Ready for hauling out 21/03

Among other things we want to do when we haul out is the fitting of a bronze water strainer over our engine water intake. We managed to find a suitable strainer fitting in Cairns but, would you believe it, they had no bronze screws and said they couldn't obtain any. Suggested ss screws for a timber hull below the waterline! No, no, no!! So, we managed to find a classic yacht supplier down south who has sent us 6 screws absolutely gratis.

He is Mike Watson (a fellow Kiwi) and his business website is http://www.classic-boat-supplies.com.au/ Great service.

We have also found a shipwright who can do the job, but won't be as good as Noel!! And no red lead available in Oz. Such a backward country!! We will build up under the fitting with a local Queensland hardwood (Ash) to achieve a flat surface and then mount the strainer. Will have to make do with underwater primer. We feel the need to do this because of the level of polution in SE Asia - plastic bags etc etc.

That's all for now

Cheers from us...........