Alongside RSAYS, Outer Harbor
Wind: SSW, F2 - slight breeze
Sea: calm Swell: nil
Weather: sunny, mild

On Tuesday, with the assistance of a couple of my fellow club members, we managed to lift the BRM out of Sylph using the Squadron's crane. It is now sitting partly dismantled in the member's workshop. So far investigations have revealed damaged exhaust valves in cylinders three and four. I have also pulled number four piston out which is the cylinder that had serious compression issues. I could not see any obvious problems with the rings or bore so I have arranged for Ian Brown, the local diesel mechanic, to have a look at it tomorrow. From there hopefully I will be able to determine a way ahead for further repair work.

The other job I have started on now that the engine is out, is preserving the bilge under the engine. The bilges were of course all repainted during Sylph's big refit in New Zealand some five years ago and I am disappointed that the paint has not held up better. Clearly my preparation prior to painting was not up to scratch. Consequently over the last few days I have been head down in the bilge with the trusty multi-tool with an old metal cutting blade attached chipping out the rust that has re-established itself under what looks like sound paint. The joys of owning an old steel boat!

All is well.