Installing the New (under-floor) Water Tank (Project Lottie Ep10)

Рет қаралды 14,110

Күн бұрын

The water tank on a Contessa 32 is installed under the floor, in the bilge area above the keel, so not particularly accessible most of the time. In this video I install the new Stainless Steel tank and the structure necessary to reinforce the top of the keel area, I also and continue with the internal rebuild with some of the removed furniture being reinstalled.
In this episode I also show you how to repair old through-hull holes in a GRP hull and make large sheets of glass fibre that can be cut up and used for bulkheads, reinforcements or many other purposes.
Many thanks to the owner for giving me permission to create this content based on the refit of his boat.
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About Me
I run a small business called The Solent Boat Butler and spend my days repairing, maintaining and refitting sailing boats (often Contessa 32’s due to my long experience with them). I'm mostly in the central Solent area of the UK. Being a cruising and racing sailor with many thousands of inshore and offshore sea miles logged I like to think that I bring a great deal of real-world experience to my work and help many new (and not so new) boat owners to improve and maintain their boats. When I'm not fixing boats I also provide some own-boat sail training, help owners with deliveries, provide pre-purchase inspections and deliver consultancy services to those that are refitting their own boats for cruising or racing.
Facebook - thesolentboatbutler
Instagram - george_the_boat_butler
Website - www.solentboatbutler.co.uk
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Disclaimer
I hope that viewers both enjoy and learn something from my videos but please remember to take the appropriate precautions for any DIY refit works you undertake with appropriate PPE and the correct tools for the job. If you are in any way unsure as to how to go about a project or are unsure if something on your boat is safe please consult a professional.
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Music credit - Bensound.com and KZfaq audio library (Dyala and Quincas Moreira) royalty free music.

Пікірлер: 101

@Sp3ktral22 Жыл бұрын

The glass lay up was interesting, so keep those time lapses in. It's all cool.

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Ok, will do, thanks

@hedleyjackson5131 Жыл бұрын

George it is great to see the full sequence from a professional, most KZfaq repairs are by self taught individuals, really feel I’ve learned something of value from you, Timo of sailing NV and Matt of the Duracell project.

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Thanks, don’t know Timo but I like the Duracell project, mostly because I’d love to do a project like that but there are not many old IMOCA 60’s going cheap around here at the moment. I think Matt and I wold have a lot in common if we ever met.

@hedleyjackson5131 Жыл бұрын

@@RefitandSail Sure you would his vacuumed bagging is quite something to watch Timo and Jo also converting an open 60 for cruising.

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

@@hedleyjackson5131 I'll have a look.

@rexstiger6090 Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the video. I did watch and read your notes during the laminate sheet time lapse. New audio is good as well. Very instructional video, Thanks!

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

thanks Rex!

@ulrich2441 Жыл бұрын

Again a brilliant episode - sequences not too long nor “boring” as one gets a good appreciation of all steps and work involved. Pleasure to watch you doing your again very thorough and really skillful work. Thank you for sharing George!

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@bendaves77 Жыл бұрын

I read what you type in the videos just as I listen to you explaining the proper way of doing things.. I can tell you're a true craftsman and someone who has knowledge to share. I'm wanting to buy a classic sailboat which will need work since I have never been afraid of hard work and am willing to do that rather than spend more money.. I really hope that other owners will see these videos and hire you to do work on their boats so that you can make a living and we can learn..

@davidclarke7728 Жыл бұрын

Another excellent video , the owner is not only getting a fully documented renovation but also the professional way you are carrying it out

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Indeed, maybe I should be charging extra 🙂 thanks for the kind comment.

@MikeTheMachineLevine Жыл бұрын

Audio is great! I didn't skip the 4000 layer glass layup. The work is looking good thanks for showing it. Cheers from Montana.

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Thanks, pleased you enjoyed it.

@normanboyes4983 9 ай бұрын

George I watch all your videos without skipping (and read the on screen notes), Good foundation work there.⛵️

@weed9r 9 ай бұрын

"if you read this" Ofc I read this! Your work is awesome and inspiring!

@dougmylroie1794 Жыл бұрын

Thoroughly enjoying watching your progress. Your enjoyment of what you are doing is refreshing.

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

great, pleased you are enjoying the vids

@atlsrf2 Жыл бұрын

Audio is much better with the mic. Good going!

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

I think so to and appreciate the comment, thanks

@urbansafari147 Жыл бұрын

binge watching the whole job... yep reading all. great work. some prices would be nice.. i know that won't be easy but you don't do easy... p s. in Bournemouth, if you need a hand.

