A closer look at the engine (Volvo Penta MD6A)

1970's Volvo Penta MD6A (saltwater cooled) 

My neighbor helped me take a closer look at the engine (he's a mechanic). I now have a basic understanding of how my engine works, what parts may fail, common problems and what to make sure I service on a yearly basis. It is extremely comforting.

While looking at the engine it turn out that there was a leak from the exhaust elbow (see below image, just above the exhaust hose). Next day I called Volvo to enquire about a new exhaust elbow and was told it would be impossible to find a replacement. Luckily it turns out it's not impossible to find spare parts for my old MD6A - infact it is easy. By coincidence I stopped by Nordjysk Marine later that day.  I was there to exchange some Dubarry Ultima boots. When I mentioned my broken exhaust elbow it turned out they were able to order a replacement for me. In fact I was even given a choice between a cast iron or stainless version. As the price (roughly USD 200) was identical I chose to go with the stainless version. I also ordered a new thermostat and some gasket. I'm really looking forward to putting it all back together again.


All in all a very comforting experience. I have no illusions; my engine is old and will break down at some point and it will be too expensive to fix (vs buying a new or used engine). But for now I should have a reliable engine.

Manifold and exhaust elbow

My first fiberglass repair

As mentioned in an earlier post the small starboard bulkhead became came loose and I was able to remove it without using much force. 

Today and tomorrow the weather forecast promises temperatures between 5 C and 10 C. I decided to take advantage and do a bit of fiberglass work. The loose starboard bulkhead was on the top of my to do list. I wrapped the bulkhead in thick plastic as I intent to bolt the bulkhead in place (just like the port side bulkhead).

I used West System 105 in combination with thier 205 fast hardener. The 205 hardener will cure in temperatures above 40F / 5C (http://www.westsystem.com/ss/hardener-selection-guide). 

In hindsight I should have cut the strips of glass a little wider. I'm planning to let it cure fully, sand the surface and add some more layers.

Preparing to insulate the hull

10  cheap roll mats

As a part of the restoration of Obelix I would like to beef up the insulation of the hull. Originally there
was only 3 mm of foam glued to the inside of the hull. If I need to I would like to be able to spend a winter living in reasonable comfort onboard Obelix. After goggling for a while I came across S/Y Blue-bird and Jakob. Jakob spent a winter living on his Ballad in Copenhagen. I had the opportunity to visit Jakob and Blue-bird last month. He told me that he used 12 mm cheap roll mats and 3 mm GL foam backed vinyl on top.

I've chosen to do exactly as Jakob described. I went to the same chain of stores where he bought his roller mats and purchased 10 mats. Two days later I came across a good deal (120 DKK / meter) on some white 3 mm GL foam backed vinyl and ordered 10 meters.

Now it's just a matter of waiting for the weather to get wormer. In the mean time I'm still not done varnishing all the trim pieces. Luckily I'm getting closer most of the pieces only need the last coat (satin varnish).

The ALADO has landed...

The 8" drum

There was a knock at my door this afternoon. As expected it turned out to be the Alado headsail roller furling system I ordered last week. I quickly signed for the two packages, shut the door and started opening the boxes.

Everything looks to be in order. All the parts that the included manual mentions seems to be there. For now I'm a 100% satisfied customer. The service has been above excellent (thanks, Len), the price can't be beaten and the product seems to be of excellent quality.

What a shame I have to wait until summer (when the boat goes back in the water) to test the Alado headsail roller furling system.

All the parts seems to be there

The manual

"No nonsense" headsail roller furling system from Alado

I've ordered a headsail roller furling system from a small Brazilian company called Alado. The Alado system seems like a very reasonably priced no nonsense product. Head over to www.alado.com for more information.

Apparently the Alado A2 kit fits the Ballad assuming it has the original rigging - like everything else on Obelix (including cushions, sadly) the rigging is original. I was accurately looking at a Harken MKIV but the price (18.000 DKK or roughly 3.300 USD) seems a bit high. The Alado on the other hand was only 1220 USD (roughly 6700 DKK) including shipping and import duties.

Practical sailor did a review of the Alado back in 2009 which can be found here: http://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/35_2/features/Alado-Jib-Furler_5735-1.html

Assembly Instructions (written instructions): http://www.alado.com/manual.htm
Assembly Instructions (video): http://vimeo.com/4847741

Once it's mounted and I have had a chance to test it I'll be sure to post a review. I'm even considering doing a video documenting the installation.

Fun with plywood - final test-fitting

Due to the unseasonal warm weather in november I had time to do a final test fitting of the new plywood. With the exception of a few places everything went together fairly easy. Unbelievable fulfilling - a huge morale boost!

Bolts that secure bulkhead to deck, missing backing

A fellow member (Peter, www.mostlyaboutboats.ca) of the balladexchange forum (http://balladklubben.se/balladexchange) commented that I should check the backing of the three bolts that secure the large bulkhead to the deck. In his boat Albin Marina had placed the backing (plywood) too far forward and there was no backing to support the bolts. I checked and my boat had the same issue. If you look at the drawings the backing is clearly supposed to be there (link).

I used a 40 mm hole saw to cut out three sections of fiberglass and then used the same hole saw to cut three pieces of Okoume plywood. I used the hole from the hole saw to line up the pieces of plywood and then applied generous amount of WEST System's Six10. The next day I sanded the area and painted it.