Advice? Rotten apron on strip planked yacht

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nandtatno7

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Hoping there maybe someone out there who can help with some views. Considering buying a strip-planked broads yacht. Basically sound, requiring lots of tlc and unfortunately significant work on the stem.
The planking at the stem appears sound but the apron and extreme ends of the ribs between 1' and 6' from the stemhead are rotten through water ingress at the stemhead.
My assumption is that there will be a stem holding the hood-ends and then a separate apron bolted on aft (bolt heads visible, apron is 5" wide).
Considering removal from within and fitting laminated replacement.
How likely is stem to be a single piece of timber?
Anyone done a similar job before?
Hopefully ..........
 
Not too easy to comment without seeing the job. You do not say whether it is a traditionally constructed boat or an epoxy composite, although I guess traditional if the stem is fastened with bolts. Do you really mean strip planked, ie narrow strips edge fastened to eachother or is it the more common carvel - wider, shaped planks fastened to the frames and ribs?

As to the stem construction it could be either single piece, single piece with an apron or laminated. You will only know when you inspect it closely. Replacing a stem and ribs forward is a major job, particularly if water has got in and rotted the plank ends as well as the stem.

Suggest you get an experienced traditional shipwright or specialist wooden boat surveyor to advise.
 
As previously noted, the method of construction is very variable, very likely laminated stem. The major concern with any strip build that is not modern construction, possibly prior to 1980, is that the glue used in the strip planking starts to fail seriously after about 30 years with the ferrous vertical nails (if used as was quite common) rusting and showing failure. Rust streaks from the plank seams? In this case the stem could be the least of the worries. More information would be required I think before investing any time/money.
Regards John Lilley
 
As previous poster said, only close detailed inspection will reveal the nature of the construction and defects. But the great thing about wooden construction is the relative ease with which parts can be repaired. Ultimately it's all just wood, glue, goo and screws. The tricky part is working out the best way to proceed, and here there are many good books to help.
Also there are several excellent boatbuilders in the Broads area who will supply expertise and materials - maybe even do the most complex parts of the job for you.
In summary, don't be put off. Most wooden boats have some defects; nearly eveything is fixable. You should be able to negotiate a good reduction on price if you can quantify the extent of the work needed.
 
Do be careful what you are buying and don't be afraid (think NEVER buy a boat with rose tinted glasses on - got a mate who knows with you who will see beyond the idyllic scenes in your mind) - with respect - if you're not sure before proceeding any further with the purchase get a specialist structural survey (not an 'insurance' survey) Yep they cost - and some deal with the vendor could be considered, but this will be a lot cheaper than major time being replanked, rot found in the framing etc.

In addition there are lots and lots of boats in this world for sale (some great some .... well they amazed me they floated, some I saw on the Broads) so be choosey and paying a little more for a sound structure and perhaps a little cosmetic work will pay hansomly - its a buyer's market!

Yes some superb facilities on the Broads boatyard wise -but (rightly so) they charge for their expertise, and wood repairs are time consuming.
.
 
You wont be sailing for a few seasons then .. Hope you have a SWMBO who does not mind your absence .. Think you must decide .. Do I want a long term project that does not go near the water .. or do I buy something I can enjoy on the water .. Hundreds of folk buy rotten hulks with a view to lots of TLC .. All they finish up with is a big hole in their bank balance .. They also keep the local chandler in business BIG TIME .. IMHO
 
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