Some fantastic progress by Ferdi Darley and his team in Williamstown, with a start made to the work requiring some deep professional knowledge and oversight commenced during September.

Melbourne’s COVID Lockdown has meant we can’t be there in person, but Ferdi is providing some great videos and I’ll look to post some details up as soon as we can.

Short summary is that the stem and transom are out for replacement and refurbishment respectively. A start on the ribs, and the exciting news that the first timber has been ordered – spotted gum for the replacement ribs.

Some good progress on getting the boat straightened, and back into shape. Image above shows the hood ends in okay shape for most, but some obviously large holes for the fastenings, that were large 3/8 dumps. These had the effect of also damaging the stem, with some cracks large enough to warrant replacement. Given the task the stem does, it was not a surprise to see it replaced, and provides an opportunity to deepen it. This will enable new fastenings further from the hood ends, and maximise plank reuse/minimise repair. While some repair will be required, it won’t be as crucial. Wyruna also had an apron, that was also replaced with a new and deeper lamination, that will also assist.

Clamps!

New laminated stem installed, at this stage still to be completed, and the apron still under construction.

Timber for the ribs is delivered (first week of November 2020), and is being resized and dressed for steaming. This should start the week beginning 9 November.

Timber is green spotted gum, delivered from NSW and we think being NSW grown. Ferdi considers this a better, harder timber (as opposed to Vic/Tas), and is a darker colour. Each rib will be two 17mm frames, steam bent in. 50 each side, so 200 ribs in all.

In the photo above, you can also see the pine frame, used as an horizon the stabilise the boat, restore the shape while the new frames are installed. it also usefully serves to hold scaffold boards and a railing, for a safer environment.