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)

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!

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!

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!...

Running Parallel

It's frustrating when motivated direction is thrown, and jobs that we thought weren't going to be done for a few weeks are having to be started.  Centreboards are on hold, although one board is half way through, and is already looking amazing.  Craig is a very talented foil maker, making them both strong, and light - I still get amazed watching him.

Everything is precise, everything is perfect.

Electrical is nearly ready with amazing thanks to Gavin at http://www.marineelectrics.co.nz/.  Such a wealth of knowledge and expertise. 


Engines are also nearly plumbed up ready for running - both Craig and I reading manuals thoroughly, getting our own maintenance schedule ready for the future.  Everything is new, she will purr.

Raining lots at the moment - middle of winter in New Zealand is just that- but it's still beautiful.  Just a wee bit chilly.  Kids are still running around with the bare minimum - typical Kiwi kids. Full of beans. 

Trying to cull their toy boxes ready for onboard Mazuran. Very excited to be reducing clutter.  I like to think we will have a space for everything!  They are also getting VERY excited.



Craig's precision and expertise hard at work making our first centreboard





The final countdown...

They say the last 10% is always the hardest, right? I think we are doing so well to achieve what we have in 3 years.  According to our 'budget' we have approximately 3 and a half months before we can launch and live aboard.

Centreboards have been started this week, and should take 2 weeks to construct. 

The New Back End

The transom area is the next to get the makeover and after deciding to put in an 'eyebrow' step to transition from stern to cockpit, we decided to re-arrange the whole back end!  If things are going to get re-designed, we thought this is a pretty important area to consider.

New transom steps now incorporate the drum rudder system that is accessed by opening a lid.  Rudders can be fully retracted to allow beaching or shallow water anchoring (and of course cleaning!).

The steps are so much better than the old ones (see picture below), as they now include a large platform to the bottom with dinghy painter holes, or for general tying up of various things like boarding ladders which is yet to be designed.  (Apparently the stainless steel ladders are too heavy to have on board!)  That's another story!

So the spunky new 'wings' are at the base, with curved steps flowing up toward the eyebrow step.  All easy to walk up and down - the real test is when we're in a bit of a chop with gear bags, groceries and kids all trying to head up them at the same time!

All that needs to be done is the painting bit .. um, that's where I come in.  I did intend to paint them the other day, so within the next couple of weeks the paint should be done. I did say "should be"..