First thoughts were to resuscitate Marilyn at the same time that we would get Zofia lifted for her yearly inspection, anti-fouling and polish but the handles were already off and besides we are generally flat out during the boat lift anyway. A better plan was to get started immediately and spending a week on a marina jetty in Newcastle might be a great opportunity.
We'd read a blog that described the restoration of dinghy very similar to ours and decided to embrace their instructions. This is our progress so far and the idea to get started on it separate from the mothership's annual chores has been one of our better decisions. It's a huge job in itself!
Step 1
Empty the contents.
Step 2
Purchase materials.
Step 3
Clean and prepare all surfaces.
If we'd known earlier what a miracle acetone is, we'd have cleaned Marilyn up ages ago.
Loose paint was sanded off the aluminium bottom and the hyperlon tubes all cleaned.
Step 4
Tape all the edges and re-glue all the handles and rub-strips
Step 5
Start painting the base, inside and out with enamel paint. Several coats to be achieved.
So far, so good, and it kept the Bloke amused during the days (exhausted actually). In the evening we socialised with Lucas who was visiting Newcastle with his job and the reason we'd doubled back to 'Newie' for a 2nd, 1week visit.
A night off with Lucas. Happy Days indeed!
Still to be done is the painting of the pontoons plus applying an internal glue for the tubes which should resolve Marilyn's ever-so-slow leak. This stuff was recommended by other cruisers and obtained over the internet from New Zealand - www.inflatablesealant.com.
To make sure nothing was neglected, the outboard motor now sports a jacket and the tub we store "stuff" in the dinghy also has a hat. This output should confirm that it's a group effort with team Zofia.
A canvas cover for the cowling.
A canvas cover for our dinghy tub, complete with rego number.
Bloke loving his equipment.
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