The stern tube is now fitted. Basically it is like a long hollow bolt threaded at the inboard end and flanged at the outboard. The propellor shaft runs through the center of the bolt.
There is a bearing at each end, and a mechanical seal at the inboard end.
Outboard end of the stern tube
Inboard end of the stern tube. Note the large nut
The forward storage area is also coming along. There is a chain bin directly under where the anchor winch is fixed to the deck. The winch and chain bin have been moved aft and lower down than in the original boat to reduce weight forward and improve boat trim.
Acnhor chain bin formed out of ply.
The whole boat is being lined with insulation and thin ply. It might be a bit of overkill to line this forward section, but it makes for a tidy and clean base to work from.
The whole boat is being lined with insulation and thin ply
And yes, the caravan has become home at least on weekends and sometimes during the week. Its not to bad. at least it does not leak any now that I’ve plugged the holes.
Home sweet home