Starboard locker latches
Propane locker DONE
With paint dry, the propane locker lid was put together and installed. Connected all the hoses, and tested for leaks. Put in the propane tank. The only remaining TODO is a strap to secure the tank in place.
And this is what this looked liked when I started over a month ago (just for reference)
Time for paint
With primer dry, it was time to paint the bow repair and the new propane locker. Got better weather than yesterday. Still a bit windy but manageable for spraying. Ended up with a few runs anyway, impossible to avoid in conditions like these.
Bow damage repair, masking, primer
In prep for paint, filled in storm-damaged areas of the bow, masked all places, and sprayed primer. It was really blowing in the marina so I had to get creative to be able to spray an even coat. Tuned out OK with just a few trouble spots to send out.
Mounted propane locker
My original idea to glass in the locker wasn’t good: realized I may need access in the stern area behind it so ideally it would be removable. Adjusted the plan and mounted it with fasteners. Hid 2 of them under the hinges. Also added the drain hose (and new thru hull). Did a dry fit of the lid and added spring to hold it in place. Also did a small cut to make the lock work. Turning out exactly as I envisioned it. Can’t wait to see it painted and finished.
Continuing work on propane locker cutout
After sides were glassed in, I trimmed excess fiberglass and covered it with epoxy mixed with colloidal silica to smooth things out. Quick makeshift cardboard apron helped keep epoxy from dripping into the boat.
Propane locker cutout
The weather is finally dry and it’s time to undertake the big project of building out propane tank locker to power the galley stove and the fireplace. I couldn’t find any pre-fab hatches that were the right size so this would be 100% custom.
I want to use the part I cutout as the hatch so the cut needs to be super clean and precise. I think I succeeded in that.
Getting the pre-assembled locker in position was a bitch too. Had to take off the rear panel in the quarter birth to have enough room to slip it in. Rough dry fit give an idea of what things will look like.
Whew, this will be a lot of work to get it all done right!
Propane tank locker box
Built a new locker for storing propane tank, regulators, solenoid, and valves. Plan to install it in the stern by making a new cut-out, glassing in the box so it’s air tight and drains overboard, and the creating a lid out of the piece I’ll cut out.
