4/5/2026: boat work

This weekend passed has been a good one with regards the refit of The Clancy, as follows:-
Autohelm: my initial assessment had led me to believe a separate structure was needed to attach the Autohelm. But today's check had revealed an almost too easy fit. Drill + Goo = Done. The pin fitting on tiller was a repeat. Wiring, completed on day 2, was made easier by prewiring I'd done months ago. It was a great relief to discover this as I loath wiring of any type. Ive not yet tested to autohelm, but reckon that will be a fun thing to do when we're afloat. Its not free of power consumption like a windvane, but I cannot fit a vane on my little ketch due to the stern-sweeping mizzen boom. But I trust a with a slightly upscaled solar-battery setup, this system should be as good. 
Sea Chair: A comfy chair in which to sit at sea has long been of interest. Sitting sipping coffee or dozing, while the little ship guards herself, is the epitome of cruising for me. And a quirk of the NIS18 is a vast space down below to port of the main hatch.  Ive noticed on Chris Stanmore-Major's sailboat, and others, that a high backed chair like you would see on a racing car, is used.  My online research revealed that a "Gamers Chair" fits the bill. I went out in the car to find a certain model at a local office supplies store and discovered that they were keen to discount this already "on sale" so they could write that product line off. Interestingly, the first salesman indicated that their records showed "none on stock", the mangeress, who discounted the item processed the sale personally, so may be they split the profit? 

At home the castors were cast off and a heavy plywood base fitted. Its was great relief to see it fit in place, I won't be swivelling anywhere, but that is safer and it should be a treat on the water. 
Tethers: As already mentioned I have recently returned to listening to Chris Stanmore-Major (book reading, podcasts and seamanship videos). Footage of him on his Volvo 60 (?) shows that he has slacklines on the overhead on the main cabin. On these lines he dangles head torches, spare ropes etc. So I fitted one of these to port and dangled my harness and lifeline from it. 
I have a list to go on with including: AIS, liferaft, galley plumbing.

But just for now I am feeling very chuffed with the progress and with the improved amenity of my little boat.  

Oughtred Dinghy Work
I have Ilona out for sale. This afternoon I rove on a new mainsheet block and added a large stainless steel hook to the outhaul. This hook can easily be used during reefing. 
The fight was then secured against rain as it looks like a possibility. 
 

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