Hi. Thanks, there's lots still to do. The mast went back on the boat yesterday and the new jib halyard cleats seem to be working well, I haven't been sailing yet but i did most of last season with it tied to the (now removed) whisker pole loop in much the same place. I can't see that there would be any more strain on the tabernacle bolt, it's all taken by compression along the mast. The peak and throat clutches were quite easy to fit. There is a change in deck thickness, so the forward holes needed packing to make it level. I had a couple of old aluminium block sheaves that were the perfect size but a few suitable washers would do the job. The deck is surprisingly thick so get bolts that are slightly longer than you think. I didn't use a backing plate, just large penny washers (and , as you say , lots of sikaflex) The actual total load on these halyards is really quite low (you hand haul them remember) and we have a very thick solid deck on the edge. They have been the best thing I've done so far, it makes hoisting and setting the gaff a doddle.

Thank you! Cheers!

Thank you. Not a stupid question at all, and many debate this. My opinion is that, traditionally, paint has been better at sealing and protecting wood than varnish, but the wear from sails, hoops, ropes etc would remove paint fairly quickly so it couldn't be used on the working length of the spar. Where the spar isn't subject to wear (the ends of booms, masts and gaffs) paint could better seal the end grain of the wood and it makes sense to use white as it tends to be UV stable and easily seen.

It’s one of the exterior international polyurethanes.

Thank you. I used an oil based mastic.

@@Morningvicar do you think i can use 3M 5200?

Hi, Thanks, glad you liked it. I did seriously consider a tricolour and may fit one next year but my thinking at the moment is: 1. like you say, she's under 7 metres anyway. 2. Tricolours on the masthead should only be used when sailing and i rarely sail at night. 3. if i were sailing at night, some of the section facing aft would be obscured by the gaff rig so i'd need a stern light anyway. 4. I have side lights at deck level (which also need replacing). So, at anchor, masthead light goes on. Under power, masthead and side lights. Under sail, side lights and stern light. However, when i'm out at night, I tend to work on the 'fishing trawler' principle of "have as many lights on as you can so everyone can see you". Regards Paul

Ah, I didn’t realise that you had side lights. I look forward to seeing your new sailing videos. I’ve stripped my Shrimper mast back to bare wood recently and put 3 coats of Sikkens on. She’s all rigged and ready for launch later this month. We’ve got the International Shrimper Rally down here in Falmouth in June, so looking forward to that. There are over 50 entries already.

I would love to be there but it looks like June is a bit busy for me. Have fun.

I’m a bit tied up atm 😊