USS Constitution, Butterfly Hatch, and Bobbing for Bilge Treasure

This week we remove the butterfly hatch to expose the framework and request that the boatyard do some finish fiberglass work on the edge. A week or so ago, we noticed a drip down below and it was coming from the lower side of the forward beam that supports the large hatch. I removed the hatch and believe that a preventative measure will be to have the fiberglass round up the larger lip that houses the hatch. We removed this hatch and refinished it a few years ago before we had removed the teak decks. If you want to see that refit video, please take a look here.    • Refinishing the Butterfly Hatch Part 1 of 3  

I also had to go out of town for business and spent the week in Boston. I wanted to go do some tall ship sailing but it wasn't the right season. I also wanted to check out a civil war fort, but that also wasn't open yet. I did, however, decide to go see the USS Constitution. This is the oldest commissioned Navy boat there is. She goes by the nickname of "Old IronSides," a name taken on in her first battle when the opposition commented that the cannonballs bounced off her thick wooden hull like it was made of iron.

I also get a great story from the GrandSquid on the drive over to the boat. She has some imagination telling me all about a killer spider with a broken heart that ate half her body and that is how she turned into a mermaid. :)

We also use the little-known method for getting tools out of the bilge. It is the Dip your Granddaughter by her ankles method. It is pretty fun and she enjoyed it as well.


Please check out our other videos as well and click on the playlist below for a couple we think you may enjoy.
Our Refit Playlist -    • S/V DreamChaser leaves the dock  
Our Sailing to New Orleans Playlist -    • Sailing Kemah to New Orleans - Part 1  
Our Epoxy Vs Polyester Fiberglass test results -    • Epoxy Destructive Test  
Our series on hatches -    • How to fix a leaking Hatch   Part 1  
and Our Series on new Freshwater Plumbing -    • How to replace a Boats Plumbing System - S...  

Some of the tools we mention in our videos are:
Oscillating Multi-tool - https://amzn.to/2GtDpWC
Carbide Grinding blade for the oscillating tool - https://amzn.to/2Gsovnz
Ryobi Skill Saw (I have the corded) - https://amzn.to/2uKnm5o
The Cordless version is here - https://amzn.to/2uJwOWA
Small Trim Router (Great for tight places) - https://amzn.to/2GtkHmd
*Please remember these are affiliate links and it helps us but doesn't cost you more if you buy from Amazon using these links.

Join us on our journey as we continue to rebuild, refit and prepare our Formosa 51 Sailboat for our continued cruising journey. We have always loved the Formosa, bought one (on a bit of a whim) late in 2014, moved aboard this one right away and started to do our refit while living board. We are avid fans of Cruising Outpost and Good Ole Boat (Good Old Boat) magazines and love the ideas we get from them.

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Please watch: "How to repair a wooden mast, boom, spar or Bulkhead (Step by Step) "
   • How to repair a wooden mast, boom, spar or...  
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