02Jul/21
Repairing the Split in the Topsides
As reported in Bluster’s last blog post, there was a worrying split in the topsides at the starboard aft end of the cockpit where the aft deck moulding is joined to theRead More…
12Jun/21
Repairs around the rubbing strake
The hot sunny weather we are having in Scotland at the moment is ideal for wood repairs as the exposed laminates are nice and dry before being sealed in with epoxy. WaterRead More…
11May/21
Bluster Progress – Removing Rusty Iron and Making Good
Work on Bluster has continued in April and early May. Much of April was spent removing rusty bolts from the engine bay area and rudder skeg. The keel stops were removed withoutRead More…
14Mar/21
Bluster’s Keels and Steelwork Removed
After much prevaricating, Bluster’s trailer was removed and the keels lowered to the ground. The supporting steelwork was then also removed for inspection. Before removing the trailer, I cut off most ofRead More…
24Feb/21
Steering Gear Wear and Corrosion
With the snow melting and the weather warmed up (relatively), work on Bluster has resumed with the stripping out of the steering mechanism. The whipstaff bearing had a bit of play, butRead More…
09Feb/21
Engine Bearers and Thrust Bearing
The weather continues to be very cold this winter in Aberdeenshire, and now we also have 20 cm of snow. Consequently, not so much work has been done on Bluster. After muchRead More…
26Jan/21
Bluster’s 1GM10 Serviced and painted
Bluster’s engine was winterised, but otherwise in reasonable working order. It was badly rusted in places, the fuel and oil pipes were beginning to rust, and the paint was peeling off muchRead More…
28Dec/20
Getting Bluster’s Engine Out
Bluster currently has a Yanmar 1GM10 diesel engine, a replacement for the Volvo Penta that she previously had. It has been fairly reliable, but the paint was peeling off the lower halfRead More…
09Nov/20
Repairs to Bluster’s Bow
Work has continued on repairing the bow area of Bluster. The deck area had some rot wherever it had been penetrated by a screw or bolt, allowing water to get into theRead More…
28Sep/20
Bluster’s Foredeck Repairs
The foredeck from the cockpit to the forehatch has now been repaired and just needs fairing and some longitudinal slats replacing. The top laminate repairs on the bubble have now been fairedRead More…
28Jul/20
Cockpit Restoration
I am now restoring Bluster’s cockpit at deck level. Getting the jib sheet tracks off (all four of them) was a struggle as many of the brass bolts were corroded into theRead More…
18Jul/20
Bluster Refit Progress
Making the most of the warm weather and Covid19 lockdown to work on repairing the deck laminations and replace the rotten frame tops. Progress is slow, but steady. Title: Side Deck ProgressCaption:Read More…
11Jun/20
Side Deck Strengthening
On Bluster, between the companionway bulkhead and the main bulkhead the side deck and blister were joined without any reinforcement other than the quarter round on the outside. This led to separation,Read More…
01Jul/19
Diesel Bug in Fuel Tank
Why you should always add a biocide to your diesel fuel (see photographs)! The algal gloop formed a mat lying on the bottom of the tank. As there was a 3 cmRead More…
13Jun/19
Bluster in two big bits (and many small bits)
Bluster is now under an all-weather cover so it is possible to work on her even when the weather is not as fine as it should be. Many of the fittings haveRead More…
11Apr/19
Refit of Bluster Started
Work has started on Bluster’s major refit, now that the weather is warmer and dryer. I am starting to strip off the bits that have not been off for a long time,Read More…
16Aug/18
Bluster arrives in Scotland, from Suffolk
After many years of being based at Ramsholt on the Deben and sailing the Thames Estuary with forays to Holland, France and Scotland (by trailer), Bluster has now moved to Scotland whereRead More…
26Feb/13
The Best Laid Plans-A183 Bluster’s log-July/August 2012
The best laid plans …… Or an enjoyable alternative
“Where are you going for your summer cruise Jane?” ”Hopefully West, but if that