Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Getting Close

Work on the Six Meter is progressing nicely. I've got the underwater profile restored to the classic configuration. The new rudder is almost complete. New deck structure almost complete. Mast step repairs complete. Stem repairs complete. Steel floors reinstalled. Broken frames repaired. Here are some photos.























A lot going on in this photo. Notice the underwater profile restored to the Rule 2 Classic configuration. Rudder is temporarily hung. Aft deck is removed. New deck supports at midship - this structure separates the fore and aft cockpits and is where the mainsheet winch and the running back winches will be located.































Helpers!  Steve Grimes and Joel Kar showed up to lend a hand.  Notice Joel in the background wearing every type of protective equipment known to man, while Steve chooses to "tough it out."


































New Rudder being built.

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!