Mark One of our own designed throttle control. Some things worked very well... some we will work on over the next few weeks.

Also working on the test and configuration system for the electric drive.

Measuring up for new propellor

Today was a big step towards our new Axiom propellor - we measured everything and sent the details to Axiom!

The old folding prop was 24 inches wide!

I also did a CAD drawing of the prop shaft so they could get the taper right.

Rudder support

How to get the rudder off? At the top on the quadrant it's easy to see, but at the bottom it's supported on a brass bush and there is not obvious way to remove it.

Eventually we call Steph, the previous owner of King Malu, and find there are two bolts embedded in the brass bush that are totally hidded, being covered with some sort of putty. So we remove the putty, remove the bolts and hey presto... the rudder comes off!

Of course, nothing is ever that simple and we discover that one of the bolts has sheered off inside the rudder support, so we will have to dig it out, refill and re-tap the hole before refitting. Also found the plastic bush in which the rudder moves has worn totally so will need replacing. Oh well, this is what maintenance is all about!

Lift Out

Today is lift out day. The next major step in the restoration of King Malu! We have a long list of things for this lift out - the most major of them is a new prop and cutlass bearing.

Home for the next 2-3 months!