Learning Wooden Boat Skills

  As a mostly fiberglass boats sailor, buying a serious timber boat called for some re-education. I've been studying this book:

 It is mostly Scandi', written in 2011 and based on traditional timber boat building methods.  

The author makes it very clear,  that sealing wood to prevent freshwater ingress and careful air circulation,, are paramount.  After constructing a soft shelter, I checked for any problem areas. I didn't have to look far,  a headsail fairlead track with no less that eight screws ie: holes, per side.  These were removed and linseed oil dribbled into the cavities.  Later,  these will be drilled and plugged. 

Several bollards were a bit thin on varnish and their fixing bolts looked like they had cracked through normal expansion and contraction.  These were dowsed in linseed oil.  They will be wiped dry,  lightly sanded and given several coats of thinned varnish.  

The little bowsprit showed signs of wear and was given an oil.  It will be wiped dry,  sanded/ scraped before some thin varnish is applied.  

The standing rigging was removed from the chainplates simply because they could strike or chaff through the varnish.  

It's difficult to describe the sense of satisfaction that accompanies these tasks. A big bonus of the new shelter,  apart from better access and ventilation,  is that I can admire the boat from my lounge room,  verandah and bedroom.  :)

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