July

Our rudder is back in place again. We cut off the wooden shaft and replaced it with a steel shaft. Mostly so that the shaft could be inspected if it ever needed to be. It doesn't affect how the rudder works and doesn't put any extra force on the steering gear.

 This is how we put this new shaft in. Through the roof! When you don't have enough space to put it in you just need to cut a hole. It all works.

 Shaft all greased up as we set it down through all of the rudder stock. Messy.....

 But Warren doesn't mind. An experienced mechanic is pretty used to grease.

 The start of the steering gear fits well

 The steel frame around the gear will make it sturdy. Reassuring while out to sea.

 We welcomed a new daughter in law on July 13. Congratulations to our son, Sheamus and his lovely bride, Jaime. We had the wedding here in our field and it was a beautiful  day with lots of family and friends.

 The deck is now all finished.

Putting in the final pieces in the bow.

Raising the cabin sides. We had to do it in parts so we routered  the pieces and put in a tenon. 

Caulked and seam sealer. So that we can put the steering gear in permanently. 

Foremast  hole.

 Steering gear with hydraulics. Yippee!

Scroll work starting on the bow.

A little look from the bow aft. It's been a busy couple of months. We are still waiting to put the top pieces on the fuel tanks. It has either been hot and dry of pouring rain. Neither are great for welding. 

We have had some visitors the last week or so. From Ontario and Newfoundland  and New Brunswick  and today a couple from Texas stopped by with their relatives who live locally.