When Constance was fitted out in 2000 after her 'stretch' the walls (bulkheads/hull/vertical surfaces) were covered in a ribbed carpeting material in a dark maroon colour. After 17 years this has become a bit tatty in places, faded nearly everywhere and it moults continually. There is always a layer of dust below any of the carpeted surfaces. It hasn't done badly and I'm not complaining but I feel it is time to do something about it.
Enter the veneered hardboard of the previous post courtesy of Timbmet. I arrived at Fenny Compton marina (in my car) a few days ago and started to work.
This is how the port side panel looked with its carpeting. One of the seams had become detached and the backing and glue had powdered. Pulling the carpet off was not a problem.
It fell away and the old glue was easily removed with a scraper to reveal the plywood liner.
Panels suitably cleaned. Then it was cut and shape the 4'x4' pieces of hardboard. Nothing in a boat is: level, square, straight, 90 degrees etc.
With the port-side panels shaped and in place it was move on to the starboard side.
Starboard side (on the left of the picture above) and the return bulkhead all fitted out.
Then into the next room, the dining area. You can see the carpeted areas in the picture above.
Now in veneered pine board.
Then just the little area above the cupboard where the mugs hang.
The general fitting of the veneered hardboard was finished, now it is time to fill all the panel pin holes and varnish all the surfaces. Tidying up seemed to take forever. Thankfully I have mains electric power here in the marina and can use the vacuum cleaner...
Tomorrow it is more of the same. Fill the mail holes and varnishing.
Still, I am lovely and warm. The wood-burner sees to that!
