tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71155916684969092232024-02-19T06:04:07.647+00:00Fleur UpdateA blog to let me record work on my Albin Vega, Fleur (V3040).Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-1492443086279372142013-04-30T19:17:00.001+00:002013-04-30T19:17:24.664+00:00Change of plan want to keep Fleur as unable to sell. Currently planning to bring her back home to do repair work on damage caused in winter storm.John Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175060668482953136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-45633579786129038672011-06-23T08:55:00.001+00:002011-06-23T18:06:28.202+00:00Fleur is now for sale!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KUvEJYBh3nTmxPYm0jNUnHeoGGUzqCK-orjeeBe47AKcZ9TeMjQNrWOVpfEX4rmwJfU7QlnffJ9afO_r-7pmAyCwYzD0SresOZDasYxWI9YLOTpLfGiD71dtKr99RlvhS9Q0ZeSrkpWl/s320/summer+2009+114.JPG" width="240" /></div>Sadly now having to sell Fleur. She is a great bargain at £9,000. <a href="http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/yachts/albin-vega-series-2-PAA29761">http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/yachts/albin-vega-series-2-PAA29761</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-9961866242268389732009-08-07T15:43:00.005+00:002009-08-07T15:57:38.909+00:00summer cruising<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFYS4n7CbWjXZWKNLgRnhllmI4ZqZJYSsQv7jf6cVy-6u6nWhigkUUInY4KNVEP0-Rub0h57XfjOrv6MhCNNwEWotRl_PzvIdak0BcxkBzFWemN2HmLUeF1toJsQywrxZWMCeoo0IYN9z/s1600-h/P7250270.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFYS4n7CbWjXZWKNLgRnhllmI4ZqZJYSsQv7jf6cVy-6u6nWhigkUUInY4KNVEP0-Rub0h57XfjOrv6MhCNNwEWotRl_PzvIdak0BcxkBzFWemN2HmLUeF1toJsQywrxZWMCeoo0IYN9z/s320/P7250270.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367248612630504098" border="0" /></a><br />After sailing 300 miles from Helensburgh to Ardmair there are surprisingly few additions to the job list. Oil lamp on forward bulkhead wasn't really strong enough and pulled off its fitting when a crew member grabbed it in lumpy seas. Would like to modify black rope supporting lazyjacks to make it easier to reef the mainsail. Intend to use netting above the saloon bunks to stop things falling from the shelves behind the bunks.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-89675558649822868842009-06-21T17:28:00.002+00:002009-06-21T17:33:12.347+00:00June UpdateAll appears well with the chartplotter - possibly I had not fitted the cables to the back properly. List of jobs not really shifting - whenever I get to the boat I want to go sailing.<br /><br />Bought some cushions for the saloon to make it more homely as per wife's request!<br /><br />Planning to take her up to Ullapool in July so would like to adjust rigging before then to give more mast rake.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-28679433715294063362009-05-25T19:50:00.001+00:002009-05-25T19:53:52.107+00:00May 2009Had Raymarine Chartplotter fitted. Annoyingly it started losing power and eventually gave up the ghost. I've asked the contractor to look at it again. Also had the commandmic fitted - working well and very handy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-82262441586375754082009-04-09T19:59:00.005+00:002009-04-09T20:22:16.162+00:00Launch Day Tuesday 7th April 2009With son Andrew's help got Fleur launched and moved to new permanent mooring at Helensburgh Sailing Club.<br /><br />One lesson for next year is that it is best to leave the two spacer brackets in place connected to the bolt holding the forestay in place.<br /><br />Had cleaned up the log wheel and made sure that it was spinning well before I went into the water but still not working - could be a wiring problem.<br /><br />Had a great sail at an average of 7 knots! Peaked at 9 knots over the ground, helped by a strong ebb down the river. Took an hour and a half, rather than the expected three hours!<br /><br />Would never have had the boat nearly so ready if it hadn't been for Frank helping get the anti-fouling on and Claire and Christine helping me to get sails rigged etc. the night before launch.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-80527491163804588552009-03-29T20:51:00.004+00:002009-04-09T19:59:47.816+00:00Getting ready to launchLast weekend got anti fouling applied. Used Tiger <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Xtra</span> for first time, will be interested to see how it performs compared to Micron Extra.<br /><br />Today concentrated on getting prop clean - need some sandpaper to do this more effectively - can't decide whether to use <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">propshield</span> again this year - didn't keep fouling off last year , but boat was left without being used for a fair while due to holiday in New Zealand. Really cold today so didn't bother trying Y10 on topsides as only works above 10 degrees C.<br /><br />Did some cleaning inside boat. Left low watage heater on to try to get boat nice and dry for internal cleaning.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-41187839912661381102009-03-12T22:05:00.002+00:002009-03-12T22:07:43.569+00:00all seems wellFinally got down to boat on last weekend of February to check. Sails not mildewed, nor bilge full of water as feared. Boat a bit smelly, but not too desperate. Just down to grab dinghy to hlp my friend Jamie move his boat from Troon to Helensburgh so no time to do any work. Surprisingly batteries seem to be in good nick.