The 'name plaques' for my boat are almost complete...now time for some gilding...

Grand Banks 42 Classic Refit - Handrails

Im cracking on with a lot of the finishing work now on my Grand Banks 'Destiny'. Ive got a couple of buddies helping me this week so things are moving on a lot quicker. Ive started painting the front of the boat, Rich is hitting all the hand rails and is making a super job. Cookies fairing and sanding other areas and helping me with some of the individual pieces.... still looking to lift her out in about 4 weeks time to paint the bottom.

Before and after! 

Made three plaques for her Index Number

Long painstaking work sanding back all the hand rails.

The wheel for the upper helm has come back to life

Nav light boxes - sanded and varnished

First coat of varnish on the steps..... four to go...zzzzz

Fairline Squadron 42

I had the day at Norfolk Yacht Agency today taking a look at this stylish looking Motor Yacht. Since day one, Fairline has been known for building rugged boats and the Squadron 42 continues the practice. 

Apparently two layers of gelcoat are brushed, not sprayed, into the mold before the first layer of fiberglass is laminated. Extra gelcoat means a more durable finish, and one that's easier to repair when the inevitable dings and scratches appear. After layup is complete, Fairline also gelcoats the inside of the hull – the smooth finish is easier to clean, and resists water absorption in the bilges.

The laminate proper is alternate layers of hand-laid unidirectional fabric and woven roving, using isophthalic resin to protect against osmosis, important in areas where the boat will stay overboard all year. Polyurethane foam coring stiffens the deck; integrally molded engine stringers support the bottom. A liner is bonded to the hull, and then the hull and deck are both bolted and bonded to create a strong almost-monocoque structure. Bulkheads are carefully hand-fitted, then fiberglassed into place. The result is a boat with a minimum of squeaks and rattles, and one that will be as happy in the boisterous waters of the North Sea as in the balmy Mediterranean.

Surveyors comments: Obviously a solidly built boat. Interior finish a little disappointing with iron on edges to some of the joinery. Still a squeeze to get into those shower cubicles. 

Grand Banks 42 Classic Refit 2014 Rigging

Well Im starting to get into some detail now. I always like seeing this stage of any restoration, the rewards! Ive posted a few images of the rigging which is now complete. I plan to paint the superstructure next week weather permitting and we will sand all the hand rails back. I found myself a brand new Pram Dinghy on Ebay for £500 which will sit on the aft coachroof. Im still looking to lift her out at Bells Marina just after Easter, and I guess a few more weeks after this she will be almost complete..... cant believe my luck with probably one of the mildest winters on record!

The mast was solid mahogany so i stripped off 45 years of white paint and varnished! 

New Blocks... don't ask how much! 

The wheel from the upper helm re-varnished as she was looking a little sad! 

The navigation light boxes.... oiled and varnished...

I got my Broads Number... but  I will go for much smaller numerals in white and mount them on Teak plaques... cut down from the old name boards

Destiny's Child! 

A pic of the 'Old Girl' just before I bought her. 

Pegasus 800

My apologies... no BLOGGING for days as its just been so busy with boat sales this time of year. I must also get some pics together of my Grand Banks 42 and the refit - as shes certainly coming along!

I was at Russel Marines Yard in South Walsham today. These Yachts are very common on the Norfolk Broads and there seems to be quite a gathering of them over at Upton and South Walsham. A modern styled 26-footer from Rydgeway Marine, the Pegasus 800 is an attractive small cruiser with a well-finished interior. Nominally six berth, she is in fact much more practical for two to four. With six foot headroom, she has a surprising spacious and comfortable saloon. Many of the centreboard versions of these boats were used on the Norfolk Broads, but they are also capable coastal cruisers like this example with the wing keel.

Originally fitted with either a 6 hp Dolphin petrol engine with shaft drive, or like this one with a Volvo 7.5 diesel with saildrive, many, particularly the petrol engined boats, will by now have been re-engined.

The Pegasus 800 hull was offered with choices of fin keel, twin bilge keels or centreboard, and a number of options were offered for the interior. The rig has a narrow high aspect main, and a large overlapping genoa. 

Surveyors comments: Built from 1977 to the early 1990s by Rydgeway Marine, and later by Pegasus Yachts, the Pegasus 800 was designed by Gordon Harris. Rydgeway's boat names mostly started with a P - ie Pandora, Pirate, Prospect, Prelude and the Pegasus 700, 800 and 1100 models.

She is a moderately fast boat for her size, and when reviewed by 'Practical Boat Owner' they commented ".... her helm was always light, and she remained sensitive without being over twitchy".