Engine bed and lead pancakes

Time is running out so I returned to my evening visits in the boatyard. A bit of the job done during these few hours really makes a difference in the end.

One of the quick jobs is to fix the left part of the engine foundation. It’s an ancient piece of oak - apparently it was originally shaped for Albin gasoline engine which was then replaced in the 90’ by my current Yanmar diesel - which required addition of steel rails with rubber pillows dampening diesel’s vibrations.

One part which meets the rib and hull on port side has weak oak - it is soft and easily gives way to a needle. It has to be replaced.

I see that it was glued before - apparently the oak was of not best quality because it rotted again. I cut it out above the old glue line for replacing with laminated oak.

After gluing the part will be shaped to match the hull. Then the whole foundation will be painted to finish the renovation.

At some point I will need to make new engine bed - probably when old Yanmar dies and I will switch to electrical engine. Hopefully not soon but that is the plan today.

I moved to remaining lead plugs which shall close ballast openings. Same story as with the first one: initial shaping with chisels and hammering into the hole as much as it goes.
Börje says I’m crazy to do that, he would never put this lead back - too much hassle and not much weight benefit. I agree with him but since I’m half-way now and since I’ve put so much effort into this then I’ll continue anyhow. His suggestion is to shape a piece of oak and put it instead, with Sika as a sealer. That certainly works too.

Anyway - swinging the hammer, sweating and heavy breathing through gas mask, melting lead with MAPP torch, hammering again on soften, hot lead - that was my evening. In the end I got nice, big lead pancake.

Some more shaping with flame and finally the second opening is closed!

Iron oxide primer will follow, then some Farm liquid rubber, just to be sure there is no leaking into the opening and finally bottom paint.

I could use less work-heavy way of shaping remaining lead - with angle grinder - but that would mean lots of noise and lead dust everywhere. Instead - with a torch - I can gather all excess lead into a pot. I will use it to cast an anchor “pig”, to be mounted on anchor line for optimising holding angle.

If all goes well then tomorrow night I will close the third opening and this job will be finished.