Mercedes Laser crane

I remember the moment when Em had grown big and strong enough that we could lift her Optimist into the back of the VW van together. Freedom.
The combi trailer/trolley offers a similar freedom but when we stack my Laser on top of hers that is gone. Usually there are plenty of strong sailors or parents around to help but I'm always happier if I know I can solve things alone.
So now we have a Laser crane on the back of the Merc van, capable of lifting a Laser and its stacking trolley high enough to roll another Laser on the trailer underneath.
Next stop Workum.

Just add water

Twenty something years of rain and condensation sneaking under the floor and into the plywood means trouble on this fibreglass motor boat.
I was asked to saw out the rotten bits so that the concrete ballast could be removed, then rebuild floor, galley and steering column.
I've done the sawing, but haven't reached solid wood yet upon which I can start to rebuild.

Karel

Karel is a 50's diuble ender, built of rivetted steel.
To make it possible for Willem de Vries to wire in a battery charger and inverter I've cut two small hatches in these teak panels.
Long live the Japanese saw.

Happy New Year

We've come to the end of our long, hot summer barge trip. Em has a new school diary, a new timetable and a new class. For some reason starting up after a summer break has always felt more like beginning a new year to me than fireworks and champagne on January 1st.
We have plenty to do and lots of new ideas after spending weeks together in the wheelhouse. Now it's time to put things in motion.
First up in the shop is three square meters of walnut table that belongs to the office furniture we put together before the holiday break. Our new year has begun.