My first wooden boat...

[akirk]

With many many thanks to Flying Junior and other other half Andy, I have today picked up my first wooden boat /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

c.f. forum thread in 'for sale'

I know I am mad, I should stick with the lovely plastic tub on the Thames I already have - no maintenance in 3 years, but this 'new' one has character...

first steps - work out what needs doing /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
then log on to this forum to ask everyone how to do it /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
lots of reading to do, and fortunately I have a friend who is a professional woodworker, so hopefully some tips will also come from there...

 

[BrendanS]

Forbsie should be able to give you lots of tips, as he did something similar.

 

[Peterduck]

Welcome to the wonderful world of wooden boats. You are about to put some depth into your boat ownership. It is important to regard this as a journey of discovery, for you are low in the learning curve. It's not an onerously steep curve, but it does go on, and on. Do not be depressed if it seems to take ages to get any real, visible progress. The most important work that you will do will end up being unseen, but you will know that it is right, and has been done well. Keep your plastic tub and go for as refreshing splash occasionally; it will remind you of where you are heading to. Advice will often be conflicting, for there are many ways to build and repair a boat. The technology of boat repair and restoration falls broadly into two 'camps'; high tech and low tech. There is very little overlap between the two. Your boat appears to be carvel built, which is definitely low-tech. This is good, because low-tech is usually cheaper than high-tech. When your boat's restoration is completed, you will be prouder than you could believe possible. Your boat will 'look like a million dollars' and it will be your work that has made it so.
Peter.

 

[Lakesailor]

I was going to ask why some ribs were sticking up then read the original post.

I looks like you'll end up with a wonderful launch. My threepen'th is that you shouldn't overdo the restoration and end up with a boat that you are worried about knocking or chipping. I did with my Heron and didn't use it as much as I should have for that reason.
The other thing to bear in mind is that your woodworking friend may underestimate how solid and weather resistant you need to make things ( unless he has boatbuilding experience )

Good Luck.
If things get a bit overbearing I found that leaving it for a week or two recharged the batteries.

 

[Porthandbuoy]

Welcome to the trials and tribulations of wooden boat ownership, and the forum that seems to have the answers to most questions (even if we don't always agree).
You'll have a lot of fun restoring a launch like that as it's a good size to learn all the necessary skills.

 

[akirk]

Thanks for all the supportive comments - this forum does seem to have a wealth of knowledge - however I am still looking for the dictionary to explain half the words I see used /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Brendan, thanks for the note about Forbsie - didn't he do the Sharpie that was on Sky (repeated last week!) I think from other posts that was him... - very nice work indeed...

LakeSailor - I am not sure I could even aspire to a result like your Heron - she looked amaing from the photos, but agree, there are some decisions to be made on exactly how we do the restoration - my chum is a restorer by trade so his instinct is to strip absolutely everything back and rebuild from scratch - a 15 to 20 year project that way /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif however FlyingJunior and her other half Andy as previous owners have done some fabulous work doubling up ribs etc. so I am tempted to continue with that... a debate over a few pints I think...

PeterDuck & Mariposa, thank you - inspiring, and exciting...

First step seems to be to work out what needs doing, and then - dive in!

 

[Keith 66]

If you read one book it should be Pete Cullers "Skiffs & Schooners" if two Bud mcintosh "Building a wooden boat" both are inspiring and give an insight into how it was done in pre epoxy days as Pete Culler says "experience starts when you begin".

 

[akirk]

Thank you, a good reccomendation - ordered
(puts boat away in shed for the next three years & settles down to a pint and a read beside the fire /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

 

[srp]

What a nice launch - beautiful shape, and definitely a classic. I'm probably teaching my grandmother, but make sure it's fully supported with chocks so that it keeps that shape (the next door boat in my yard last winter wasn't, and in a very short time had sagged, completely losing its' sheer line).
Looking forward to seeing some more pictures as your work progresses.

 

[akirk]

Thank you for the comment regarding chocks.
At the moment she is sitting on the trailer, and I need to chat with the farmer to check whether that barn is a long-term home for her etc. before removing her from the trailer, however at present she is only really supported by two side arms as can be seen in the photo (and one rear one as the other wouldn't reach - she sits at a slight angle so that one rear arm would support her).

At present she seems to be sitting happily and the supports are primarily supporting her sitting on her keel, so...

What is enough / not enough in terms of chocks?

 

[srp]

I'd go for about 5 supports under the keel (or just sit it on a scaffold plank, as it looks to be straight), a couple of props under the stern quarters, and maybe two more each side. I don't think you can have too many!
Have you identified the timber used in its' construction yet? Many posh ships boats were made with teak planking - no expense spared, loads of bronze fittings!
A couple of links you might find useful:
http://www.tradboats.com/ - 'proper' paint, red lead putty, etc
http://www.classicmarine.co.uk/ - bronze fittings
Both companies are really helpful and ideal for restorers of real boats.

 

[akirk]

The original posting offering the boat for sale (cf above) suggests that it is mahogany on rock elm, however I can definitely identify the top as plywood, so that will be changing /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I am planning at the moment that it will finish painted (as original), but with varnished deck & trim etc. I know nothing about its history, so will have to find out... Thank you for the links, will have a look...