Boat roll-out!

Today, Calbourne was rolled out of the build shed into the neighbouring fit-out shed.

It's the first time Calbourne has seen the proper light of day. I know I'm biased, but I think she looks pretty good out in the sunshine!

There's been a lot of work going on in the background, with local jobbing engineers making bespoke, vital components, like brackets for the throttle and stop cables. The most taxing job has been, and continues to be, the mating of the gearbox to the engine.

Meanwhile, I've been busy in the workshop, pressing on with the construction of the galley cupboards. The curved cupboards have proved to be a challenge (bloody nightmare, more like!), but it's all starting to come together.

The units are all built from solid Ash, including the end panels and the carcasses from 18mm all-Birch ply.

In spite of ordering all the portholes, etc months ago, we're still waiting for ProCast to deliver them. This seems to be the pattern of my experience. Some suppliers are great - you order, they deliver. Others seem to adopt the attitude that any time in the next 6 months or so will be fine.

Plan now is for Calbourne to stay in the fit-out shed for a few weeks, while I get the ballast in, plywood sub-floor down, engine fuel lines and coolant system connected, sterngear completed, water tank in and pump connected. Then I will be able to think about getting her transported to March for launching to her wet berth.