This week is all about
"THE PERGOLA ! "
The original jig (see last week's blog) proved to be seriously under-rated. With major strengthening needed to support the Nydiaplast sheets so they wouldn't buckle in the centre. So after cleaning out the local timba supplier, we had a jig ready to fit the sheetz 2. The damn thing is "massive" I had no idea just how big it'd be. It wasn't until the sheetz were fitted that the size became apparent. Even seasoned Yotting veterens were remarking at the shear size of the basic structure. However after glassing, then trimming the waste
This week has been a little WET so this has led to lotz of thyme to work on the pergola as the yard work has slowed to a trickle. There is lotz of work 2 do on a 47ft hitchhiker catamaran thatz on the big cradle and a 33ft yacht on the small cradle, but the weather godz have stepped in to make outside work almost impossible. Not that I'm complaining, as the pergola has gone from an idea on a sheet of paper to a visual reality. Itz taken hours of "glassing" and sanding to get to the stage we have reached. The whole roof weighs about 50-60 kg's which is incredible as a year ago this size roof would have weighed twice as much.
Several supports have been glassed onto the roof structure to provide strength and rigidity. The final placement of the solar panelz has turned out to be critical to the design stage, as the supportz need to be fitted to both strengthen the roof and mount the solar panels.
The yotting thing is really starting to come together, with a real thyme line beginning 2 appear. Brother Mark will be here in june for the Townsville 400 (V8's). Shortly after I'll be heading south towards Sydney for the Bathurst round of the V8's in October. I may not make it all the way to Sydney but I intend to give it a real go. Big Ash has been in contact this week during a cyclone break from the rig, also Mr Mick rang to organise a fishing trip. Brad and Carl didn't catch much on their fishing trip out from Two Rocks.It looks like
If all goes to plan I'll spend more of this year travelling and fishing than I do building. That is if all goes to plan.
Friday's lunch this week was a huge serve of Spagetti Bolognaise with grilled garlic and herb bread. Zero complaints!
I really am beginning to feel at home on the YOT with the land becoming more and more a convenience than a necessity. The new generator has now arrived and should be installed this weekend giving me total control over my power production,once the pergola is fitted I'll have the generator plus 7 solar panels, 2 wind generators and also the 2 alternators on the outboards giving me more power sources that I should ever need.
It truly seem's that life is on the improve a should only get better from here."Finga's crossed in anticipation "(wkoa).
Thatz all from FNQ 4 this week
Captain Felix
