June 25th 2019
Another tropical day. The weather provided the perfect reason to dive in the water and scrub the hull. After two years in the water it was high time. But our cleaning operation revealed another looming DIY-project. We have to do the anti-fouling again, which is the preventive layer on the hull that prohibits growth of algae, weeds and mussels. He had added a new layer two years ago, but this time we have to scrape the hull completely clean before we can add the anti-fouling. The underlying layers of primer have started to flake, which is a common defect with this generation Dufours. In Stellendam there were two other Dufour 31 of a similar age with the same defect. Is seems like we have no choice but to haul out our boat if we want to work on the hull. But that can wait until spring. Let’s enjoy summer first.
We also had to do something about the local bloodsuckers. The downside about inland waters is the abundance of nasty flying and stinging creatures. This location is not only infested with mosquitoes, but there are loads of horseflies as well. Last year we bought insect window screening fabric with a very small maze to prevent even biting midges to enter the boat at night, with the intention to make screens for all the hatches. But since Stellendam lies next to the sea, there were hardly any mosquitoes nor midges. So we forgot about the screening project to sorely regret it now.
Because this place is just teeming with the devilish bloodsuckers. When it gets dark we immediately seal everything almost airtight, so the biting beasties can’t get in. But with the heat it’s suffocating inside. You really are dying to open a hatch, but then of course, all the nasty bloodsuckers fly in immediately. Luckily we had the presence of mind to bring the window screening fabric with us when we left, so we tried to make a makeshift screen with duct tape. Hopefully it holds!