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-49264920243300404202009-02-14T18:56:00.003+00:002009-02-14T19:06:36.015+00:00Neglect and Credit Crunch!Not been down to Fleur since October - feeling VERY guilty.<br /><br />Needed a new masthead tricolour and due to the credit crunch decided to source one off the web. Paid £25 for a 2nd hand one. Still waiting for it to arrive - hope it turns out to be a sensible decision.<br /><br />Must get down to boat soon!!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-14313590174215511732008-09-28T19:22:00.000+00:002008-09-28T19:24:35.815+00:00More jobs doneStarboard cockpit locker lid removed, oiled with teak oil and resecured more firmly than before.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-78888816738651877272008-05-06T19:52:00.003+00:002008-09-28T19:28:27.450+00:00Jobs noted on May WeekendOn the plus side, engine ran for a total of seven hours with practically no noise from the Blackjack stern gland.<br /><br />Picked up a scratch in the gelcoat on the topside, probably while trying to get away from the pontoon at DRB.<br /><br />Tiller is getting badly scored by the mainsheet track - must sand down the damage and then varnish. Finally need to secure something over the damaged area to prevent further damage - favoured option at the moment is some reinforced plastic tube secured with copper pins.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Edit</span> finally settled on sanding down damaged area and covered with some three strand line - looks fairly neat.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-15374931656893755742008-05-06T19:24:00.002+00:002008-05-06T19:51:29.728+00:00May Weekend SailA great holiday weekend sailing. Rosneath to Holy Loch on the Friday night. Holy Loch to Kames on the Saturday, with lunch at anchor in Balnakailly Bay at the top of the Kyles. Sunday saw an early rise and off to Tarbert - fairly strong winds then heavy rain heavy rain once we arrived. After chilling out in Tarbert for a few hours we set off again into the wind and murk. By the time we got back into the West Kyle the weather was picking up. Anchored for the night at Caladh with a brief dinghy painter round prop incident. Only one other boat there when we arrived and only one other boat arrived - with friends Gordon and Brenda and kids. A long dinner in the cockpit - 9.30pm 'til 3.00am, including postprandial drinks. Ended up being a pleasant mild evening. Monday was gorgeous with a lovely sail tacking down the East Kyle before the the wind died out at Armalish. Motored across to Kip then picked up enough breeze to sail downwind round past Cloch until wind dropped again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-85606306420976442882008-04-20T14:48:00.002+00:002008-04-20T14:58:23.291+00:00Another Productive DayGot to Rosneath at 5.30 a.m but had to inflate dinghy and paddle out from road, as didn't have code for access to yard.<br /><br />Checked for water under starboard bunk, but only a little dampness at forward end. May be coming from condensation on jubilee clips on heads. Checked locker aft of water tank where pipe comes out of tank and it was completely dry.<br /><br />Emptied out bilge - about 1" water had gathered.<br /><br />Eased six shrouds by 2 turns, forepeak door still does not close properly.<br /><br />Secured baton for sliding door under sink by using clamps to re-anchor nails - may have tp repeat in future and put wood glue on it.<br /><br />Gave worktops on both sides a good clean. Also cleaned Origo stove.<br /><br />Repair done to dinghy yesterday seems to be holding well, but discovered new hole! Fixed this at the yard but it doesn't look like a great job.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-28219471063436160172008-04-11T22:29:00.004+00:002008-04-11T23:18:44.048+00:00A good day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjqPKJZnLJ1lj4i4wIt3dmBpvx0j-McErdh8OYwV1SXAY-IJJFBx28MIxCxXm5j0ygyeuaVLS6Knx37Ed5gbDnJNix_tVfH-DEe0bDg11knwP5-tJDBnihyphenhyphenv451iKfoJoSVttH5Z1YkCQ/s1600-h/FleurDRB+April+2008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjqPKJZnLJ1lj4i4wIt3dmBpvx0j-McErdh8OYwV1SXAY-IJJFBx28MIxCxXm5j0ygyeuaVLS6Knx37Ed5gbDnJNix_tVfH-DEe0bDg11knwP5-tJDBnihyphenhyphenv451iKfoJoSVttH5Z1YkCQ/s320/FleurDRB+April+2008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188127369663533410" border="0" /></a><br />Managed to get a few jobs done today that I've been meaning to do for a while- and pleasant weather to boot. Boat now on her new mooring at Rosneath, really not much of a problem getting out to work on her and lovely and quiet compared to being in a marina.<br /><br />When I was out sailing on Tuesday I noticed that the line for the Genoa furler was badly damaged - replaced it with a new line today. Also re-routed the line at the furler and reduced friction in the system.<br /><br />Also no noise from the prop shaft on Tuesday so things looking up! However did find a leak in the dinghy - maybe going for the 'ultralight' model wasn't such a good idea.<br /><br />Since I bought the boat I've been irritated by the wires for the NASA Duette log and depth instrument running over the piece of wood trim inside the cockpit bulkhead (sad really!). Took the wood trim off, dug a channel in the back for the wires and re-secured. As I had suspected the ply on the bulkhead is rotten where it meets the trim for the washboard surrounds. Will need sorted out at some point but will be a big job to do properly. Took the opportunity of having the trim section off to give it a quick sand and then put some polish on it.