Morgan successfully sidetracked
The Morgan was successfully sidetracked last week using shipyard equipment and requiring 5,000 to 5,500 pounds of force. Measuring her hull was preliminarily completed and details are being double-checked and lighting was re-connected. Now, careful documentation of her hold commences. An expansion drawing of her ceiling will measure the curve of each individual plank to ensure accurate replacement of the wood. The stair tower is projected to be installed in January and will be semi-portable so it can be adapted for use with other vessels.
Next, work will focus on shoring up her ends and removing copper and parts of the sheathing covering the hull. The existing long leaf pine ceiling will be replaced with the same wood, as will other areas of planking. The shipyard currently has long leaf and white pine, white and live oak and locust on hand. More long leaf is waiting to be harvested and milled in Thomasville, GA and Richmond, VA, respectively. As much as 25,000 board feet of wood may be used for his project. Stock for spars and a new bowsprit is expected from the West Coast.