Coding for the commercial use of the Trawler as a research and charter vessel requires a list of additions from the MCA MGN 280. The first of these additions are the, Grab Rails. They were ordered and have arrived for me to fit.

These Grab Rails, will be fitted at critical positions for support in rough water. The wooden rails are for the saloon, we’re guest and crew may muster. The steel rails are for the fly bridge, where harnesses can be fixed to them for crew and passengers to prevent falling overboard in rough water.

The job will require myself and another as the fittings must be made through the grp. On person must hold the fitting on one side and another drill and bolt from the other.

These particular grab rails were found on eBay and were less expensive than rrp. If that’s not a pretty grab you are looking on the wrong rails.

Removing the residue of the symbols and lettering on the vessel was more tasking than polishing the entire clear hull twice. It was done over three days to sustain a good quality finish without damaging the vessel or equipment. The residue required shifting with repeated application of the polisher and heavy duty wash and wax solution, to lift it from the hull.

There was perminant staining on the stern transom. The heat of the sun had burned in discolouring on the GRP under the vynol lettering.

As the staining would not be moved with the polisher, the first option was to leave it. The slight yellow however, revealed the lettering of the previous name which might confuse crew or other people. It was better to hide or remove it.

The second option was to cover the transom in a coloured vynol: white, black, or green, it wouldnt matter, as long as the name was covered. This was attractive at the possibility of including a design of some kind, like a mermaid or red lips, at the placing of it.

The third option is most practical and the one to be used if possible: this is to place a new panel on the transom with the ladder removed to insert a gate door stern entrance.

The GRP Hull is ready for polishing, cleared of all previous labels and designs.

The polished hull will need to be treated after polishing to strengthen stressed spots.

As the vessel stands; she is a mighty, mucky white.

The new, Boiler B3, has replaced the cracked one which was expected to start leaking.

Leaving the cracked boiler in use, there was a high risk of water flowing out the tank. If that happened: the bulk head and it’s contents would erode more quickly, causing more maintenance fees. There was also the risk of water damage to contents or even consistent flooding when left unmanned. A flooded bulkhead can cause a vessel to sink.

For these reasons the boiler was prioritised to be changed before adding many updates, though it was only cracked.

The application of three coats over 3 days made the finish even.

The colour and wood stain worked better than a transparent varnish like wood skin. The sanded skirts of the boats were a mix of shades and a full body coloured stain was needed to protect them, as the trawler waited outdoors for refurbishing in the shed. The different shades of the skirts would otherwise appear through the transparent varnishes and the job would appear messy.

Wood rot spread after the collision of a neighbouring yacht into the starboard beam and wood of the trawler, in 2016. The rot was amplified by the dry docks sun, without varnish protection and dissolved wood stain.

The rotten wood has been replaced with new beams and fitted into the decking of, TandEadapt. To preserve the new beams and remaining original ones. Woodskin varnish, with its glossy and amber like finish, is the first option here. Despite the more difficult lengths of application. The job of Varnishishing is being planned for a protected coat before the trawler goes into a boat shed for further updates.