A slippery slope...

With the generator box and the boom gallows completed, we are now waiting on tubing and mounting hardware so we can move forward on creating the frame for the bimini.  The lull in projects gave us time to address some lower priority needs... wiring the new tiller pilot and replacing the accumulator tank on the pressure water system.  Both of these project required that we remove all the items stored in the port and starboard cockpit lockers.  With all the lines, blocks, buckets, cushions, PFDs, etc. removed the lockers are large enough for us to crawl inside...

Once inside I was appalled by the amount of dirt, mold, and flaking paint.  My guess is the paint in the lockers and on the bulkheads is the original coat from 1966.

As is the norm with boat projects initiating a minor project becomes a slippery slope.  Using the paint left over from Anne painting the quaterberth area in May, we now plan to paint the inside of both lockers.  Let the sanding begin.

We anticipated sanding would generate a cloud of noxious dust and stream of paint chips so we taped up all the openings to the bilge and cabin area.  I also donned the protective gear.  About four hours of sanding per locker over a two day period and the area is now ready for painting.

We hope that this project does not delay our departure - yes we are still planning on spending the summer traveling aboard.  Waiting on contractors for components of the gallows and bimini project continues to push back our departure date. Greg from Paradise Welding is scheduled complete the polishing of the new welds on the stern rails and deliver the tubing for the bimini tomorrow.  Due to delays with the canvas shop we are now exploring the possibility of making our own hard top for the bimini rather than continue to sit at the mercy of someone else's schedule.