Planking on the Morgan continues
Planking on the Morgan continues in earnest. In a typical week three to four planks can be placed.
Morgan Restoration
Memphis Zoo’s tiger cages contribute iron
Using iron bar fasteners salvaged from the Memphis Zoo’s tiger cages, the shipwrights will attach the knees by driving the fastener through the knee and then through the adjoining frames. A ring will be placed at each end of the fastener and the ends pounded home to form the rivet.
Zipper Line Complete
Restoration of the zipper line is complete, correcting the less than optimal staggering of the futtocks which make up the framing near the waterline.
Replacing the futtocks in the zipper line
Planking remains on hold while the shipwrights replace the futtocks in the zipper line. This step is necessary to reinforce the Morgan’s framing in anticipation of her 38th Voyage and return to Chubb’s Wharf.
Sixty-five planks
The restoration of the Morgan has reached another important milestone. Sixty-five planks representing over 50% of the new planking have been installed.
Planking and work on the transom
Planking is the largest component of the project, absorbing the most manpower and materials, and has progressed far enough so that the shipwrights will be resetting the scaffolding to permit work higher up in the hull.
One year and one day
One year and one day from now, July 21, 2013, the Morgan will be launched. This will be a significant milestone in her over five year restoration and eventual 38th Voyage.
Featured at the WoodenBoat Show
The Charles W. Morgan was a special focus of the WoodenBoat Show this year. Over the course of the weekend, shipwrights demonstrated the stages of the planking process: spiling (the method by which the plank’s shape is determined), steam bending and fitting, and trunnel driving.
Shaping the outer stem
The outer stem is being shaped from white oak found at the Charlestown Navy Shipyard three years ago when the timber basin, covered over in 1910, was excavated. This piece weighs 1,600 pounds and will be fastened to the apron.
The jib crane arrives
The shipwrights and riggers, assisted by a commercial portable crane operator, installed the jib crane last week. The jib crane will be used to lift heavy timbers for the forward part of the vessel.