Fitting New Cratch & Pram Hood Covers

The next several days of sitting still at Shebdon Wharf whilst I had new cratch cover and a pram hood made were spent renovating the cratch window frames whilst I waited for the new cratch and stern covers to be completed.. The cratch frame looked as though it hadn’t seen a lick of varnish since new.

Renovating the Wooden Cratch Frame

Taking it to Pieces

The first thing I had to do was remove the center panel from between the two windows on the cratch. This panel would need to be replaced as it was rotting through at the bottom.

Removing the Windows

The second job was to remove the actual windows from the frame itself. This proved to be quite easy and before long I was sanding the frames back to bare wood. Once this was complete it was time to add the first coat of varnish. The difference between what the frames had looked before and after the first coat was amazing. I love working with real wood as the grain is fabulous. I get the same kit with my camera hide plates which are all made from natural wood.

Before

After

I gave each window four coats of varnish. They had taken a right beating over the years and had not been looked after at all.

Making the Cratch Cover  & Pram Hood Templates

Once the old cratch cover had been removed Tony made a template. As you can see he marked out where the openings were going to be.

Making the pram hood frame

Tony constructed a solid aluminium frame and fitted it to the boat.

Once Tony had sorted out the aluminium frame he  made the rear pram hood cover and popped it on. Below you can see it without the sides, which attach separately.

The view of the rear pram cover looking up  from inside the boat.

The pram cover creates another complete space which is protected from the elements. This gives me somewhere to leave my wet gear other than the galley!

The pram hood folds down onto the boat to prevent accidental damage from low bridges!

Moored up on the Monty. I think the flowers just add the final touch to the front of the boat.

The cratch looking very smart with a newly varnished frame and cover. The roll up sides give great access to the cratch area.

Sydney Gives a Helping Hand

One of the local swans decided that my brush looked like a tasty treat and did his best to relieve me of it whilst I was varnishing the outer frame.

Recommendation

If you are interested in having new covers or your old covers replaced or repaired I can highly recommend Tony from Bethsaida Covers who operate out of Shebdon Wharf.