Starboard side measured
Measurement of the Morgan‘s starboard side was completed last week and the whaleship will be side tracked Monday, November 17. Up next, the vessel’s port side will be measured. That data will be entered into a CADD (computer-aided design and drafting) program. Documentation of her interior and exterior will initially take several weeks and then will continue through the duration of the project. Some increase in hogging (a natural occurrence in all vessels caused by gravity acting in a downward direction and buoyancy acting in an upward direction) has occurred in the past nine years. The access stairs will rise approximately 32 feet from ground level and will be constructed as soon as possible after she is sidetracked. These stairs will be located amidship on the starboard side.
The full extent of restoration work necessary will become clear as the Morgan‘s documentation progresses. Initial focus will be on her planking, framing, ceiling, worm shoe and stem. A band of planking at her waterline and extending to the turn of the bilge will be renewed. Long-leaf pine and white oak will be used for this purpose. Live oak and white oak will be used for framing restoration in way of the replacement planking and long leaf yellow pine will be used for the ceiling.