Morgan Marine Chandlery – Surviving Winter – A step by step guide

Dealing with Condensation

Winter sailing or living aboard over the winter months can be harsh.  Thing are always made worse by the scourge of condensation. People depend on heat to survive but when that warm air comes in to contact with cold surfaces it creates condensation. This moisture in warm air settles and condenses onto cold surfaces such as windows, metal parts, sinks, fastenings and even through hulls. This in turn can affect electrics, finishes, adhesives, and allow mould and other microorganisms to start growing which can smell. It is also one of the main reasons for the development of rot in a boats wooden interior.

Here’s how it works: Warm air holds water, cold air doesn’t, but it’s wholly impractical to live on a vessel with permanently opened hatches. But it’s a fact that an unheated boat interior with open hatches would help maintain a similar moisture level with the exterior, and this would stop vapour from building in the air, and in turn condensing on cold surfaces. It would be sensible especially when cooking or showering to let the warm evaporated liquids escape as opposed to settling on interior surfaces.

One impractical and expensive option, would be to keep the on-board heating system running with some hatches constantly open so that when moisture can disperse through the openings. Surfaces would remain warm and stop any water from condensing on them. Obviously if it rains you have a secondary problem – as you don’t want rain water finding its way in!!

As any ‘warmth’ that’s trapped in a boat will always hold moisture –  and all its associated problems so you need to ensure that plenty of air movement is allowed inside the boat, whether the boat is heated or not.

It’s always a good idea to remove items that can trap moisture which you don’t use regularly –  fabrics, cushions, books, rugs and any clothing. If this isn’t practical consider purchasing a vacuum bag or clothes compactor. These are plastic bags with a one-way valve that can be attached to a vacuum which then sucks out all the air and moisture, ensuring that the items within remain mould and moisture free.

Essentials such as toilet paper, cloths and regularly worn clothing should be bagged and only removed when needed, so that they remain dry and reduces areas that absorb moisture. Of course it’s worth considering a dehumidifier at this stage – more of which later in this article.

Preventing Mould

Your daily routine should always include wiping down areas like the galley, head and eating tables with a mild bleach to stop the growth of bacteria and mould. This isn’t only a hygienic and comfort requirement but a health requirement too as bacteria can lead to respiratory issues.

Diluted vinegar sprayed from a bottle is always a good alternative to bleach. Leave on for a few hours, then scrub the mould with a brush. Tea Tree Oil, citrus seed extract, hydrogen peroxide or baking soda all have cleaning properties that kill mould spores. All these are worth looking at in greater detail.

The market is full of equipment that would assist living aboard through the winter. It would be a good idea to invest in a solar vent. Retailing at about £60, a solar vent is powered solely by energy from the sun, can move a substantial amount of air which in turn prevents mould, condensation, mildew, musty odours and damp, and dependent on its location avoids heat build-up at the area being ventilated.

However challenging the control of condensation proves to be, heat is essential if the boat contains equipment that would be harmed by freezing. Water tanks, hoses and batteries will all malfunction if frozen, so some form of heating on-board is crucial.

Keeping Warm

There are several heating systems designed for vessels, and these run-on diesel or electric. Electric just heats the air and therefore it’s essential to have a heater that has a fan built in. Diesel or fuel oil heaters on modern boats are more efficient but must vent outside Older diesel heating systems can also give off fumes! So any heating system must be fitted by a qualified fitter due to the real danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. A carbon Monoxide detector MUST be fitted… (less than £20 on Amazon).

There are many respected heater manufacturing brands include Ecomat, Eberspächerand Propexwith many products for sale at prices in excess of £400. The market is full of cheaper alternatives which would be an option if the budget was an issue. Oil filled radiators have modernised immensely over the years and now you can buy a decent one for around £50. They’re sealed so there’s no risk of leakage, they come with all sorts of additions such as thermostats and timers, and they’re efficient too. Propane heaters give off high moisture in their burned exhaust and have the added danger of an open flame so best avoided unless you have no alternative. One of the newer systems that Morgan Marine stock in our Chandlery are Infra-Red panels. These are a lightweight Carbon Crystal panel which project heat nicely drawing only 200watts max … Available curved or flat they are far more efficient than a convector heater and ideal for the winter.

