Amongst recent projects in the SYH workshops were the simultaneous refits of two Oyster 406s Leading Wind and Boysterous, each requiring very similar maintenance work.
After many years of family cruising on the Orwell, along the east coast and further afield to France and Belgium, Leading Wind was in need of renovation. Work was particularly required on her decks, which had suffered from exposure to the elements over the years. The team at SYH re-secured and re-dowelled the deck planking, as well as replacing sections of the deck planking and seams. In addition, the deck surface was re-profiled and Sikaflex applied to the seams.
Below the waterline, Leading Wind had her hull sprayed with Coppercoat antifoul, facilitated by the specialist ‘zones’ in the SYH workshops, which include a 130ft long, two-part spray and preparation bay.
Leading Wind has been owned for the past 13 years by a couple local to SYH who commented, “The customer service delivered by SYH has been exceptional. We have been berth-holders at SYH for many years and it’s fantastic we are able carry out maintenance work to this extent right here in the marina.”
As well as work on the decks and hull, the team in the workshop fitted a new insulated heater ducting, installed new piping to the heads with a specialist hose to reduce odours, and stripped, serviced and re-greased the Blakes seacocks.
On-site businesses at SYH have also had a crucial part to play in rejuvenating Leading Wind: a new genoa by OneSails, updated furling gear and rig refurbishment carried out by Evolution Rigging and a 53HP Yanmar 4JH5 from French Marine.
The second Oyster 406, Boysterous, also required full refurbishment of her teak decks, including removing the existing deck seams, refastening the deck, routing the seams and applying Sikaflex deck caulking. In addition to the extensive work on her decks, Boysterous had her heads re-plumbed and re-piped.
Joshua Major, SYH boatyard services director, commented, “The refit work on Leading Wind and Boysterous showcases the wide array of facilities we have on site and in the workshop. The level of expertise and services available at SYH, and the close communication between us all, means we can offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ for customers requiring a variety of maintenance work.”