Eltrim Bellows Replaced - 28th November 2019

Finally a break in the rain and it was time to change the Eltrim bellows and complete the trim cleaning returning them to their stainless finish.

New bellows on starboard side

New bellows on the port side

Starboard side all clean

Port side trim cleaned off

Port bellows compressed

Starboard bellows compressed

Trim Tabs back to Stainless - 17th November 2019

Another few hours on the trim tabs cleaning off anti-foul from the tops, they are now back to stainless. It was several millimeters thick so will need to go back another day to do the bottom sides... its going to be a long job.

Port Tab cleaned off on top

Starboard Tab cleaned off on top

Underside is thick looks like they've got under seal or tarmac on them, yikes gonging to be a challenge

Starboard Leg Removed - 14th November 2019

Finally managed to remove the damaged leg so a proper repair can be carried out, managed to get replacement H casting and coupler from coastal rides. Then couldn't release the drain plugs, all a bit challenging.

Starboard leg removed

Big step forward in the repairs

No sign of leaking which is good

UJ Coupler damaged when casting broke

The Big Strip Down has begun - 13th November 2019

After a couple of days I managed to get back to the boat and started stripping down the drives and removing the props.

Props off and the big job of removing the starboard leg

Lift Out & Broken Drive - 11th November 2019

Despite the wind at F5/6 the lift was finally on at the ECA, we struggled to get the boat of the dock on one engine with the wing blowing us on and only the starboard drive working. All a bit interesting getting into the Wise lift. Finally out and on shore too see the starboard drive had collapsed as the 'hook up' casting had fractured due to age.

At last a shore and out of the wind

Finally on our way down the yard

Greek Princess in the Wise Lift

Finally choked off

Winter layup complete

This why we could engage the drive

Hook up casting fractured

Cleaned up reveals the damage

Wow all looks a bit messy

Port Casting has obviously been replaced

Starboard leg supported until removal

Drive Failure en route to ECA - 8th November 2019

Every so often things go wrong and this journey turned out to be one of those, on leaving our mooring at Haslar for the ECA the starboard leg lost drive. Had to really struggle to reverse up the run on one engine into open water. Managed to then limped round the ECA only for the Wise Lift to Fail with a hydraulic leak. So we had to moor up for a few days and wait for the next weather window.

In safely on one engine

All secure after limping in

Grateful to be in safe and sound, however looks like the drive cable has gone on starboard leg

AIS fitted and working - 1st November 2019

Finally completed the navigational upgrades to Greek princess and fitted AIS Transponder, finally we can see and be seen, increasing the safety at sea. Also lets us keep an eye on the boat when we aren't there.

Vesper Marine XB6000 fitted

Finally I can see AIS targets

Info available

MMSI & CALL SIGN

Clearly Seen