Well, it has been a few weeks since I last wrote anything...thanks Trevor for chasing me up!

So, what have we achieved since my last post?  We have stripped out pretty much all of the interior, including the engine.  So now we can see and assess all the hull.  So far nothing too nasty but we have found that most of the ribs require work, and the engine bed needs replacing.

Work is slow, it takes almost a day to refit one rib.  First you have to remove the old rob, or part rib, assuming you are replacing.  If just sistering, then just any bolts etc that might be in the way have to be removed.  Then the new rib section has to be prepared and fitted.  First it has to be bent to shape, (a great advantage of working in the tropics...the sun does all the heating!) clamped to a former. Then cut and bevelled if needed.  Finally bolted into place and each plank screwed up tight to fit.  

We are using HDPE, a plastic, because we can’t source appropriate wood here in St Lucia.  I did consider using stainless steel, but it is very expensive and much harder to secure the planks onto.  I am concerned about different flex and expansion properties, but the research I have done suggests it will be okay, time will tell.

I will try and post more regular reports....

Fair winds.