January, 2004.
Apart from the regular storage and maintenance of 300 + boats, we are involved with several projects that everyone enjoys and that remind us why we are in the restoration business.
We are doing a complete restoration of a Block Island 40 for Block Island Maritime Funding. The Block Island 40 was the very first production fiberglass sailboat, and SEAL was the first boat, hull zero, used to make the mold. Our philosophy is to re-use as much of the original boat, parts and equipment as possible to retain her original character while modernizing and upgrading her rig, interior, and systems to permit her to be considered a “modern yacht”.
On the exterior, all fiberglass will be stripped, repaired as necessary, faired and Awl Gripped. New varnished teak toe rails will be fitted with original chocks and Genoa tracks.
On the interior, all bright work painted surfaces will be refinished, with new linings fitted in the galley, head and countertops.
We will repower with a new Yanmar 3JH-3 turbo diesel. She will have a new water system, all new mechanical systems, all new electrical systems and electronics.
For the rig, the main mast will be refinished, there will be a new mizzen mast, new running and standing rigging, and new winches.
She will be outfitted with new cast stanchions, cushions, safety equipment, head, stove, counter tops.
Another ongoing project is our involvement with the Tarratine Yacht Club and the naval architects of Sparkman & Stephens in their efforts to increase the size of the racing fleet of Dark Harbor 20’s. This would entail repairing the existing 19 boats and preparing to produce new Dark Harbor 20’s using selected fiberglass components mixed with traditional construction.
As a result we are now working on the technical aspects of defining the acceptable method of splining the existing wooden hulls to make them stiffer, dryer and longer lived. After refastening and re-ribbing, we will immediately be splining #7 and #8.
We are expecting new fiberglass hull/deck/rudder packages to be delivered in the late spring and we are working on different options and on the possible recycle of old boats with some new parts.
Currently we are refastening #8 and are also re-ribbing a 1936 Herreshoff 12.5 footer.
Soon we will be finishing the restoration of a 1940 40’ Consolidated Cruiser, and we will be doing extensive upgrades to a 1905 40’ Friendship Sloop, DOWN EAST, pictures to follow.
