Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Progress Update: December 26th


In spite of weather restrictions and fighting the flu we were slowed down but still able to make some progress. 

(Eric installing the *new engine room intake blowers)

The next few weeks will be slower in progress as well due to Eric's side job. Both he and Mary will be splitting their time between ship projects and working on the side for their personal support. 

*A huge Thank you!! to James & Gina Nie for their donation of the new, engine room intake blowers!

 Refinished intake housing



Fans being installed











  Ready for wiring

  

Reinstalling the cabinetry.







 

Some cabinetry repairs

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Progress Update: December 7th

'Many hands make light work'!
(Gina, Lori and Niki helping Mary get caught up)

Wonderful new developments and a much needed encouragement boost since our last update! While waiting for the epoxy to arrive in order to continue the work on the water tanks, we decided to deal with some rusty sections on the boom crane column. A cabinet with stone top needed to be removed in order to do this and the engine room ventilators needed to be replaced in the middle of the whole assembly. But God sent the cavalry just in time with the skillful and gracious help of fellow missionaries James Nie and wife Gina, son Colton, daughter Niki and Jared Waipouri of the mission organization 'Marine Reach Vanuatu'. Along with Jared and the Nie family, we also had the great company of the Nie's friend, Lori Brown, and our long-time good friend and supporter, Tom Burky. It was a seven day whirlwind of fantastic activity! 
We all had several great sessions discussing the future of medical outreach and humanitarian support for the Vanuatu, Solomon Island and Fiji area. God has really brought us all together at the right time to begin partnering together to fulfill a tremendous need in the area. Each of us is bringing a unique set of assets and skills into this endeavor and it is really looking like we will be working together a great deal to meet the needs there. We would like to thank Jared for his extensive knowledge of the realities of working in so many of these remote areas and coordinating with all the parties involved to make it happen through God's direction and grace.

James and Eric tackled the crane column.

Eric, DJ and Colton inspected the anchor windlass.
Colton assisted with the crane column and removing the old lettering from a very difficult to reach area on the top sides. He also created a wonderful video presenting the outer and inner areas of the ship.

DJ and Tom studied the hydraulic systems throughout the ship and got a large amount of information that is needed for beginning the rebuilding of a better system.

Gina, Lori and Niki helped Mary get caught up in cleaning several areas which will make daily maintenance easier for her. Their kind and heartfelt encouragement boosted her confidence that, yes indeed, she can perform the many tasks ahead of her and perform them well. So grateful!

We are so thankful for all the help the Lord sent and the wonderful encouragement toward future partnerships in the coming work in the South Pacific! Thank you Lord for Your wonderful blessings and mighty hands to bring forth your purpose!! 


Initial inspection
James gets to discover the joy of a needle gun.




Cabinet removed for complete coating removal.








 
 James finishing removal of old coatings.


New primer and paint.









 
  Colton riveting trim plates back in place.



Father and son installing aluminum trim.









 
 New engine room blowers will be going in here.




More paint removal on the crane base.






  Final cleanup for primer.





Primed








 
  Engine room blower housing getting old paint removed.




 Ready for blower installation.









  Old cabinet will be reinstalled after blower installation.



 One of the next projects, our windlass.









  Colton removing the old lettering with his father's assistance.



DJ and Tom discussing the hydraulic systems.








 
   Getting ready to fire up main engines
 so the crew can hear that great sound!



Gina and Niki (Lori was working in another section)
 Gina and Niki helping prepare
 the guest stateroom for Lori's arrival.


Sunday, November 26, 2017

Progress Update: November 26th


Eric has started a very difficult and physically demanding job. Grinding, repair and epoxy coating in the first of two 750 gallon water tanks. Both eventually will be done.







Eric in the water tank, mixing epoxy.


Climbing out of the water tank. 


Glad there are some good hand holds!
 In and out of the tanks several times a day over the last week or so. A lot of work but he is steadily making good progress. 
"You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!"



Grinding and epoxy taken as far as we can go for now. Waiting on funds to clear for more epoxy.
Slowly getting there...

Other projects are progressing while we wait on more epoxy. Among these is the continued plumbing of the water heater tanks and cold/hot water runs and hookups. Also reorganizing of the wood pile, various supplies and the wood shop.




Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Progress Update: November 15th

(Eric cutting access under the forward guest head)

Progress over the last two weeks has been good, in spite of Eric having to make time for a side job.

Plumbing manifolds have been built, installed and partially plumbed. Lots of old galvanized pipe has been removed from the bilge to make way for updated hose and fittings.

New storage shelving units were built, painted and installed in the engine room. 

More organizing throughout the engine room and on deck, which included two large loads of scrap copper wire which will help fund needed project supplies. 

And the water tank grinding has begun! 


 Manifold for the guest head sink, shower and head. Also the forward bow deck wash.




Manifold in the forward water heater locker.









 Starting to run new hot and cold water hoses.

DJ crimping connections.




Installed and beautiful!








 Cutting plumbing access through
marble and ply flooring.




One layer at a time.
Done! Will make a removable 
base late for future access.




DJ doing contortions as he cuts out old pipe...







Access for replumbing forward guest shower.
Replacing rusty galvanized pipe.




Ventilating access to aft water tank.








 
 Starting more engine room storage.




Making sawdust as usual.








 
 Two part paint, best to keep in the open when you can.





Going together.







 
Finished except for container retention.




Grinding a 750 gallon tank
for restoration and sealing.








 
 Nice roomy spot.





Everything cleaned and ready for storage. 







 Sorting and organizing in the cockpit.













 
Newly cleaned and organized rope and anchor locker! Good spot for the pressure washer as well.