Monday, January 25, 2010

WE HAVE LIFTOFF!


We successfully lifted the boat about 5-1/2" last weekend in preparation for replacing the Keelson.


In both photos you can see the keel bolts and the exposed keelson, which is in pretty bad shape. In the the photo above, the first 12" of the keelson has been removed.


Here is how we did it. We build two separate cradles on forward and behind the existing cradle. These were build with 4x4's with bottle jacks underneath for lifting.



We also built a lifting frame over the boat out of 6x6's (see one of the photos below,) with a 3 ton chain fall hoist attached. Then we placed a 10ft 6x6 inside the boat in the same direction as the keel, that was attached to the chain fall. On top of this 6x6, were 4x4's running perpendicular to the 6x6. These ends of the 4x4's were tucked underneath the sheer clamps on each site of the boat. This system served to lift the middle of the boat, where the existing cradle was.

To say it went perfectly would be an understatement. Special thanks to my Dad and Joel Kar for all the help.
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She's coming back to life!

I've had many requests by interested folks to see photos of my new six-meter project, so I thought I would put them online for all to see.  Thanks for checking it out!

Restoration is probably not the right word to use in describing what I am doing to the boat.  While she does need a couple of major repairs, generally speaking the boat is in very good condition for a 75 year old vessel.

The good news is that as I've started digging into the repairs, I haven't found any horrible surprises - nothing that I didn't expect.  I feel that I am up to the task of completing the required work and getting her in the water by the middle of May.  (I can hear you laughing - knock it off)

I'm going to restore the underwater profile to the original configuration, with the rudder being attached to the aft edge of the keel, which will return her to "classic" status.

I do need to thank some people who have lent a great deal of help and support.  First is my Dad, who is a top-notch assistant because he has a great deal of knowledge and skill (much more than me) in just about every area needed to complete this project.

I especially want to thank some of the guys from the Port Huron Fleet (Jim, Mark, and Phil.) They got me hooked on the six meter by taking me out for some racing on Ondine, then spent over 12 hours moving the boat from Richmond, MI  to Troy, MI on a Saturday afternnoon.  Their commitment to the six meter fleet is very apparent.  Also, special thanks to Vinnia's previous owner Bud Kirk.  

Also, Joel Kar (thanks for the traveler), Sean Murphy, and Rob Hasting.  Most importantly my family, Heather and Jack, who have been very supportive and tolerant of my boat habits.

Keep checking back for updates.




Bow

Bow
Bow 01/03/10

Stern

Stern
Stern view - 01/03/10

Forward Keelson

Forward Keelson
Forward Keel 01/04/10

Keel 2

Keel 2
The keelson, circled in red, connects the wooden hull to the lead keel, and this one is bad.  The repair is pretty straight-forward.  Basically, disconnect all the supports inside the boat (see "Parts!" photo below,) take the nuts off the keel bolts, do a little cutting to free the wood from the bedding compound, and we're ready.  Then support the lead keel from tipping, and lift he wooden hull from the keel.  Put the new one in place and and put it all back together!  Notice some black framing behind the boat with bottle jacks underneath, and a wooded 6x6 frame over the boat to assist in lifting.

I should be ready make this repair by mid-January/2010.

Parts!

Parts!
Floors and other supports

Bilge

Bilge
Bilge - this is the top of the keelson that needs to be replaced.

New Hardware!

New Hardware!
Santa brought me some new hardware!