<br /><br />Sorted the electrical panel at last - just glued and screwed two little square section pieces of soft wood behind the panel and screwed through into this. Really wanted to do this job for a while!<br /><br />A little dab of silicone grease on the BNC connector for the Garmin GPS seems to have improved the sets ability to pick up the initial signals.<br /><br />Noticed when I was getting some stuff out of the starboard underseat locker in the saloon that it seemed a bit damp - must check for a leak in the fresh water line next time time I'm at the boat.<br /><br />When I look at this post it sounds like I didn't do very much - but felt like I achieved a lot.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-61478988770913252692008-04-03T20:48:00.002+00:002008-04-03T20:51:15.557+00:00prop shaft noise back!Took Fleur from Largs to Kip last night. Worrying noise from prop shaft is back - but not too bad at the moment. Port nav light needs a slap to get it working and poor connection on GPS aerial.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-31351149923209561792008-03-25T18:19:00.003+00:002008-04-11T22:28:06.344+00:00prop noise fixed and new teak cleat in place<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMQnFFzhy5expo_u66yaQ8Vw6RkYMlCy7rqwCS9wlWtpl155fKZxv_LFLhZEy8JIJI1wIMWbvb5zu-9DtQT-IIRiPcYegPQ90GNXCr_bFx5IG1gzrWKIFChw0YKMaHCfzJplcTxBXoBRL/s1600-h/IMGP0345.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMQnFFzhy5expo_u66yaQ8Vw6RkYMlCy7rqwCS9wlWtpl155fKZxv_LFLhZEy8JIJI1wIMWbvb5zu-9DtQT-IIRiPcYegPQ90GNXCr_bFx5IG1gzrWKIFChw0YKMaHCfzJplcTxBXoBRL/s320/IMGP0345.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188117899260645714" border="0" /></a><br />Sorted 'prop noise' two weeks ago. Got really bad when out sailing and stopped on a mooring buoy. Turned out to be the blackjack stern gland - I obviously hadn't let enough water leak into it when boat put in water. Had the boat in the water last weekend and no noise at all!<br /><br />Teak cleat now in place and looking good.<br /><br />Also put new bracket on pushpit for outboard as the old bracket was too narrow for my outboard.<br /><br />Next job I want to do is properly secure electrical panel under companionway as it tends to fall off in rough conditions.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-60859471213136269742008-02-02T12:23:00.000+00:002008-02-02T12:27:34.147+00:00Teak cleat and prop noiseCurrent project is replacing one of Teak cleats which snapped in January gales. Thanks to YBW forumite, Ken, I now have suitable piece of teak - just need to get it lathed to fit ferules.<br /><br />Don't like noise from prop shaft/ prop. Only appears when in gear - can't afford to lift boat out of water to investigate - terrible but just ignoring it hoping it will go away!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-2669621371445397222007-11-12T21:44:00.000+00:002007-11-12T21:57:58.696+00:00Bitty jobs doneOn Saturday and Sunday 10th & 11th November managed to complete a few bitty jobs that I haven't got round to. Fitted my fancy tiller extension, finally trapped the red flag on danbuoy in a tube attached to the backstay and replaced the dodgy emergency light for the horseshoe buoy with a macho yellow coloured fluorescent one.<br /><br />Eased off the rig tension by slackening the backstay to see if this helps to properly close the door in the bulkhead between the saloon and the forepeak. REALLY can't afford to buy and install the recommended mast support or get professional riggers to check it. next step is to ease off the tension on the shrouds and check it at sea.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-41105177624385354872007-11-10T22:09:00.001+00:002008-02-22T21:13:28.223+00:00New EngineSo much has happened since the last post!<br /><br />I've put a new engine in - a 13.5hp Beta. Just spent the day at the boat , fitted the oil lamp & fire blanket. Need to check the rigging as there seems to be too much pressure on the main bulkhead as the door can't be shut properly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-63404508171584290392007-06-06T19:58:00.000+00:002007-06-06T20:00:29.059+00:00Major change of planWhen boat finally went in water in May found out that engine/ propellor would not go into reverse. Also leak from sterngland. Decided to bite the bullet and replace engine - due to go in week beginning 11th June 2007.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115591668496909223.post-54347847152925989012007-02-26T22:50:00.001+00:002007-02-26T23:05:48.550+00:00First postThe aim of this blog is to give me a way of keeping a check on progress (or otherwise) with maintaining and sailing my boat Fleur. She is a 27' Albin Vega, a Swedish designed long keel boat. At the moment I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the jobs needing to be done before I can get her into the water.<br />I have no real practical skills so I'm learning about diesel engines; 12volt electrics; GRP repairs and woodwork from scratch.<br />Immediate jobs are:<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Fitting new solar vent in heads<br />Fitting new Heads<br />Installing access hatch to chain locker<br />Installing new screw inserts and Baird Tape on cockpit sole hatch<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This last job is really the most important at the moment as I'm getting a lot of water in the bilge and I'm pretty sure that the loose fit of the sole is the problem.<br /></div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0