We finally finished a major project on our to-do list that has been in the making since we bought Galt in 2019. When we originally purchased Galt, the dodger and bimini (the structures that cover the helm station and deck area) were a folding frame structure covered by canvas. With that set up, we had no options for installing solar panels which we needed to live off the grid. When we landed in the Dominican Republic, we desperately needed to address the solar issue. We had a structure built by a man in Luperon where we spent hurricane season that year and he did a good job. The main issue was the quality of materials that were readily available in the DR during the times of The Stupid. Stainless steel was very costly and difficult to find. Aluminum was not available for order. Therefore, we settled on galvanized steel which we thought would last. Unfortunately, the galvanized steel was of very poor quality and quickly began to rust. No amount of paint would hold the rust at bay. Over the years, the frame has slowly been rotting from the inside out and staining Galt’s deck a not so lovely copper color. When we arrived in Colombia, we began the search for alternative options for the bimini and dodger. We decided a hard dodger (the part over the helm station) would be the best option but the prices are usually more in the range of a luxury purchase. Bill set out to design a dodger that would be both sturdy and economical…and aesthetically pleasing. Not a small order! When talking to our Colombian contractor who had completed several smaller projects for us, we soon figured out that standard fiberglass was not going to work because it would be too flimsy. We also ruled out a plywood core covered in fiberglass because the weight would have been prohibitive. Bill finally came across a PVC paneling that could be used as the core of the structure with fiberglass supports. With a plan in place, we left the contractor to the project as we headed to Bolivia.
When we returned, our contractor said the project was moving along and would be ready in a few days. Bill had told him several times that he needed to assemble the dodger onboard Galt or it was going to be very difficult to get it on the boat. Needless to say, no one listened to Bill. On delivery day (which was two weeks late so right on time for Latin America), the contractor showed up with several guys and no plan. Bill suggested that we load the dodger from the dock onto the back of the boat, tilt it to slide by the mast and set it into place. Needless to say, no one listened to Bill. The next thing we see is the dodger arriving via dinghy. As the dinghy dipped precariously in the water under the weight of the dodger, I told the contractor if he hit either of the boats next to us, we were not paying for damages and he would be responsible. I did not even need to say it in Spanish for him to get the message. With two men in the dinghy and the rest of the crew on Galt, they loudly discussed their plan of action….because it would have made far too much sense to have a plan in place prior to bringing the dodger out to Galt on a dinghy. They took the halyard from our main mast (the rope that pulls up the sail) and tied it around the dodger. Then, Bill hoisted the halyard until it got stuck under the weight of the dodger. Back into the dinghy went the dodger. Rearrange the halyard and reattach to dodger. Repeat hoist. Dodger now stuck under the side of Galt so the contractor climbs onto Galt’s toe rail and leans over to push the dodger away from Galt. Bill hangs onto contractor so he does not fall overboard. More hoisting with the halyard and as the dodger cleared onto the deck, several of the guys were basically pinned underneath it but there was much relief from all involved. So now, the dodger was sitting on the forward deck. No problem….except standing between the dodger and its’ future home was our dinghy (which is currently stored on top of the salon roof), the main mast, bungie cords holding the boom in place and at least eight rigging lines that run from the deck to the top of the mast. Let the puzzle games begin. The guys began to turn the dodger trying to figure out how to get it to the helm. After about 10 minutes, they managed to get it into the general vicinity. I heard some yelling and the contractor was stripping off his clothes and then our favorite little worker pushed the contractor out of the way and jumped overboard. Evidently, a small rubber square we had one of the anchors resting on had blown overboard. Considering we could purchase a new one for less than $2.00, I do not think it was worth going for a swim but we appreciated the above and beyond attitude. After the dodger was at the helm, it was too big. The measurements were correct but when they had laid the fiberglass on the frame, the frame had flattened out while it dried. The overhead panel was also too long and would not settle into place around the mast. The next three hours consisted of bungie cords, rachets, Sawzall, screwdrivers and lots of cursing as the guys wrestled the piece into place. It was finally fit but far from installed. They spent the next two days sanding, laying fiberglass and painting. When the contractor announced it was finished, I went up for inspection and noted they did not fiberglass it to the helm station on the outside. The contractor shook his ‘no’ so I called Bill to handle the situation because I knew the contractor was not going to listen to me. In the end, they returned the next day to finish the project the way we wanted and it looks amazing! Step one of the deck refurbish is complete. Next steps will include new solar framing (rust-free!), new benches and a new paint job….but those projects will have to wait because we leave for our next trip this week. Chile and Argentina! We will be seeing stars on the Atacama Desert, visiting some amazing cemeteries, eating LOTS of meat, drinking famous wines and freezing at the southern most point in South America. There will be no blog for a few weeks as we travel but your patience will be rewarded upon our return! Maybe by then, Spring will have sprung!
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AuthorSally Miller Archives
May 2024
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