Spring clean

Before fishing could begin this leave the Morning Star needed

her annual dry dock. This year with the crew (David) putting in the

time and with some unusually good weather we managed to

complete the work in a week.

The propeller has been cleaned and polished to improve fuel efficiency and also slightly increases power.

This I achieved with cleaning first  with a scotch bright pad followed with fine emery paper and then soft cloth and lots of brasso.

 I checked the edges of the prop for any damage and to repair as any damage could cause the prop to become unbalanced causing further problems. All looked good!

All the underwater timbers have been cleaned with a pressure washer and thoroughly checked for any damage.The boat has been out of the water for two weeks and good and dry.Any paint that had come off during the winter was primed with underwater primer and left to dry then a full coat of anti fouling was applied.

It is always a good moment when she is renewed and fresh

for the summer season so it was pleasing to have a welcomed visit from Victor Henderson,the man who built her. He always has some fresh information about the boat he built 38 years ago.

The name Morning Star (or Venus as it is better known) was the name of my grandfathers boat.The sign writing was done by a local sign writer at last year's dry dock and was still as good as new.His work is on about every fishing vessel on the north east coast.






So on Friday the 6th May we were ready for the launch!
On the Amble boat company mobile hoist and ready for another season.
All the underwater safety checks have been made and of course the plug put in.
On a coble there is a wooden or cork plug in the forward end for when the boat is out of the water and sitting on timber support blocks she is down by the head so the plug is removed and any water will drain out also should it pour down with rain is saves having to bail out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heading back to the marina with David Major (First Mate)

and having to listen to his wining "Mind th paint"

Anyway its the begining of the season and time to catch some fish.