PROJECT BOAT RESTORATION Fixing leaks
I couldn’t wait for my dad to meet Maximus. It was dad who introduced me to sailing as a kid on Compstall lake in Cheshire.
My earliest memory is watching him and my mum hike out as far as they could on a Mirror dinghy, yelling at me to get on the high side while I ignored them, trailing my arm through the murky water.
My mum gave up soon after that, but dad and I carried on sailing, in everything from GRP cruiser-racers to a trimaran and wooden gaffer. Dad bought me an RYA Dayskipper course as a graduation present, and watched me head off to Australia to work on charter yachts, before getting a job at his favourite magazine, Practical Boat Owner!
He finally gave up owning a boat last year, so was thrilled to hear that we’d acquired Maximus, a Maxi 84, and would be restoring her and writing a series of articles for PBO. What’s more, I promised him he wouldn’t have to do any DIY. My husband James and I would be taking on the challenge ourselves.
All was looking good the day we drove to Dell Quay in Chichester. The sun was shining, and Maximus was looking decidedly better after her pressure wash (though still in need of a good polish). As we emptied the boat, however, we found the lockers 6-12in deep in standing water. I didn’t hesitate to hand Dad a bucket and sponge – promise broken already!
As we bailed out the forward locker and pilot berth locker, the heavens opened, and we were treated to a demonstration of just how all that lovely brown water had got there. There were obvious leaks through the portholes and companionway and a huge amount of water pouring in from an old heating vent on the port side.
Leaky windows
Leaky portholes
