"Good water, good life; poor water, poor life; no water, no life" Sir Peter Blake


Saturday, August 27, 2011

Pursuing the Balanced Helm

Mazuran's new rudders have received their new handle cutouts, and now are ready for fitting in the drum system - these have been made with precision.  There are many many hours involved in making a set of these but I have seen how smooth they run and have great excitement to see them in action in the water.    Handles are cut out for easy retraction of the blades.  At the top of each rudder there is a carbon tube attached which locks into the slots of the rudder case stopping it from falling down.

The slots in the top of the rudder case are to position the rudder fore and aft which enables you to balance the rudder to reduce load on the helm.  Once this is determined (the boat's happy medium position) this then can be a more permanent arrangement.   Raking it fore and aft alters the lead on the rudder from 25% back to 13% - 18% is the most common so this gives us a nice range to work with.

The hole you can see in the photo below is for the emergency tillers - there are two holes. One on either side of the rudder case which go right through the drum. 


These are more like sculptural artwork and really should be on display rather than concealed under a hatch.  Understanding each integral piece of this system is so crucial for all the stages to come together and work to give us a perfectly balanced helm.  I certainly hope it does!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

The Art of Stainless Steel

If you ever get a chance to go to Opua, check out the shed of New Zealand Stainless!

Chris is an amazing sculptor of stainless steel and his shed reflects this.   It is fascinating to see his designs - how things have been recycled to become another form.  When you talk to Chris you'll see how talented and creative he is.

Just think of forks, knives, and spoons and offcuts of stainless- these become critters, high quality lamp shades, baskets and other amazing inventions have been the result of a design mind and passion for sculpture.  And check out the cars... aren't they awesome! Very inspirational!

Chris has been wonderful in getting our fueltank cleaned, fittings repositioned and all ready for us.  Thank you again for your great hospitality and help on our project!  You're a star!

For custom designed work, repairs or cleaning contact Chris Hinde (0272 905 381)



Saturday, August 13, 2011

Ready steady GO!

What a milestone!
We now have both engines running, and rearing to go!  Thanks again to Gavin at http://www.marineelectrics.co.nz/ for helping us get them purring.

It's such an amazing feeling to hear them running - it means that sculpture in the middle of the driveway is becoming a BOAT!  Today was tweaking the idling, and getting the shafts moving....so far so good. Better to nut out any problems now rather than on launching day!..  I could've uploaded a picture of water coming out of the exhaust to show my excitement, but it just wouldn't be the same!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Winter Dolphins

I cannot believe how easily Freya and Blake have adapted to swimmng lessons! Freya is a fish, spending more time under the water than on top!  With only 2 lessons completed she is already looking forward to the next one!....
Thank you to the lovely ladies at Little Dippers who share our enthusism and passion for the water. So very very proud to see them swimming, and enjoying the warm water in the middle of winter!








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Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Funky new shapes...

Just before the wet part of the NZ winter arrived we managed to sneak in a bit of painting...

The galley and vanity got first look, then the rest of the interior.  Such a man of many talents is Craig, making such a great job!  Mazuran's interior now reveals all the hours of getting the details right - everything looks amazing.  Soles are yet to be painted - that's my task - I cannot wait to start my murals!...