First I went off to Brick lane market and found a source of seriously cheap food, tools (albeit crap one’s), and other stuff – random junk mostly, especially the people trying to sell me religion – but nevertheless I found that you can feed yourself for about half the price it would cost you even from Tesco. Sunday Markets are they way forward for the credit crunched boater!

Upon returning to the boat I decided to effect a repair on the companionway hatch which has been a bit of an awkward sod to open and close recently. I thought while the weather was good (although bloody cold) I should make the most of it.

I removed the hatch and found that the hardwood strips that it’s attached to had rotten which meant the screws holding the runners on where loose. I couldn’t do anything about the wood, so I decided to move the position of the runners so that the screws had some better wood to get a grip into.

I gave the bits that never see sunlight a clean and put to back together again. It’s now back to normal and running smoothly but I’ve made a note that I need to replace the wooden strips in the summer.

So while we’re on the subject of repairs I’ve got a few more, although they’re more hefty undertakings. The stern locker lid I lost on the delivery trip is still not repaired and I really need to get this done before sailing again. I’m not sure how I can do it though since it involves building a new lid, and something for it to attach to.

Also, my outboard. It’s brand new but ceased up on the way here so I have to get that back to Burnham to be sorted under warranty. I’m going to need to rent a car to do it so I keep putting it off.

Finally, one of my cabin lights failed a couple of months ago and I’ve still not fixed it. I must stop being lazy and find a suitable light to replace it with. It’s no good putting these jobs off, because unless you keep on top of it you’ll just end up with a knackered boat.

Still, I ticked one thing off the list for the time being and gave Kudu a good tidy so I think I deserve a beer. I wonder what guest ales Dickens has on this week…..