This weekend involved fitting new instruments to the bulkhead. The Contessa 26 has a double skin with a 2mm space between (no core) skins on the bulkhead. Original thoughts were to jigsaw the apertures, but a blade, with a forward and backward motion would present problems with two skins, the vibration could cause an untidy piece of work. So the logical path to take was to router out the apertures, (a sideways motion) this proved to be a good move. Templates were made from PDF to ensure right size and position. The templates were held in place with gaffer tape, and the apertures routered out. Lots of dust, but a precise result. This worked really well for the new Contest compass Pic using the same method. Pics
After making a dummy main switch panel box, Pic and ensuring size and position worked well, my good friend Colin, who's a dab hand at the old joinery, kindly made the real thing, a thing of beauty. (Pics to follow)
Other work undertaken included old cockpit seat timber being removed (this caused leaks where screwed) and holes filled with epoxy. These will be covered with Treadmaster at a later date. The nav table box has been bolted in place ready to take new nav table top.
An update on applying to Customs and Excise, for a licence for denatured alcohol. I didn't get it. Will have to wait until first trip to France, to buy across the counter there. The blue stuff (normal meths) does remind me of my boy scout days.
