Cement boxing has begun in the peaks at either end. Voids 2 and 6 have been prepared for boxing with all scale having been removed and bilges cleaned out. The wasted bulkheads between the Peaks and voids at either end have also been repaired with insert work. My thanks to Col Tooher, Hugh Cross, Dave Flinn and his team of welders, and the paid staff from No. 7 lead by Vern for assisting in this task.
Engine telegraph - Kanangra
We have finally received the hull survey documents from ADI in the last couple of days and we will be examining these papers to ascertain the extent of hull and frame wastage. This will then determine the thrust of further cement boxing. It is important that the momentum continues in this area and I hope to see all cement boxing completed within a month.
The risk minimisation strategies as agreed to at the last Board meeting are underway. The new mooring system for Kanangra alongside the Sea Heritage Dock was started this week. It has been designed by Andy Munns, with Dave Flinn and his team putting it all together. Lady Hopetoun no longer ties up to Kanangra. Unfortunately we could not get permission to drive piles for Waratah to lay alongside and thus we are currently looking at other options for Waratah’s placement.
2. ELECTRICS
The design for the auto bilge pump system has been completed. We are currently awaiting purchase and delivery of the bilge pumps. As soon as they arrive they can be installed, giving greater protection to the vessel.
Upgrading of the ships electrical systems took a step forward last month with the installation of our new 240V switch board in the E/R. This was the first ‘new’ piece of equipment to be placed on the vessel for many years and symbolised the start of restoration as this switchboard will control power supplies once the vessel is operational again. Our electricians are now starting on the re wiring of the ships 240V and 110V systems. The 110V transformer will also be relocated to the E/R, adjacent to the 110V switchboard shortly.
Upper passenger deck, largely in good condition
Foredeck - "by far the worst area for deterioration"
3. WORK ON DECK HAS BEGUN !
The most visible work aboard has begun down aft on the upper passenger deck (external in front of the wheelhouse). It was identified that this area was exhibiting the worst signs of deterioration. The section right at the stern was sagging and showing signs that the beams were not holding some of the weight above. Prior to working on the deck we propped it up using Accro props. These Accros allow us to reshape the sheer back into the deck.
Full of energy our team stripped the deck of all fittings and malthoid to see what was happening to the timber underneath. We relocated the Ensign Staff to the cabin top, alongside the mainmasts, which we have also de rigged and laid down for maintenance. We removed the rudder quadrant and pin lever, along with all the pipe work and tanks which used to feed the toilets below. All railings and seats have been taken off and all that was left was the timber deck!
The deck is a 2-layer set up with the upper layer of planks running athwartships and the lower layer made of tongue and groove running fore and aft. In between the layers was more malthoid. Unfortunately the upper layer was fairly rotten throughout. The lower layer is not as bad however will need quite a bit of attention.
We are currently examining a number of alternatives for re building the deck and sealing it up to last for many years to come.
A reminder to all volunteers that as work builds on Kanangra it is very important to be aware of your surroundings. The vessel is not to be used for public meetings anymore. The vessel is really a worksite now and we must all be very careful where we put our feet!
Turnstile - Kanangra
Once again my thanks to Col Tooher and our new team of volunteers who have taken an interest in this fine example of Sydney’s nautical heritage.
As you can see, things are looking brighter for our historic Sydney Harbour Ferry. I still believe that once restored, Kanangra can be a real asset to the AHF both financially and in other ways. Anyone wishing to get involved in the project please contact me at any time. Momentum is building so come aboard !
