Handling the boat
Once the purchase of my Herreshoff 28 was signed, it was time to take possession of the place and to quickly start the renovation work. My first minutes as the new owner of M'chana were devoted to the removal of the "sheepskin" carpet, glued on a linoleum and itself glued on the hull. Then, cleaning and tidying the cabin. For safety reasons, I replaced the hose, the regulator and the gas bottle (outdated for more than 10 years).
Once the sprayhood was removed, I was able to repair the leak in the companionway. I then changed all the halyards, bosses and sheets to familiarize myself with the rig and finally went for my first tacks in Hauraki Bay.
Fitting out for life on board and comfort
Then began the work of fitting out to live comfortably on board.
A few modifications in the layout were crucial for the comfort on board. A wood stove was originally installed in the kitchen. Its location, tiled, was a large unused space. I decided to transform it into a chart table and to integrate a refrigerator, and a box for the auxiliary battery which was put in place as a seat. This space can also be used as a work surface for the kitchen in a standing position, or in a sitting position, on the battery box, as a card table or even to sit comfortably with a computer or a book.
Modification of the front bunk
I then moved the anchor locker to the bow in a watertight box with a manual windlass on deck for easy maneuvering. The extra space in the cabin allowed me to create a comfortable double berth.
Electrical network of the boat
The electrical system on board had to be completely redesigned according to my needs, and in view of a different sailing program.
First, an AC circuit had to be installed to allow the use of the shore power to power the fridge, wall outlets and battery charger once in port. Then the 12V DC circuit powering the navigation instruments, USB plugs, water pump, and multiple lights had to be totally modified and secured. This circuit is powered by a 200W solar panel, fixed on the rear balcony, or by the engine alternator. An electrical panel houses both circuits and I took the opportunity to fix the first aid kit above as well as one of the two VHF radios in the descent.
Upholstery, saddlery and upholstery
The mattresses of the double berth in the saloon have been replaced by thicker ones, and the seat covers have been changed to a polyester fabric, resistant to humidity, and linen for the backs.
This natural fiber seems to be a very good compromise for on-board upholstery, as it is warm and very resistant, almost maintenance free and has fungicidal properties.
Floor covering
The linoleum, too dark and in poor condition, was replaced by a sheet of 3mm thick oukoumé plywood grooved with a router. The grooves were then filled with acrylic putty before being covered with an epoxy varnish. The visible part of the hull was painted in matt white.
An interesting refit experience to project yourself in the life on board
Being the owner of a small sailboat made me discover many fields related to the maintenance of a pleasure boat like electricity, carpentry, mechanics or sewing, and allowed me to learn a lot by trying new techniques.
Living on board makes me aware every day of the need for a small space to be functional and therefore to imagine new ideas to personalize it as best as possible according to my needs.
The acquisition of M'chana has also allowed us to travel and discover new horizons. Since last year we have created, with my partner, whom I met in the marina, a channel called Between Sea and Sky, where we share our renovation projects and maritime adventures in English with French subtitles. Boating leads to everything...
