As with any old wooden boat, Curlew presents us with many challenges as we endeavor to keep her sound. The following will provide insight into the many projects we have undertaken since her change in ownership in 2002.
December 2002 a short five months after the purchase date, the bobstay tang gave way to corrosion, requiring a quick haul out at South Coast shipyard to have a new one custom made. This was, in fact, the second emergency haul out the first only a week after taking delivery. The first was to replace a leaking shaft seal, but the process required cutting the 1.25 ” SS prop shaft in two places to remove a corroded old shaft brake. Yup a new shaft had to be made, definitely an expensive first week!
First Sail – shake down sail in Newport Harbor.
Corroded Bob Stay Tank.
In November 2003 we hauled Curlew out again for some well needed bottom work. (Her bottom had some ten years of paint buildup). In this picture she has been wooded, all old paint removed.
We re-caulked a few seams and then sealed the bare wood in penetrating epoxy, primed and applied fresh bottom paint. One of her rudder pintles was also replaced.
A later picture of what was The new Campbell Sailor Prop This new prop replaced a traditional 3 blade and reduced prop walk, while increasing engine rpm’s to proper working specs.
2004 I watch as Shipwright Rick Brown takes a sawz-all to Curlew.
2005 – more planks replaced..this time dockside.
Above the waterline she is caulked the traditional way.
USCG Inspection 2005.
We decided to do a selective refasten, and in January of 2006 added some 350 fasteners.
More refastening.
Finally we turn the corner and start putting things back together.
In June of 07, Roger noticed some paint bubbling just below the bulwarks on the port stern. Investigation revealed some dry-rot, so once again repairs were made.
In 2008 we undertook to complete the dry rot repairs, and began by Rick tearing apart the stern. Here we are uncovering fasteners that will need to be removed.
In December 2010 we found some dry rot in the bullwark.
Which Rick repaired dockside.
In 2011 we removed the old water tanks so we could access the bilge for keel bolt inspection.
New Covering Board takes shape.
While Rick Brown, Shipwright was working on the stern, Ed Benz and I undertook to remove the old Kohler 8kw genset.
Ok it’s out, now to get it off the boat. Here John Keith gets it ready for the second lift, this one to the dock.
So far still dismantling.
Still rough but mostly back together.
Roger…rolls and tips the one part topside paint.
With the covering board off you can see the structure. fortunately the dry rot had not gotten that far.
January 2017 a project to re-deck the cabin top.
Naked Cabin top.
New Cabin top decking takes shape.
Plugged and sanded.
Still a couple of areas that require fitting, but almost done.
Laying down tape for the rubbering process.
Late 2018 Rick Brown took on re-decking the cockpit
Christmas eve, almost complete
Late Christmas eve, under a cockpit tent and flood lights, the last of the decking is fitted.
Fitting new Planks Calking the deck is an ongoing project.
Terry attaching the sling close
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