In this publication10 photos
In August, at Delfzijl lock in the Netherlands, an incident reminded me that even in a canal, the sea won’t forgive complacency. A barge entered ahead. I drifted at the gates while she berthed, then followed when the engine fell quiet.
Suddenly, engine on again: powerful wash threw my yacht into the wall. Seconds: a dull impact, hull scratches, bent pulpit taking the main blow. Awkward to board, unsafe to lean on, torn mounts potentially admitting water. Hardly a magazine-cover appearance either.
Removal and workshop
Easy removal: five through-bolts. My colleague Alexander helped. Off to a workshop, asking for the cheapest possible straightening.
A week later, dimensions requested. Another week, proud news: excellent result, ‘very cheap’ — €500. I choked, but didn’t argue, especially hearing a replacement would be €1,500.
Refitting and reinforcement
Back aboard, Grigory came to help. A couple of hours planned, all day spent. He was leaving Kiel that night for Svendborg, preparing for the Silverrudder Cup.
I wanted backing plates inside the hull: 3mm stainless, €10. Cut and drill to fit. And drilling stainless is a dubious pleasure. No cobalt bits; Grisha used ordinary ones, sharpening with a Dremel. Sparks, hot metal and WD-40: a survival-film scene.
Meanwhile, I removed old sealant, cleaned and degreased. Holes ready, pulpit fitted perfectly.
Unexpected complications
As we began, an old navigation-light wire fell from the tube and crumbled in our hands. Everything off again, replacement needed. Thankfully, Grigory had suitable double-sheathed cable.
Another hour, Sikaflex-295 UV applied, pulpit bolted through the backing plates. Done by evening. Tea, admiring it: like new.
Afterword
Stronger than before, less trusted. I once thought it could withstand anything. Now I see a few bolts and plates holding it all.
Colleagues were surprised I hadn’t claimed on insurance. I wrote to Pantaenius: yes, collision with a quay wall was covered. But the €500 repair was below my €800 excess. Also, report before repairs so they can send an assessor.
Weeks repairing three seconds afloat. Even a small fuck-up becomes an adventure, with hot-metal smells, sealant on skin and tea at the end.
#maintenance
Suddenly, engine on again: powerful wash threw my yacht into the wall. Seconds: a dull impact, hull scratches, bent pulpit taking the main blow. Awkward to board, unsafe to lean on, torn mounts potentially admitting water. Hardly a magazine-cover appearance either.
Removal and workshop
Easy removal: five through-bolts. My colleague Alexander helped. Off to a workshop, asking for the cheapest possible straightening.
A week later, dimensions requested. Another week, proud news: excellent result, ‘very cheap’ — €500. I choked, but didn’t argue, especially hearing a replacement would be €1,500.
Refitting and reinforcement
Back aboard, Grigory came to help. A couple of hours planned, all day spent. He was leaving Kiel that night for Svendborg, preparing for the Silverrudder Cup.
I wanted backing plates inside the hull: 3mm stainless, €10. Cut and drill to fit. And drilling stainless is a dubious pleasure. No cobalt bits; Grisha used ordinary ones, sharpening with a Dremel. Sparks, hot metal and WD-40: a survival-film scene.
Meanwhile, I removed old sealant, cleaned and degreased. Holes ready, pulpit fitted perfectly.
Unexpected complications
As we began, an old navigation-light wire fell from the tube and crumbled in our hands. Everything off again, replacement needed. Thankfully, Grigory had suitable double-sheathed cable.
Another hour, Sikaflex-295 UV applied, pulpit bolted through the backing plates. Done by evening. Tea, admiring it: like new.
Afterword
Stronger than before, less trusted. I once thought it could withstand anything. Now I see a few bolts and plates holding it all.
Colleagues were surprised I hadn’t claimed on insurance. I wrote to Pantaenius: yes, collision with a quay wall was covered. But the €500 repair was below my €800 excess. Also, report before repairs so they can send an assessor.
Weeks repairing three seconds afloat. Even a small fuck-up becomes an adventure, with hot-metal smells, sealant on skin and tea at the end.
#maintenance
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