@paddyfore Жыл бұрын

Yup got there on the glassing, I find it all really interesting and learn loads. Keep it coming

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Haha good, pleased you enjoy the vids

@user-cz7bc7fm4f Жыл бұрын

This video (and all the others) are simply pure genius! Everybody who owns a Contessa 32 or is considering buying one should watch these videos over and over again, as much trial and error can surely be avoided that way. George, a question for you that I have been struggling with for a long time: When mounting the new water tank, the instructions from JRL suggest to glass in spacers on the top of the keel to lift up the water tank so that it is not sitting directly on the keel. In the Contessa 32 forum on FB, some fellow owners have explained how they have glued spacers onto the bottom of the water tank. Now, around 25:26 in your video you show temporary spacers which I understand serves the purpose of getting the tank in the right position so that when you drill the mounting holes in the new bulkheads, they will align with the flanges on the stainless steel water tank. But later in the video the water tank goes in, and the issue concerning spacers is not mentioned in that connection. My question is: Do you put something underneath the watertank to support it? If so, what? Or is it just carried by the bolts going through the two new bulkheads? My view would be that such spacers will take up "valuable" bilge space and mean less room for bilge water, so are they really necessary? Hope the question makes sense and I am sure your reply will be watched closely by the many fellow Contessa owners, who like me have been pondering over this question, day and night. Best wishes

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind comment, I only used temporary spacers as you will have seen and didn’t think it necessary to put permanent spacers in there, I’m not sure it’s necessary as it’s not a particularly big tank and felt it better to have the ability for water and any dirt/debris to be easily washed though the bilge to the lowest point and be removed. The tank is very well secured and I can’t see it moving anywhere in use. Having some permanent supports under the rim sure won’t hurt though.

@user-cz7bc7fm4f Жыл бұрын

@@RefitandSail That makes perfect sense, thank you for this and for the very helpful videos. BR Aage Krogh

@Southernman980 Жыл бұрын

I so want to go out and buy an old boat to do up now! So satisfying 😮

@whisperstravels5908 Жыл бұрын

really enjoying this little refit. Looking forward to the finished boat. But it looks great so far.

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@user-mj6sl9qv8j Жыл бұрын

hah yes read that something very satisfying about watching people work - even if speeded up!

@kobusvanzyl7222 6 ай бұрын

Saw the "reading" word insert. Nothing greater than watching fiberglass dry.🤔

@Glenn.Cooper Жыл бұрын

Yes - I was reading that. I get a lot out of watching those parts. Thanks!!

@konserv Жыл бұрын

Glass fabric lay up ++

@pironiero 4 ай бұрын

timelapses are cool

@CrewsFarm Жыл бұрын

Your videos just get better & better! Thanks George.

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

thanks John!

@RollsFPV Жыл бұрын

read it. I have been enjoying the Lottie project, as I am currently doing a refit on our little 30 footer myself and to coin another sailing channel im learning by doing.

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Pleased someone has, good luck with the refit.

@jonunya3128 Жыл бұрын

I watched the lay-up and read the .. notes? about it. glass work fascinates me, I never get tired of watching laying up and fairing in, especially fairing.. which looks like drywall work to me, I've done some of that sort of work..

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Great, I’m always interested to know who watches and who skips past to the next bit.

Жыл бұрын

No skipping, best music video ever :D

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Well done, you must me one of six! Cheers!

@MrHenhei Жыл бұрын

"if you are reading this let me know ..." yupp, reading it :)

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Nice!

@rafaeldealemarvidal290 Жыл бұрын

I have to say you go on all details. I really like that. I would definetely hire you to refit a sailboat. Congratulation and keep posting your videos. I love it

@rafaeldealemarvidal290 Жыл бұрын

By the way.. I didn't skip the layering of fiber. :D

@markusburggraf7030 Жыл бұрын

Excellent work and documentation!

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@petesarbutt6455 Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed the episode. Also a big fan of the contessa 32s 👍

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Great, thanks

@vanwest4198 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video, really like the format and how you are presenting it! I hope you are filming your side projects would like to see how you installed the diesel heater!

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

thanks, pleased you liked it. I didn't record that heater install but I know there are others coming so there will me the opportunity again.

@arts2412 2 ай бұрын

Read your request paying attention

@kbbarton1 Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this episode! Sound was good, and the music and your voice were very close to the same volume (in some of your earlier videos, the music was significantly louder than your voiceover so I would have to adjust my volume several times).