Whatever you buy look for a weatherproof IP44 rating– for use in areas and environments where water could come into contact with the heater. This is essential for any seafaring environment. Lastly, have a backup! You need a spare or an emergency heater in case your prime source fails. Temperature on boats during the winter plummets due to the hull being in contact with near freezing water. If your heating dies, you may not have time to wait until morning or the shops open or the engineer can come out or you reach land!

Controlling Humidity

Dehumidifiers are fantastic for removing moisture but they work better in a warm boat than a cold one! There are two basic types of dehumidifier: an electric dehumidifier that needs constant power, or a chemical desiccant that collects the water in a tray, the chemical dissipates when the water is collected through it and needs to be replaced on a regular basis.

The traditional form of a dehumidifier (and one that has now been around for several decades) uses a compressor to create a cold surface inside a box. The warm moist air is drawn over this surface and as it makes contact, the moisture condenses into liquid water. This moisture is then collected in a reservoir and the dry air is pushed back out into the room. They’re cheap to buy and run and relatively low maintenance. You just need to empty out the water reservoir on a regular basis.

Wrapping Up

There is an old Norwegian saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”.  This applies to anyone who goes to sea or the outdoors. A sensible sailor will be dressed for all seasons including the winter, wearing multiple layers, appropriate gloves, hats and socks to protect their extremities. In the Morgan Marine chandlery, we stock a good range of extreme weather clothing as well as genuine Guernsey sweaters, thermal underwear, hats, gloves and boots.  Keeping your clothes dry is essential and if drying clothes in an enclosed cabin bear in mind all the above points! It may be a good idea to find a laundrette nearby…

Search and rescue dogs converge on Morgan Marine for special training event.

Search and Rescue dogs from across the UK were in the Morgan Marine yard this weekend to put their skills to the test in a specialised training event aimed at giving – many of them – their first experience of travelling on water.

Morgan Marine have a long history with Fire & Rescue Services as we give them free, unlimited access to our yard and slipway for waterborne training purposes. This event though, which was the biggest of its kind in this country, saw 28 dogs from a variety of emergency services and from as far afield as the highlands of Scotland taking part in an intense search scenario.

Setting off from the Morgan Marine slipway in Brightlingsea, the dogs travelled via high-speed RIBs to Mersea Island, where they were then each tasked with various time sensitive searches.

In a unique opportunity to test how the animals respond to the potentially traumatic experience of boat travel, the dogs performed extremely well, locating hidden and trapped items once on the island. These varied to suit the dogs specialised field but included, blood, money, explosives and dummy/model people!

Event organiser and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Dog Handler Graham Currie said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for us to work together as emergency services and put our search and rescue dogs to the test”

“These animals are highly trained and are incredibly good at what they do: working in high pressure circumstances to be there for people who are trapped, in need of rescue or who are part of criminal investigations.”

Graham and his USAR colleagues took part in the event, many of whom have also been deployed overseas as part of their International Search and Rescue responsibilities in areas hit by natural disasters.

Morgan Marine have always strived to offer a complete service to its customers…. A short while ago we had a lovely Jeanneau Leader 805 come into the Morgan Marine Boatyard for sale on brokerage. A popular boat and competitively priced, it sold within days before even being advertised or going onto our website. We keep a database of contacts always looking for certain boats and this was one of those. The new customer was of course delighted we had been able to match his details to this boat. Following on from the sale (and before delivery) we completed a full engine service, a comprehensive PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) as well as installation of some new electronics. The boat was then freshly anti-fouled and finished off with renaming after the owner’s wife.

A few days later both Will and Sam from our workshop, who had carried out all the work, set off at 5.30 am to deliver the boat to her new home – at Brundle Bay Marina in Norfolk.

