Refresh Cockpit

After all the attention to detail and work to prep the boat and waxing the final stage of Gel Coat work, I was able to enjoy the time on the boat this past summer while relaxing on what appeared to me a new boat - at least from the perspective of sitting in the cockpit.

I have placed a few photos below for your enjoyment and let you be the judge.

Side Note: No anti skid has been applied to the seats yet as I have to decide the color. During the sailing time or lounging about in the cockpit I placed Custom Covers over the seats. These covers (cushions) are closed cell foam and blue.

 Note the shine. I really like the Fleetwax product.

The blue cover protects the Garmin GMI display. It will also be replaced with a new cover.


Note the condition of the wheel, binnacle, and compass. I also replaced the throttle and gear shift cables. The cockpit shower has been installed yet because I want to make the cover for the box prior to installing the new shower faucets.

The new Smart Plug adds a nice touch of class and safety.

Note ---> The view upon walking along the slip to the cockpit. A very inviting and clean look. The work really shows a level of professional skill by a large measure.

Binnacle Gets Refreshed

While the snow was all about last winter and while working on GreatKetch on weekends, I occasionally spent time working on the wheel, the compass and binnacle.

Below are a few pictures of the work and condition  - in between sanding body work - in order to have variety in the improvements.

Left - Taking the binnacle off the boat, just before I got help it rested on the cockpit locker seat area.









Right - The wheel and compass post in my garage just begging for attention. Note the paint has peeled off the aluminum.

Tip: If water enters between the paint and metal it will corrode and will flake. To mitigate against corrosion, be sure to place silicon between all screw fittings and other fittings.

Left - Taking the screws out was not easy. They became part of the aluminum as the stainless steel fused with aluminum due to mixed metals. In most cases I needed to use an impact driver with heat, penetrating fluid and most of all - patience.






Right -  The screws here were most difficult because of the location as well as the fusion bond of the dissimilar metals.





Left -  After 30 years of no attention. In addition to silicon between fittings, it helps to apply metal polish or wax to help bead the water off.





Right - The base was not spared at all. Note all the dings that most likely chipped paint allowing water to get underneath.


My plan was to repaint, and replace screws with new, and clean the compass and add more fluid to it -- tired of looking at a bubble.

The completion of the cockpit work will be displayed soon.  I hope one can see the work involved based on the condition of the gelcoat, body work, and metal work that was needed to get Great Ketch looking better.