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Thanks, trying to get better but without investing too much time. It’s all edited on an iPad app so there is only so much tweaking to volume I can do. I think the more expensive editing solutions have automated volume balancing tools

@kbbarton1 Жыл бұрын

@@RefitandSail You seem to have gotten it correct, so well done! I meant to include a question about the GRP sheet that you installed above the water tank: did you bevel the sides of the GRP sheet to fit the curve of the hull, or just fill any gaps with thickened epoxy and called it good?

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

@@kbbarton1 no need to bevel the sides on that, its there to provide lateral strength/structure between the hull sides to limit flex so as long as its well bonded in each side then its all good. the floor, which you seen in the next episode, is bevelled to fit the curvature of the hull.

@andrewhebden2793 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant episode, thanks George. This has inspired me to fit a SS tank in Gauntlet next winter. Not robbing you of work as Gauntlet is in North Wales😀 I look forward to the episode where you refit the sole as this looks to be the tricky bit for amateurs. Quick question: when filling the old transducer holes do you start with the largest or smallest circle of mat? Andy Miller of Boatworkstoday says smallest first but this sounds illogical to me….

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Hi Andrew, pleased its been helpful. Prob worth noting that I have not put every single step of the process into the vids. Also different aged Co32's had their internal furniture built in slightly different ways so what worked for Lottie may not work in exactly the same way as a later JR boat and I thinks yours is a Slack so different again. Re filling the holes, as I'm sure you are aware there are two schools of thought, small first or big first. In reality I doubt it makes very much difference at all. The theory is that if you put the big one in first then it has max surface area against the hull but if it were to fail due to a bad bond (very very unlikely) then the whole patch could fall off. Filling with the smallest first overcomes this but as its the resin and the prep-work that would cause a failure then you don't really solve the problem IMO. I often do a hybrid of a couple of smaller ones, then a middle size, then maybe a coupe of larger small-ones then a larger middle size and built it from there. But I also always do the extra dishing out and laminating on the outside to ensure a perfect and super strong repair. The most important thing is to have a good taper so lots of surface area, thoroughly clean and then use correctly mixed resin in the appropriate environmental conditions Hope this answers your question.

@floydgraves3997 Жыл бұрын

Good. video. Check out Atomvoyager and how he builds in "Interagul " water tanks over the keel with fiberglass and epoxy with a line fiberglassed through the bottom length of the tank for bilge water. That might both simplify, reduce cost and maximize the amount of water stored.

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Thanks, having had both I would take a stainless steel tank over fibreglass every time, it is naturally antibacterial so needs very little cleaning, my old grp tank needed cleaning regularly to keep it clean and stop stuff growing.

@paulwilliams3494 Жыл бұрын

I read it...........

@johnthomson1579 Жыл бұрын

I’m reading.

@fendykefabs Жыл бұрын

Great video's very informative, what is the GSM of your matting, thanks George.

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

I have two weights of combimat I regularly use, 450/225 and 600/300. First number is the biax/woven roving the second is the CSM.

@cristianradu9513 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great video, George. How would you clean this new tank? Do you think it would be possible to put your arm through that inspection port and scrub the whole of the inside of the tank?

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

You can get an arm in the access hatch, I have done it on another identical tank but in reality the stainless tanks stay very clean (much cleaner than plastic tanks), not sure why. A couple of years ago I opened up the stainless water tank that needed repair having been sealed for 37 years and it was spotless inside.

@akkebengtsson6232 11 ай бұрын

Glass fibre dulls regular scissors after just a few cuts. I’m curious about your electric scissor. Replaceable shears?

@floydgraves3997 Жыл бұрын

Bilge water coming in contact with metal tanks will create more problems in the future.

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Tank is 316 stainless and should not regularly be in bilge water unless there is a serious problem with the tank but can cope with regular wetting with no issues.

@PeterPan_was_here Жыл бұрын

The red resin you used inside, was that epoxy or polyester? Looks awesome btw

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

I think it’s more amber than red but I have mostly used Gurit Epoxy on this project.

@bryansmith6315 Жыл бұрын

I read your notes;-) Would using some sort of "pre-preg" cloths and your heated vacuum pads be an option for this king of flat work in particular?

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Haha, you are one of three that read it, there are lots of options for making (or just buying) flat grp sheet but wet layup is the easiest and cheapest option, I could have vac-bagged it but weight not critical and I was pretty happy with the resin to glass ratio. Lots of people using “advanced” layup methods on YT are doing it for the channel and for the views, they are not working to commercial time and costs constraints as I am.