Arriving into Great Yarmouth at 9.30 am everything was going to plan, until they had to wait for two hours for the road bridge to lift! From there was a leisurely cruise along the Norfolk Broads for 20 miles where they then berthed at Brundle. The boat was given a clean, then they simply hopped on a train back to Colchester, with a taxi taking them back to Morgan Marine Brightlingsea. Arriving back just before 5pm. Mission accomplished!

Morgan Marine really can offer a comprehensive complete service for all our customers. From servicing and repairs, to electronics installation, to re-naming, slipway and pontoon services and even delivery – by sea or road. Browse across through website for further details and our entire list of services. You can find  workshop services here: https://morganmarine.com/workshop-parts/  If you don’t see what you are looking for – call us. We are here to help!

Over the years, we get many varied and interesting boats into the yard for winter overhauls, or longer, for restoration. Some have great historical significance and are full of history often dating back to well over a century. Maria, a beautiful fishing smack, is just such a boat. Built by Harris Bros at Rowhedge, in 1866 for a Mr Gunn of Wivenhoe, she had a reputation for speed, primarily because she was narrower than the other smacks. This reputation gave her a charmed life. She has been abandoned twice to become a near-rotten hulk and she has been saved both times over the years. After 152 years’ she now lives in Brightlingsea, on the River Colne, this time with a very long career ahead of her, sailing and racing successfully in her home waters around the Thames Estuary.

She will be in the Morgan Marine yard until May, having a full re-paint, spars out and re-fit.

Interestingly, anyone can experience what it’s like to sail aboard Maria as she is owned by the Tall Ships Restoration Company, of which Paul Winter is a director, and will be available for charter work out of Brightlingsea at very reasonable rates-  A day aboard will be like a step back in time, to the days of the Essex Smacksmen when in the early part of the 20th century, the year round battle of fishing and dredging for oysters was only broken crewing on the big racing yachts berthed around Brightlingsea during the summer months. Look at this clip to give you an idea! https://youtu.be/8doyGCt4RbY

Maria has her own website, a fantastic source of her history, up to date news, race results, blog and how to get on board! It really is a fascinating read. Please do take a look: http://ck21maria.co.uk

If you would like more information on our yard rates for storage, or to work on your own boat, please call Ric or Steve Morgan at Morgan Marine on 01206 302008. All yards are secured every evening and we have 24hr CCTV. There is also a toilet and shower block on site as well as ample parking.

We were recently lucky enough to acquire two lovely pieces of Naval history with a view to offering to our customers.

Siemens Brothers of London, Ship’s Brass Telegraph, twin hammerhead design and independent handles. Ship’s commands include: ‘Hard, Port, Steady, Course, Steady, Starboard, hand written on one head and Let Go, Slack Away, Not Clear, Make Fast, Heave In, Stop Winch’ and ‘All Clear’ on the other head. Removed from a 1940’s Royal Navy destroyer, similar to the Hunt Class Escort Destroyer shown in the first image.  Very heavy and exceptional quality. A lovely piece in highly polished brass with working handles.

Also:

Aluminium fluted spot light, on stand, was originally from a German merchant navy ship, circa 1970’s. Again, very strong and heavy design. Beautifully made and a real feature for any workspace/living area. The lamp has been converted to tale a conventional bulb with inline switch.

In addition: The wooden ships wheel was ordered new by us in 1985… and has remained with us as an ornament, until now. Beautifully made and ready to be used for its intended purpose – or as an ornamental.

Some great Seafaring Memorabilia here and hopefully we will be adding to our stock over the coming months,

Available to view in the Morgan Marine shop at Waterside Marina, Brightlngsea. Due to the size, weight and nature of these items the buyer must collect. We may be able to arrange local delivery at cost. Call 01206 302008 and speak to Ric Morgan for prices and further details.

Following on from its great reception at the Southampton Boat Show, our lovely Jeanneau Leader 40 is still generating plenty of interest here at Morgan Marine.

She is truly a beauty, both on and off the water, as these images and video from our brief trial show – we needed to turn her around in the hoist and a quick system check seemed in order as well. Ric Morgan reported excellent visibility and manners out on the water and we quote, “it’s my favourite Jeanneau model to date” high praise indeed!

