The never-ending project to fill my hole in the ocean while bailing it out

Preparing for Sailing Season 2011
Refinishing the Cabin Shelf Trim

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The cabin shelves with the trim still removed. The cabin, and the rest of the boat, sure needs its spring cleaning. Today I began removing those still-leaking starboard side windows on the right, preparing to reseal them.  (May 1, 2011)

Not only has one project led to another but the 2011 projects have begun to overlap. While I have the starboard windows out for resealing, and the trim still off but ready to install, I cleaned and waxed the shelves while getting at them is easiest.  (May 12, 2011)

Today I got the starboard windows resealed and back in, remounted the curtains, then installed the refinished shelf trim. I used new, shorter screws — Phillips panhead instead of the original slotted flathead — and new finish/upholstery washers the proper size (slightly larger in diameter) to cover the indentations left by the old undersized ones. I'm sure I'll appreciate this long-contemplated little cosmetic touch while cabin-bound along my cruises.  (May 13, 2011)

Photos on the left and right were taken on May 21 with my Nikon D90 DSLR, after it was repaired and returned. Those above on this page were taken with my Olympus Stylus Tough-8010 pocket camera during the interim, the waterproof camera I carry aboard.

Refinishing the Cockpit Coaming Pocket Trim Rings

With another steady week of monsoon season cold rain in the forecast, after completing the windows reinstallation yesterday I closed up the cabin for the duration. Before climbing off the boat, on a whim I decided to remove the coaming pocket trim rings and refinish them as another small project I could do indoors while awaiting spring's arrival. Their edges have become scraped and dinged up from use since I last refinished them in 2008, so a little sanding and Cetol now will keep them protected and looking good.  (May 15, 2011)

Above, sanded by hand with 120 dry and ready for varnish.  (May 15, 2011)

After wet-sanding with 400 between two coats
of Cetol/Penetrol.  (May 17, 2011)

Wet-sanded with 400 then a third coat of Cetol/Penetrol. Done.  (May 20, 2011)

The sun came out today, it warmed into the mid-60s, so I cleared out the clogged cockpit scuppers, scrubbed and waxed the cockpit, and fastened the trim rings.  (May 21, 2011)