Restoration of Whimbrel 1998

November '98-

visit Penpol Boatyard -first view of Whimbrel. Great potential but sad sight -ballast keel and garboards removed, no deck beams -empty shell with most frames needing replacing. Dead woods, keelson and stern post rotten but planking mostly in good condition. Very exciting but awesome challenge. Quick & easy decision -my one and only chance to own a Fife! Purchase price £8000 agreed (cash) -probably far too much but should include goodwill factor (yard's knowhow & Tern to measure/copy) -stern post,aft deadwood removed with difficulty with (over) enthusiastic use of bolster/hammer work. Later brought back for pattern -also rusty iron floor hangers.

December'98-

 

2 oversized 211 thick English oak planks purchased from Whippletree (6cu. ft) -precariously balanced on roof bars. Cut and shaped with difficulty then glued (West Epoxy) into replacement aft D-W and sternpost. Saw & electric plane protesting. Three bags of shavings later -mission accomplished despite poor condition of patterns. -trip to Robbins (Bristol) -pitch pine for deck beams & Columbian pine for bowsprit purchased + dent in car wing (£100 deducted). Pattern for deck beams made up with 311 deck height on full beam width (perfect curve achieved on second attempt). Busy Xmas making laminated deck beams from 4 x 1/211 thick strips. - new metal floor hangers fabricated up from mild steel by Dave Clout/ A1 (DPC) to be galvanised later. - stern post and aft D-W drilled for 5/811 galvanised bolts by DPC -slow & difficult task (to Dave's surprise)

 

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