Impressing people once again!
When we came back from lunch, they had pressure washed MERGANSER, set her on stands and had even started painting her bottom. These guys move. Next to her is a Westsail 32 (blue bottom). The undersides are similar but each a different design.
Here are some close ups of the freshly painted and new zincs bottom.
Prop and bonding.
Forefoot
One of my projects was replacing a through hull valve. So I climbed aboard with the ladder here. By the way, our cat was excited to see me and she stayed aboard the entire haul out, no problem.
The painting is done as this point, and is just setting up.
Good views of the under-body of MEGANSER. The Westsail 32 is still next to her (to starboard).
To port is a fin-keeled sailboat. Teacha L is inspecting the work.
One of the things that impressed us was that Mr. Walsh was willing to return after dinner to launch us so that we would catch the right tide and avoid another day in the yard. He's a really nice guy!
Here is how the straps connect for those of you who may be wondering.
And down she goes.
Almost there.
MERGANSER back in her element.
We don't have any pictures of Mr. Walsh and Rev J balancing on the boomkin re-attaching the backstays. There is always some humor if one is looking for it, and if one is willing to be a little self-effacing. But no one got wet, nor did we drop a tool overboard (knock on wood).
Teacher L and Rev. J took MERGANSER across the entrance to her slip before returning to our hospitable hosts. It felt like she flew! A good clean bottom sure makes a difference!
