Malo, A Boat Named Bad: New windows, a new bimidy and life in Newport

During the months of September and October, the weather on the Oregon coast was dry enough to begin the very important task of replacing Malo's windows. We knew there was a lot of crazing on them from sun damage - which made them very difficult to see out of. On the sail north from Alameda, we experienced "projectile force water" exploding into our salon when a wave would hit us from the side. This was mighty unsettling to me. We eventually discovered the water came in through the underside of the window seal. Fortunately, no damage was done except some clothes and salon cushions got wet. The water went into the bilges and was then pumped out.

Malo's windows are small compared to many sailer/cruisers. We discussed the possibility of making them bigger, but ultimately decided to replace them with thin, plexiglass so they would be able to flex some. The old windows were carefully removed and used as a template for new windows to be cut. The surfaces were cleaned and prepared for an expensive double sided tape to which the windows could be attached. The dilemma was how to keep pressure on the windows for a long enough time until adhesion took place. Dan figured out a "wooden brace type support" that applied pressure and we filled our old pillow cases with sand, to make sand bags to hold the contraption together. Needless to say this was a learning process, and it took several weeks and considerable work.

The following are some pictures showing the steps along the way. And most importantly, it was successful!

Malo's old windows were very crazed and difficult to see out of.

Old windows removed, surface needs to be cleaned and repaired.

Dan is preparing the windows for new plexiglass.

Bev helping whenever she could.

Clever wooden brackets Dan made to apply pressure on windows.

Dan is putting the tape on the edges of the window.

Sand bags were used to hold down wooden forms that pressed against the windows.

Here is one window done and caulked. Looks pretty good!

We love it, when our friends make it to the boat to check out our progress. Hopefully a few will find their way to Mexico to sail with us this fall and next year. Here our friend Terry came to check things out. Dan is showing her the chart plotter.

Our friend Terry visits the boat.

The Newport Bridge is a stunning bridge. Here are a few photos taken while we were there.

Even in the fog it is majestic!

Dan and Bev at South Beach, Newport

Dean from Cutting Edge Canvas met with us to design a bimidy.

Here Dean is sizing the stainless steel bimidy supports with a plastic material, from which he will make a pattern for cutting the Sunbrella fabric that we are using. I have tried sewing some of the canvas work myself and I found it very difficult on a home sewing machine. Since I barely managed to sew a pinnacle cover, I can really appreciate the art that goes into making nice looking and strong bimidies and sail covers for sail boats. We are very happy with his work and highly recommend Cutting Edge Canvas for any canvas needs.