Hull stanchion brackets
Installation of the brackets to hold the hull stanchions commenced this past week. The hull stanchions will support the vessel while many structural parts are removed to be replaced. The brackets are 3 X 3 foot steel crosses bolted through the hull to washer plates on the interior of the hull. They are strategically located five to a side where there are both hanging and standing knees. In addition, two stanchions support the stern and a single one supports the stem.
Final measurements of the ceiling are complete and are being loaded into a computer system. This has proven to be a tedious but critical task and one that goes unseen to the visitor.
A preliminary inspection of the hull has revealed not only a nine inch hog in the keel but the starboard quarter is drooping. Once the stanchion and jack system (the jacks will be at the foot of each stanchion) is fully in place, the shipwrights will start dismantling and replacing planking, ceiling and framing. This process will require delicate balance, as pieces are removed, the hull will become more flexible. This permits the shipwrights to allow the hull to settle into more of its original shape. Then new material will be installed to give rigidity and strength. This procedure will be repeated several times until the damaged areas and the hull’s shape are restored.
Interesting fact, restoration work is expensive. Each plank or other piece of wood, averaging 8 feet in length, will cost approximately $1,000 for the materials and $1,200 for labor. This is why we need those contributions!