Don't you just love boat jumbles

After a bit more research I was convinced that the problem with the oil pressure gauge was down to the replacement head not being compatible with the sender which I was assuming as being original, the replacement gauge was calibrated 0-145psi while the original Perkins VDO gauge was 0-80psi with the engine running the needle was in the right position on the dial for approximately 57psi which is within limits and I suppose I could have repainted the face of the gauge however on my shopping list for the Kent boat jumble last weekend was an original Perkins VDO gauge. After walking almost right round the site I had bought some rope to make up a couple of mooring warps and had just about given up on the oil pressure gauge and then on the very last stall in the far corner of the site I found this.

Original Perkins VDO gauges

So for a few beer tokens I had a set of original gauges the key switch on the panel is beyond repair but the rest appears to be in working order first thing Monday morning I fitted the oil pressure gauge and started the engine and voila I have an accurate oil pressure gauge, a spare tachometer and a spare water temperature gauge.

Replacement oil pressure gauge fitted

Once the oil pressure gauge was sorted I spent some more time on the repair to the port bow I have now got the repair up to a level where it just requires filling and fairing I plan to do this with some gelcoat probably next week once the epoxy has had time to fully cure. It will probably require four or five coats of gelcoat to bring the repair up to the level of the original the weather looks promising for next week. I also spent some time cleaning up the topsides as there are several areas of gelcoat that require some attention mostly minor scrapes and a couple of areas with some stress cracking and also some old repairs that could be better finished hopefully the current mild weather will hold so that I can complete this work.

Port bow repair

I still have some outstanding wiring work to complete this is mainly the internal wiring for the navigation lights and the reading lights in the three cabins and so to finish off this week I ran the internal cables for the port and starboard lamps on the pulpit I have know almost run out of cable over 100 metres having gone into the job so far.

Over the weekend I shall continue with refurbishing the woodwork for the aft cabin I have one of the panels painted it just needs some varnish on the trim round the locker door openings.