New for Old

Over the past few months we have been quite busy with one thing or another, namely installing and fitting ourselves a light weight warm roof on our existing conservatory at home. This has made a massive difference both to its heat retention and its more visually appealing looks, and the plus side being it is a lot more low maintenance in the cleaning department.

Before and After

This is not to say Moonshine has been neglected during the cold months. Before Christmas she was (in Peter’s words) treated to a full engine service. He also treated her to a new set of horns as the originals were very poor. We have still left the existing horns on (working independently) to get the attention of crew rather than blasting them out with the new set which are rather impressively loud!

New Horns

We had noticed some of the woodwork under the forward bed had become loose where it was bonded to the Hull. This was rebonded with some spare fibreglass, but since it was a messy and smelly job Peter did this one weekend on his own.

Several months ago the windscreen demister heater unit’s motor seized up. The original unit was an Ardic 10kw Matrix Heater, and after investigation decided to renew the whole unit as it was not economically viable to repair. We decided to splash the cash and purchase a new unit, a Kalori Kinox. This is a direct replacement so it looks identical to the old unit. It is a very effective three speed fan and soon clears the screen when there is heat in the engine. 

New Windscreen Demister

Moonshine has also been treated to a new folding chrome effect tap in her wheelhouse wet bar sink. This is a massive improvement on the original plastic job that Hardy Marine saw fit to install. After a friend of ours (also with a 355) fitted one, it looked that good we had to get one too. It was a bit awkward to fit but the end result is more appealing. 

Before and After

This weekend, since the weather was more clement,  we ventured up to Sykehouse Lift Bridge moorings to give Moonshine a run.  This is the second outing we have enjoyed since Christmas as with work commitments and icy winter conditions have meant more time at home recently, however Moonshine ran well and we enjoyed a nice peaceful overnight stay.  Work again next weekend but with Easter fast approaching hopefully we will soon be back on tidal waters and are very much looking forward to the Easter break to stretch her legs once again.

Sykehouse Lift Bridge Moorings

Sykehouse Lock Keepers House All Completed