Just when we thought Paul Bailey's Mark I "Kittiwake" couldn't get any better we receive news that he has been back in the workshop making modifications that are not only practical but look very good indeed.
In Paul's own words.........I successfully made a set of toe straps with the webbing you sent me (thanks again) using an old sewing machine with upholstery thread some stainless D rings from EBay and brass eyes as fixing points. I used them on my last cruise in November, they worked really well. However, it was then my suspicions that the gunwales were far too thin for comfortable hiking was confirmed (yes ... numb arse). So I started thinking of how to do some inwale modifications with limited affect on the work I'd done last winter. After spending weeks varnishing I didn't want to take any more off than I had to!
My first thoughts were to fit inwales the full length but this would mean removing the stern gusset (I'd fitted it never expecting to take it off again so it's well fixed!) so my next thought was fitting them so they were fatter mid-ships and taper out towards the bow and stern. This seemed a good idea until I priced the wood! I was looking at £150ish plus the cost of router bits etc. Then I came across some teak hand rails, you can get them from a single grab at about 200mm to a six grab at 1600mm and at £33 each a much better idea financially - http://www.kjhowells.com/3202A.
They turned up a few days later. I wanted to still have a tapering effect so the maximum width is where I will sit most of the time, so I've cut them down at each end. I then rigged up a steamer from a gas fired BBQ, a camping kettle, some washing machine hose and a length of old waste pipe. After a little fitting and bending and bending and fitting this is what I got (see photo). I've bolted them through with stainless bolts and glued as well as supported the underside with a couple of strengtheners. The holes have been plugged with some oak plugs, then a good few coats of Deks Olje and here we are (photo 2). I think they look really good and can't wait to try them out. Not only good for hiking but great for lashing the tiller, fixing dry bags or fenders etc and you can even use them as grab rails!
My next task now I've released the sails from the grips of the Christmas wrapping paper is to fit some reefing down hauls, topping lift and modify the gaff to allow the mainsail to be hoisted separately.
Can't wait to see the next set of modifications. As for me, I'm struggling just to find the time to stick the bailers back in to my boat!
Top picture, Inwales being fitted. 2nd picture, Teak inwales installed and varnished. 3rd picture, Homemade steamer. Bottom picture, Toe straps.
If you have made any mods to your Gull recently please let us know about it here at Gull towers.
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