Next came the bottom plating. These plates went on without any problems both sides were tacked in place within three weeks.
Top side plates next and these proved to be more difficult as no sky hooks were available. I considered making a gantry so that I could attach a block and tackle but this proved to be to expensive. The solution was to use muscle power and even though it was very hard slow work it saved £300. The port bow plate went on first this can be seen on the photo.
It was the biggest plate and it took two complete days to get right. Next came the starboard bow plate, it again took two days. The remaining plates took three weeks to complete. The boat was looking like a boat now. It was the end of June 1998 and I was exhausted. I needed a rest so we went on holiday to Spain.
