C17 open in France

[OlivierP]

Thanks Tom

[OlivierP]

Ready for departure



New home by the sea - as I suspected, I need to lower the wind screen by about 1'' to fit under the car port. 2 bolts that stick below the roof at the entrance of the car port... No big deal.

[glossieblack]

Nice C17 build to date, and congrats on the seamless move - they don't just happen.

[OlivierP]

Thanks Glossieblack ! Just to let you know, I'm following your Australian adventures with nostalgia, having lived there for 2 years and absolutely loving Australia.

[glossieblack]

Thanks Glossieblack ! Just to let you know, I'm following your Australian adventures with nostalgia, having lived there for 2 years and absolutely loving Australia.

Thanks for letting me know.

And please comment on my Australian adventure posts every now and again, as you have a unique perspective.

[OlivierP]

I resumed the project this week. First taped all frames and bulkheads, quite a lot of work, I glassed the anchor well for extra protection, and finally I started working on the cockpit drains and chase tubes. Took some thinking before drilling 40mm holes in the transom and 80mm is the frames...

I'll install 2 master 80mm chase tubes to port and starboard, with small flexible inner tubes as required. Only dry-fitted at this stage, I'll finish next week. All electrical systems to port, fuel and controls to starboard. The battery will be in the aft port locker.

I'm using a 40mm fiberglass-epoxy tube for the cockpit drains. It will be cut to fit.

[Dougster]

Good looking tape job, better than mine. And yes, it's old fashioned bend over wear out the back work!

Dougster

[OlivierP]

Most of the cockpit cleats are installed. Quite a task, and I only have 2 stringers!

I've built a front desk support out of 25x50mm oak, should be plenty strong.

The cockpit drains were cut flush to the transom and the cockpit bulkhead, and epoxy glued. I have added a third central drain going straight to the bilge, so I'll have the option of draining to the transom or to the bilge.

[Jeff]

Good progress!!! Jeff

[OlivierP]

Testing the cockpit drains. As expected, they're almost flush with the sole, 2-3mm recessed, so they should trap all water in the cockpit. I'm happy with fiberglass-epoxy tubes, they can be glued exactly where desired without overhang.