TJ-clamp... the warm-blooded equivalent to a G-clamp.

This is the new model TJ-clamp. It replaces the older G-clamp used to hold wood in place.

Tim and Jacob are sitting on the gangplank to hold it steady while I sand the end. Now the discussion is whether to paint or varnish... painting wins, with a Treadmaster layer to walk up.

On the other hand the dashboard is beginning to look great varnished.

It has had two coats of cellulose sanding sealer, followed by two coats of VA2 polyurethane varnish. A light sanding and at least one more coat of VA2.

One of the other things we did this weekend was the rubbing strip all the way round the boat. 

This is teak and had been looking very weathered. We rubbed it down and coated it with cellulose sanding sealer and here's what it too looks like with two layers of VA2.

People are stopping to ask about the wood treatment...

If you look closely at the photo you will see a cat's paw print. Hmmm... not too impressed with cats leaving paw prints in white paint, but I guess getting rid of any rodents in the marina is the upside. 

We're now into the final run up before the maiden voyage, and we have a list of things to do, from cutting the MDF templates for the Treadmaster through fixing the engine and getting the sails repaired...