Debdale Wharf

Yesterday we set off in the early morning gloom from our mooring at Foxton, for the short twenty minute cruise to Debdale Wharf. On arrival the service pontoon was partially blocked by another boat, so we moored between the bridge and the winding hole and went to report our arrival. The hoist used for lifting boats had been faulty last week, and although repaired, it had not been fitted back on the overhead gantry and tested. We therefore had a long wait ahead of us. To cut a long story short we occupied ourselves for the day by, conveying stuff to the cottage we have booked to stay in for the week, and going for walks. Finally, just before closing time they were ready to lift us out. The boat was manoeuvred into the service dock, and after some trial and error lifts the balance was found and out she came. This was the first time we had seen this part of the boat, since it's very beginning in the steel shed. I was pleased how well the hull looked, with virtually no corrosion evident.

       

                                                                  Slowly does it.

       

After spending a night on the blocks, this morning it was time for a thorough pressure wash. Once the hull was clean it was clear to see the current blacking was still in very good condition, so once the zinc treatment has been completed we should be able to maintain the hull, in virtually as new condition.

      

                                                                  Just hanging around.

After this the boat was moved into the grit blasting shed, where the top sides are shielded by a tent structure to protect the gloss finish from the next stage of the treatment. We are having the hull grit blasted from the outside edge of one gunwale, round to the other. Once this is complete the hot zinc spray will be applied to the base plate and hull sides, up to the rubbing strake. The whole hull from the gunwales down will then have a two pack epoxy resin finish.

More pictures of the process will follow as it progresses during the week. Clearly whilst this work is being carried out we have had to move off the boat. We have booked a cottage for the week in Caldecott near Rutland.

       

       

                                                            This cottage is called 'The Snug' and it is.

Today we took a trip to Rutland Water for a walk. The weather was warm and sunny and it is reported to be the best day this week, so an opportunity not to be missed.

       

       

There were plenty of dinghies sailing on the water and also the odd yacht. It reminded me of where I learnt to sail on Bewl Water in Kent, but this appears larger. After the walk we found a nice pub, 'The Wheatsheaf' in the village of Edith Weston. The boozy steak pie was the best I have ever had, and they do Sunday roasts so we are booked in. They are very dog friendly so we will let Oscar come too.

Once back to 'The Snug' Oscar, being used to home comforts on the boat, selected his spot in one of only two available armchairs. Unfortunately for him, this belonged to the two legged crew so he didn't keep his spot for very long.

       

Totals 1 Mile

Running total 635 Miles 317 Locks 22 Tunnels