Turning things around

Well, I have been hard at work these last few weeks removing all the old hoses, wiring, sea strainers, seacocks, etc., so I can paint the bilge. A clean, well maintained bilge is important on a boat. Leaks are readily apparent, the space is brighter and easier to work in, and it just looks good. So, everything is coming out. I am filling all the old screw holes with thickened epoxy, as I will be re-routing most of the plumbing and wring on the boat. Sea Ray does an "ok" job with this, but not up to custom boat builder standards, which is where I intend to be when this is done. Today's pictures show the beginnings of the bilge refinishing. As you can see, the mufflers, muffler supports, batteries, prop shafts, and rudders have been removed from the boat, and the painting has begun. I will be posting a bit more often now, since things have gotten rolling.