July 22, 2021

Steam Launch Blog #57

Another one of those percolation and consensus moments.

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Another one of those percolation and consensus moments. For awhile it was agreed to install the condenser after turning the boat over, but a couple of the lads consulted with their aching knees and backs and determined we could safely turn the boat over - the false keel would shelter it. Seems the thought of crawling under the boat provided sufficient initiative…

Burr was brought in to make final assembly of his replica condenser, and as usual it was a perfect replica. He certainly doesn't seem 91 years old and his back didn't speak as loudly as those of youngsters in the crew! Burr and Steve go over the assembly, the crew discusses final assembly - note the through-boat flanges he made are already in place- and then Burr goes home brazes the whole thing together returns and installs. Voila!

This is a closed loop system, so condenser is required to return exhaust steam back into water. Still, it doesn't seem an ideal situation if the launch is hauled onshore…

So, now I think we are really ready…