Caulking and Sailing: A trip to Haslar

Toucando's deck is made of iroko with Sikaflex "caulking". It had been coated with Sikkens. After eleven years of footfall, sunshine, rain, waves etc. it needed some attention. Some of the seams had opened up a little, allowing water to penetrate. This had to be stopped. The boatswain was engaged to apply the sander, gouge out the old Sikaflex, clean the channels, then apply primer and new Sikaflex. The illustrations below show before and after:






It's a big job: but the results are fantastic. Not only are the seams now well filled, but the wood is clean and bright, and the grip is better. About 1/3 done so far. Completion will depend on weather.
Other maintenance included a jet wash, anti foul and anode change. This entailed a trip to Sealift in Haslar. To achieve this we were joined by Dan and had a nice sail down on Bank Holiday Monday. The lift took place on Tuesday, and the rest of the week saw more caulking before the Solent Gaffer fleet arrived for the annual race and rally. We enjoyed their company before having an excellent sail back to Southampton, this time assisted by Nicholas. After a long period when Toucando was under maintenance it was a nice change for her to be under sail.



The outward crew comparing notes.


The jet wash at Sealift2


Enjoying refreshments on the new cockpit table (found in Derbyshire).





Homeward bound!

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