This is a stunning Sport top version with electric sliding roof and nearly £100k of factory fitted extras – yes, you read that correctly: Two cabin layout plus permanent aft sun deck, Trim Level Premiere, Comfort Pack (electric toilet, upgraded galley etc), cockpit aft closing kit, front sundeck, bow thruster and air conditioning. Complete with a full suite of Raymarine electronics including autopilot, AIS and shore power. The list goes on and on!

Click here for further details, technical specification and price, on the boat itself: https://morganmarine.com/boat/jeanneau-leader-40-10163/#overview

And some quick videos shot here at Morgan Marine:

https://youtu.be/jcTeN4XM33c
https://youtu.be/R20JqEfKlR0
https://youtu.be/pFzw1xPM838

In addition, as a special offer for this, we are offering up top SIX free life jackets well as a full RYA training course. This is in addition to our already comprehensive on-the-water handover package.

Graham, Oli, Ric or Steve would be more than happy to discuss the Leader 40 in more detail to interested parties, including competitive finance, possible part exchanges and moorings/storage… Viewing available seven days a week. Just call 01206 302008.

Finally, some nice video footage of a Leader 40 out on the water. It could be you!
https://youtu.be/Af3rnuCauM0

Undoubtedly one of the most talked about yachts over the past few years…

Sailing Yacht A has drawn global attention for her unique form, massive size and well-known owner. Built for Russian billionare yacht owner Andrey Melnichenko, the boundary pushing Sailing Yacht A is a natural head turner. Launched in 2015, the vessel is a sail-assisted motor yacht built in Kiel by Nobiskrug.  Her propulsion consists of a variable-speed hybrid power plant with two-line shaft controllable-pitch propellers, that is sail-assisted by a three-mast fore-and-aft sailing rig.

On its launch the yacht boasted the tallest carbon masts in the world, each measuring in at more than 90 metres long. The masts host sails that are larger than a football field. The vessel also features an underwater observation pod in the keel with 30 cm (12 in) thick glass. It is the largest private sail-assisted motor yacht in the world.

Have you seen her in the flesh? Would love to hear your views on this one!

Find some of the worlds other grandest yachts here, some truly great photography as well!:
https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/the-register/top-50-largest-sailing-yachts–25057

MTB (Motor Torpedo Boat) 102 is shown here in Brightlingsea in 1946 is being decommissioned after serving throughout the second world war. (The boat in the foreground is ‘My Orthia’, built by James & Stone of Brightlingsea in 1946).

MTB 102 was originally launched in 1937 making her the first MTB of the that era. She was crewed by two officers and eight men and during 1939 and 1940 she saw active service mainly in the English Channel, armed with 2 × 21 inch torpedo tubes

During ‘Operation Dynamo’, the evacuation of the British Force and Allies from Dunkirk, she crossed the channel eight times. When the Destroyer HMS Keith was disabled by a bomb from a Stuka dive bomber, Rear Admiral Wake-Walker transferred to MTB 102, using her as his flagship for the last two nights of the operation, directing the incoming and outgoing vessels at Dunkirk. (As she carried no Rear Admirals flag, one was created with an Admiralty dishcloth and some red paint!)

She had a top speed 43 Knots fully loaded, powered(originally) by three Isotta Fraschini 57 litre petrol engines, each producing a whopping 1100hp. No surprise this made her the fastest wartime British naval vessel in service.

After the war, like so many navy vessels, she fell into civilian hands and her condition slowly spiralling downhill, eventually being found by Norfolk Scout Group in 1973. She very poor condition, but had finally been saved.

102 is one of few surviving motor torpedo boats that served with the Coastal Forces of the Royal Navy in the Second World War and today, is looked after by a Trust which finds sponsorship and donations to look after her.

She is a regular at Brightlingsea Regatta in the Spring/Summer thrilling adults and small boys alike! You only have to look at her to know she is something special…

If you would like to know more please take a look at http://www.mtb102.com where you can also find events lists and newsletters.

MTB 102 today and at Brightlingsea Regatta: