The slipway challenge was a pivotal phase in the restoration process, providing a unique opportunity to address essential hull and system maintenance while the vessel was stripped down for interior construction.

 

This period was vital for several reasons:

 

Marine Surveyor Inspections: The vessel's hull was thoroughly inspected both from the inside and outside by a marine surveyor. Their assessments at this stage were instrumental in ensuring the boat's future seaworthiness.

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Copper Nails Replacement: The process of replacing copper nails proved to be arduous but necessary for ensuring the hull's structural integrity. A total of 270 nails in the lower part of the hull were replaced. Each replacement required precise, coordinated efforts between the team members inside and outside the hull.

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The process of replacing nails included:

1. Grinding off the nail head from the inside.

2. Punching the nail out from the inside.

3. Installing a new nail into the old hole from the outside.

4. Tapping the nail into place with a large lump hammer.

5. Securing a cone washer (rove) over the nail from the inside.

6. Compressing the rove into the timber by mushrooming the nail head over it.

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Tasks Completed during the Slipway Challenge:

This phase was marked by a busy work schedule with a focus on critical maintenance and inspections.

 

The list of tasks completed includes:

• Hull Clean and Inspection: The hull was cleaned thoroughly to remove marine growth, and a detailed inspection was carried out to identify any damage or abnormalities.

• Topsides: The hull received an upgrade with three coats of paint (one undercoat and two topcoats), and significant effort was put into fairing the hull to achieve the best possible finish for a classic planked hull.

• Sponsons: Repair work was conducted on the sponsons. Areas in good condition were faired using an electric planer. The sponsons were also coated with penetrating epoxy to protect against further deterioration.

• Out of Water Survey: A comprehensive survey was conducted, producing a report essential for insurance purposes, mitigating insurance-related risks.

• Docking Strip: A sacrificial docking strip was installed to protect keel timbers from worm infestation.

• Sacrificial Timbers: Inspection of the aft sacrificial timbers found minimal worm infestation, requiring only minor attention.

• Duckboard: The duckboard and its mounting timber surround were removed for restoration, facilitated by the dry slipway environment.

• Running Gear: The propellers, shafts, skeg, and rudder underwent inspection and resurfacing, with epoxy priming and antifouling to maintain their condition.

• Bilges: The bilges received significant attention, including thorough cleaning, degreasing, drying, and coating with primer and white Bilge coat to provide a protective finish throughout the hull.

• Anodes: Anodes for the shaft and rudder were sourced and installed to protect the boat's submerged metal components.

• Tank Bearers: The hardwood tank bearers were coated with primer and bilge paint to enhance their longevity.

• Fastenings, Bolts, and Keel: A total of 270 copper rove nails were replaced. In addition, two stringer bolts and two keel bolt nuts were replaced. Epoxy filler was used to fill the nail indents, and antifouling was applied to ensure protection against marine elements.

• Copper Sheathing: The copper sheathing, which shields the keel from the prop wash, was replaced by applying new copper tacks.

• Antifouling: The underwater section of the hull was coated with three layers of antifoul, providing protection against marine organisms and corrosion.

This phase was exceptionally demanding but critical for addressing the hull's integrity and seaworthiness. Despite the challenges, the efforts invested during the slipway challenge were instrumental in achieving a successful outcome.