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Charles W. Morgan Restoration
Over the last three decades, the Charles W. Morgan has undergone two regimes of partial restoration along with annual maintenance. Despite these efforts, the inevitable effects of time on the wooden fabric of the vessel's structure demand additional extensive restoration. If left unchecked, these deficiencies will threaten the structural integrity of the Morgan and her use as a primary artifact in Mystic Seaport's interpretive programs.
Restoration Update
6.12.09
Charles W. Morgan: Currently the shipwrights' priority is removing about half of the hog. Not all the 11 inch hog will be eliminated because over time some of it has been built into the vessel; therefore it is not practical to reduce it completely. The keel has been lowered about two inches but the hog has maintained its curve which is most pronounced forward of keel block #12. Aft of this point the keel is quite straight but inclined from the stern upwards to a point amidships, where the curvature of the hog becomes most evident.
The shipwrights are using the experience of the crew which restored the USS Constellation which had a similar challenge. Jacks have been installed directly under the bow. Upward lifting pressure will be applied while simultaneously the keel will be allowed to drop one keel block at a time in this forward area. This process will be done very slowly. If successful, more of the forward part of the keel on multiple keel blocks will be engaged. A similar technique will be employed in the stern.
6.01.09
Charles W. Morgan: Documentation of the MORGAN's hull shape has slowed while repairs are being made to the shipyard's EDM system. Hopefully this issue will be resolved this week and work on reducing the hog can recommence. Meanwhile the "straps" for the molds are being extended to a point above the waterline. The shoring for the molds is complete. Exploratory work has begun in the bow. Inner bulwark planking has been removed in the port bow exposing framing made of greenheart. There is some rot in the wood; however, the real issue is that greenheart tends to split, thus it can't take fasteners. The shipwrights have also determined that the stem will need to be replaced.
Part of the restoration process is the cataloguing of materials removed from the vessel. The pole barn just north of the main shed will be emptied and used as a staging area. Key parts and items made of unique materials will be retained in accordance with National Park Service standards. (The MORGAN is a National Historic landmark.) Wood which has no particular significance or useful life remaining will be disposed of in an environmentally acceptable fashion.
The misting machines are working well in the hold. A lawn sprinkler system has been installed on the port and starboard sides at the keel to wet the exterior of the hull.
Read past restoration updates:
<May 09> <Apr - Mar 09> <Feb 09 - Nov 08>
Restoration Currently in Phase III
Major structural weakness has been identified in lower portions of the Morgan's underwater hull structure and shipyard workers are now in the early stages of phase III of the vessel's long-term preservation.
When the Morgan was first hauled from the sand in the 1970s, work focused on watertight integrity through bottom caulking and sheathing and little or no framing was done at this time. During the early 1980s, major restoration work focused on fore and aft below waterline framing, sternpost, topside areas, deck and deck structures. Decisions were made at each event not to proceed beyond a certain point in order to maintain historic integrity, knowing that work would inevitably need to continue at a later date.
In 1996, a survey conducted by staff shipwrights indicated framing and planking in a general band around the vessel -- approximately 8 -10 feet in height -- beginning at the wind and waterline and extending to at least below the turn of the bilge would need major work in the next cycle of restoration. An additional survey completed in 2002 by Captain Paul Haley of G. A. Full Associates, Marine Surveyors, confirmed the shipwright's findings.
Over the Next Three Years
As presently conceived, the three-year project will extend beyond the limits of wind and waterline to include lower bottom framing, interior ceiling, partial keelson replacement and stem replacement. Remediation of deformed (hogged) sheer line will also be undertaken. It is anticipated that this work will be sufficient to address the Morgan's major structural needs for the next 20 years.
All work will be completed by using historically appropriate materials and techniques, in accordance with guidelines set forth in the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Vessel Preservation Projects.
Throughout this exciting restoration, visitors are encouraged to observe the process in the shipyard.
Research and Documentation
During the more than 60 years of Mystic Seaport's stewardship of the Morgan, extensive research has been accomplished related to this vessel's history. In 1973, the Museum published The Charles W. Morgan by John F. Leavitt, which chronicles the ships more than 80 years of active service. Mystic Seaport's Watercraft Documentation Office, established during the first phase of vessel restoration in 1973, has maintained excellent work progress logs, photos and architectural drawings of all preservation work undertaken.
As Mystic Seaport begins phase III of the Morgan's restoration, the Museum will continue this high standard of documentation and recordation of the vessel and the work performed.