The Ballad Exchange

Great advice Peter and Bob! I'll definitely try the epoxi and glas fabric - seems like a good permanent solution without to much work. You can buy a bendable edge channel slightly less ugly than the original metal product: http://www.trimlok.com/prod/Rubber-Lok/Edge-Trims/All-Product-Categories_118/...

Hi Peter, Thanks for your reply. I have considered doing exactly the same as you but am concerned about the veneer. With the edge exposed (although sealed with varnish) I'm afraid of chipping the veneer pulling out whatever is stowed, especially when sailing in open sea. I suppose you haven't had an...

Happy New Year! First post for 2014 :D The restoration of the interior is making some progress. I've ordered all plywood and paint and am now examining other parts and bits. The old edging in chromed plastic around the stowage openings are in bad shape and I also think they look very cheap. I don't ...

Looking forward to seeing some photos when spring comes around. Fingers crossed for an early and exceptional worm spring ;) It has been an exceptional warm christmas holiday so far. Unfortunally I've got the flu and spent the entire holiday in bed instead of painting the ceiling as planned. Accordi...

Looks really nice Bob :) I would like to do that mod on our boat but am a little concerned since we have installed a rodkick and also sometimes store a liferaft (in valise) on the roof. Looking at this picture (my youngest son on foredeck :D ), I think only a small hatch will fit without interfering...

I checked the inside of the roof today while trying to take pictures of the toerail. It looks like I have to take the plunge and also paint the roof :( , it would be stupid not doing this when the interior is out. Oh well, at least I can forget my concerns of too much contrast against the whitepaint...

I tried taking pictures today but she is so well covered it'll have to wait until spring. I believe the cracks are only in the gelcoat since she is not leaking thru the deck/hull joint, only at the chainplates (I will reseal those too). Is the Ballad prone to get cracks in the toerail?

I'm planning to reseal all deck/hull bolts now when they are easy to reach (interior is removed). Our Ballad shows signs of stress cracks on the outside of the toerail, from the mast section and about 1 meter to the bow. They have been there since we bought her 20 years ago. Should I fix them or can...

Although not exactly what I was looking for, I found this company in Denmark: Plexifix that makes really nice foredeck hatches. Price (€700) is to steep though.

I recall that there is (was) a modification one can do to the foredeck hatch to get more daylight into the v-berth. It involves cutting out an opening in the hatch and gluing on a premolded polycarbonate sheet. Now I can't find where to buy this. Does anyone else recognize this mod and have info whe...