Can our engine fit through the hatch??

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Magic Carpet sailing series! Today, we are tackling one of the most crucial steps in our boat build: fitting our new engine into our beloved Magic Carpet. This task has been a bit daunting since our previous attempts have not gone smoothly, but fear not! We’re ready for a challenge!

The Challenge

To refresh your memory, our last attempt to fit the engine involved placing it through the cockpit lockers. That proved a bit of a nightmare for us because our boat’s construction was still in process. Now, we’re at the stage where the companionway hatch has been built, and the time is ripe for the next challenge – navigating the engine through this hatch.

Our Eureka Moment

Apart from having an incredibly skilled team and a lot of determination, we decided that trying a few cardboard mock-ups would be a great idea to practice before tackling the real deal. This step turned out to be absolutely invaluable.

Testing Times

Our cardboard engine model came in handy as we learned that we’d have to approach the fitting from a different angle – quite literally! After numerous trial fits, where we were getting familiar with how much maneuvering would be involved and identifying key limitations like clearing the transmission while entering through the companionway, we devised our strategy.

The Masterful Plan

After many hours spent maneuvering the cardboard engine model, our team concluded that hanging the engine from its front end (attached to a chain) would be best. We could then angle it using a pulley or a come-along system on the transmission. By doing so, we could manipulate the position of the whole unit and inch closer each time until finally fitting it into place.

The Big Day

Armed with our newfound knowledge, confidence, and a strategic plan, the big day came when we would attempt to place our real engine into Magic Carpet. Filming on this momentous occasion showed us skillfully angling and positioning the engine in stages. Step by step, inch by careful inch, the engine slowly but surely made its way through.

The Result

In a culmination of teamwork, persistence, and clever thinking, we successfully managed to fit our new engine into Magic Carpet via the companionway hatch. Not only that, but the maneuver was filmed by our diligent team who were keen on documenting every stage of the process for this very exciting episode.

Thank You

We could not have achieved this incredible feat without each member of our amazing team. Special thanks to those who contributed significantly by coming on-site and lending a helping hand, or through their continued support as patrons of the project. Thank you all so much for following along on this journey!

As we continue building Magic Carpet, expect more exciting episodes showcasing new challenges, incredible breakthroughs and unforgettable memories.

Stay Tuned

We are incredibly grateful for your continuous support and feedback. Remember to like, comment, and subscribe if you haven’t already! Until next time – fair winds and following seas.