Finally, the 2021 season is starting. After months of not getting out of the marina, UK COVID lockdowns and May having some truly unseasonal weather
I booked Aphrodite into Mayflower Marina for a lift, powerwash and overnight hold. The overnight hold was so we had time to sort out a through hull that had been fitted when the hull was coppercoated back in 2019. The fitting was so tight we could not remove the blanking plated to fit the speed, depth and temperature sensor and with the trip round the UK about two months away I wanted all the instruments working.
As this was my first trip out of the marina Steve from Red Snapper kindly offered to be a responsible adult onboard and we met up at about 1300 (UTC) for the lift out at 1500.
After leaving King Point we had some time to spare and really wanted a bit more tide as we were on large springs and headed over to Queen Ann's Battery before turning west and motoring round to Mayflower. Where on arrival be parked Aphrodite on the fuel berth, handed her over to the lifting team and watched her being lifted out.
Lift out
Having watched the boat being lifted out by crane on the Exe the travel lift was a lot less stressful and once she was safely parked on a block the guys preceded to jet wash her bottom.
Considering how little the boat has been used during the last 18 months I was delighted to see just a film of slime that came off easily. At this point we headed off for a cup of tea before checking anodes, they will last until October when I am coming out for the winter, and the main reason for the lift out - sorting the log's through hull that had been fitted at Mylor and no matter how much I tried I could not remove the blanking plate.
With the jet wash finished we popped a ladder against the boat and I climbed onboard, unscrewed the retaining collar and wiggled the blanking bung and got the usual 10 mm of travel. Returned to ground level and Steve and I found the "stage one" through hull removal kit, a medium sized hammer and an old broom handle. The moment of truth, and one that we hoped would happen, one sharp tap and the blanking plate and out it popped. Cheers all round.
An inspection if the blanking plate and through hull showed that either no or not enough silicone grease had been used in the fitting! Stage two of the through hull kit was deployed, a new blanking plate that had been well greased, that went in and out several times without any problem and then the water sensor was tested and that worked as designed.
Thankfully, the job went well and stages three and four were not needed, an angle grinder and new through hull. We tided up and headed off to find something to eat, and have a celebratory beer. I would return to the boat in the morning for the relaunch.
All times are UTC.
Crew: Sandy Garrity, Steve Roffe
Trip Stats: Distance: 3.20 nm, Avg speed: 4.00 knots, Max speed: 6.00 knots, Under way: 1 h 30 m.
Sunrise: 0542 hrs Sunset: 1931 hrs
Weather: Inshore waters forecast to 12 miles offshore 07:00 (UTC+1) on Thu 27 May 2021 to 07:00 (UTC+1) on Fri 28 May 2021.
Lyme Regis to Lands End including the Isles of Scilly
24 hour forecast: Variable 4 or less becoming east or southeast 2 to 4. Slight or moderate in west, otherwise smooth or slight. Occasional rain later. Mainly good.
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