Similar to running in place, except we’re going round and round and up and down. In the end we still end up where we began.
As you know we had a leak in one fuel tank. As we believe one of the fuel tanks has reached the end of its life we thought the best approach would be to replace all three. We have three. Thus, we’re in Boat Lagoon Marina in Phuket with a highly recommended Project manager. She’s advised us on getting hauled, where to stay and who to do the work. She and her company will carry the load; at a price of course.
The haul out went smoothly with 10 individuals chattering and getting the straps set right. Then a high speed ride on the boat swinging from the lift at about 1 km / hour, to a place in the yard where she will sit for the duration of the project. We moved off the boat and acquired a long stay room in the NH hotel on site. Close but not really. It is about 1,000 steps round trip to the boat and back. Really, the only boat work in the room is research.
Nai’s people began the process of removing the galley and a good part of our dinette from Elysium. I had anticipated the need for future removal but never hoped to do it. To deal with the tanks years ago while refurbishing Elysium I used two wood plug sizes. A larger 1/2” plug indicated that it was varnished in and removable. These could be removed to remove larger pieces of the furniture. The smaller 3/8” plugs were epoxied in and could stay.
With the cabinetry removed draining the diesel tanks were next. Two tanks had fuel in them. A drum with a couple of heavy duty plastic bags was brought in to hold the diesel. That filled up and a a couple of 5 gallon containers lightened held the rest. After the tanks were drained as much as possible the crew spent two days disconnecting the hoses and removing the tanks.
With the tanks out we’re now in the process of prepping for the new. Cleaning and painting the area would be on the list.
The Aluminum has been ordered for the tanks and we’ve spoken to the welder daily on how they will be assembled. We hope this is our low point and everything can move forward smoothly. We’re two weeks in. If our time refurbishing years ago is any indication of the time frame that would mean we’re 5-6 weeks out of a completed job. Round and round we go, up and down. Our roller coaster is one wild ride.
Go Slow
Sail Far
Stay Long