The Rebuild begins.
I have divided the whole story into a series of chapters which deal with specific areas of the rebuild. I selected from the large number of photos I have just the most representative ones. There is usually an interesting tale to go with each !
Here is Folder 2.
The topboards had rotted due to rain-water leaks in the barn. . .so had to be replaced. here is the fore water-tight compartment ready for replanking. The new king-board was/is mahogany, and the original teak decking was retained. I filled the compartment with sealed plastic bottles for extra security .
I copied the original 4" scarf joints and refitted using bronze screws. I could have replaced the original rope and wiring, but I think it is better to keep as much of the original as possible
This is the bottom repair. For a small hole you have to replace the inner and outer strips complete -( full length). again with copper rivets, roves and silicon-bronze screws.
To work on the bottom I figured out a pulley system to turn her over using long truck tie-down straps, and just ratcheted her over ( This was much preferable to the suggested use of 6 strong French locals !! )
" Night shift " !!
When the repairs were done, I treated the bottom surface with a water-based epoxy called 'Resoltec', then coated the double diagonal bottom with epoxy matting, as the original cloth membrane would surely have been compromised, and I could not envisge replacing the whole bottom of the boat ! As the vessel does not sit about in water, but was stored on deck ( and now on customised trailer ) there is no question of having to allow planks to swell for sealing
At last in RN " Admiralty Light Grey". . . . . (like most of the materials used apart from the timber- not available in France ! )
New floorboards fitted. As specified " white paint below floorboards and grey above. ( which I added later )