@jackholland10 Жыл бұрын

do those snazzy sizzors stay sharp? or do you need to sharpen them? good videos! :)

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Not had to sharpen them yet. Pleased you like the videos.

@steveroberts7125 Жыл бұрын

Sorry if it has already been asked / answered, but what is the capacity of the new water tank? Great video, thanks.

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Thanks, I believe it’s about 75L so not huge but it’s what will fit and sufficient for most owners needs (you can fit a secondary tank elsewhere if needed.

@Kampup 9 ай бұрын

reading

@artyspost 3 ай бұрын

Is there any difference starting with small pieces of glass and working up to the larger one rather than the other way around?

@RefitandSail 3 ай бұрын

Based on what I have seen first-hand with laminate/secondary bonding failure I suspect it makes very little difference

@matthewsellers82 Жыл бұрын

I know most people seem to use acetone to wipe down but I believe there are some codes that require styrene when bonding to polyester. What's your experience?

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

I have only ever used acetone (and that’s all I have seen other laminators use for cleaning down), styrene is a good solvent but it won’t “do” anything to fairly old cured polyester beyond surface cleaning.

@matthewsellers82 Жыл бұрын

@@RefitandSail I'm ready to be corrected but my understanding is that Styrene is specified in some codes because any residual is incorporated into the resin reaction in the same way as the Styrene in the actual resin is. Ross over on Life on the Hulls mentioned that it was a requirement in Australia to use Styrene rather than Acetone

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

@@matthewsellers82 on boats that are relatively new then there will be some unreacted/uncured resin components in the laminate and the argument is that new poly resin will, to some extent, bond with these unreacted components to form a partial chemical bond between the old and new material. In that situation the use of styrene may help the old and new to bond. With 50 year old boats like Lottie there may (will) be the same uncured/unreacted components but after all that time they are extremely unlikely to react/cure when overcoated with new poly. I was using epoxy so there was never going to be a chemical bond but epoxy adheres to old poly better than new poly does but either would be fine. For other parts of the refit I'll be using Poly but chose to use epoxy for this as I thought it worth the additional expense. Hope this answers the question, maybe 🙂

@matthewsellers82 Жыл бұрын

@@RefitandSail It does, thank you for your time. A couple of years ago I did some very unscientific tests with Bondo (a 3M brand) resin by pouring fresh resin on top of cured resin, letting the new resin cure then bend testing the resulting combined block to see if the two would separate. If the first resin was less than 4 days old there was a chemical bond beyond the 4 days the two batches would separate. The tests were pretty basic and made no allowance for % of catalyst, temperature, humidity, Etc.

@philipritson8821 Жыл бұрын

What resin are you using? Epoxy or polyester

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

For this job I was mostly using epoxy

@philipritson8821 Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@ForkOffjewgle 4 ай бұрын

What budget would such work cost...,broadly speaking.

@RefitandSail 4 ай бұрын

Depends on what water tank and what floor is put back in but so where in the region of 7-8k ish

@MrJeep75 Жыл бұрын

Why didnt you use a poly tank

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

Stainless steel is better

@kobusvanzyl7222 6 ай бұрын

How would a future owner replace that tank? That is cursing left for 20 years from now.

@RefitandSail 6 ай бұрын

Floor removal would be necessary but since the first tank was in there for nearly 50 years I don’t this the owner will have to worry about it’s replacement any time soon.

@jerrylynch5611 Жыл бұрын

As a Hapless amateur, and I'm sure someone, somewhere will be referring to me as "the previous owner" I'm wondering what the advantage is to having a seperate water tank as opposed to an integral watertank such as Atom Voyager does on his yachts kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o9qaateHv5nZhaM.html (I know,...KZfaq watching hapless amateur, please forgive me.. ) Also, what happens if that tank ever leaks?

@RefitandSail Жыл бұрын

I have not watches the channel you mention but I would have a stainless steel tank over what I presume is a build in GRP tank whenever possible, they say soo much cleaner as I think stainless steel is naturally antibacterial. On my own boat I started to get a leak on one of the original 1984 tanks, it had never been cleaned as there is now access hatch bit when opened up it was spotless inside. The GRP tank I had in a previous boat would not stay clean without adding lots of chemicals and still needed a physical scrub clean at least once a year.

@jerrylynch5611 Жыл бұрын

@@RefitandSail Thanks for your reply, that makes sense. He is a bit like an American version of you, fastidious, innovative, passionate about boats and does a great job... Thanks again