1912 Huon Pine Timber Sail Motor Boat

[coastalexplorer]

Or he could be be busy watching 19 hours of Nr. Leo Sampson Goolden's video's to learn what is involved in saving a traditional/ wooden hull.

[Kokonut]

Once again, thank you for all the feedback.

Weeding out the background noise, and leaving some very genuine constructive suggestions, I think I'll get a thorough hull inspection first.

I have also reconsidered my original thoughts to venture out along the coastline as a dream to be pursued at a different time on a different boat.

This boat will only be used along the river, and so I've resigned to choosing carpentry repairs / fibre-glass to make her safe for use. I cannot afford to restore her, and if all goes well and after many years, someone else may have the energy and pockets to do that.

For now, I'll just head out with my tape measure and flashlight.

Will be back with any progress.

[Wotname]

Is the boat currently in NSW or Tas?

[Kokonut]

Sitting on the Hawkesbury River, at Berowra Waters on a swing mooring.

It's been quite an exciting purchase, I find myself jumping onboard when I can to do small jobs, take pictures, and browsing the internet for answers.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Kokonut

Once again, thank you for all the feedback.

Weeding out the background noise, and leaving some very genuine constructive suggestions, I think I'll get a thorough hull inspection first.

.........

That seems a good idea!

The boat has got from Hobart to the Hawkesbury River presumably on it's own bottom so it can't be all bad.

From the photos in the link, the cosmetic maintenance appears to have been kept up to date so perhaps some structural maintenance may have been carried out as well. The devil is always in the detail so yes, chase up the detail so you have a clearer picture of what is needed - not necessarily to restore to original condition but to keep the hull watertight and strong enough for your use.

Enjoy!

[coastalexplorer]

Having worked with wood for 65 years I have the opinion that the standard of workmanship carried out on the Sampson boat works project is far superior to that shown on Acorn to Arabella. How ever these programs and also 'Tips from a wooden ship wright' All show good advice and demonstrate some good ideas.


Having looked at the web link to the original offer for sale. The vessel looks to be very historically interesting and worth saving. The sellers did stress that they wanted to sell to an owner that would take care of it.


A Fiber glass application to a hull like this would spell its doom because wood needs to breathe. coating it creates a green house effect greatly assisting rot fungal spores to propagate.


I know of three hulls that where treated thus. In each case 9 layers of 24 ounce roving were laid up with a two ounce chop strand mat between each layer. In each case there was no interior in the hull and in at least one case I know that all the wood was subsequently removed a core added and interior glass covering completed. I lost track of the other final outcomes.


The fact is that wood is cheaper than fiber glass and either resin; polyester or especially Epoxy. There is little doubt that the material cost alone would be at least as much; If not more than the original asking price of the vessel.


Having no knowledge about life in Australia. I have to wonder IF you still have shipyards there within safe voyaging distance that can handle repairs to boats of traditional wooden construction? If so it would be worth consulting them and getting a quotation how to do it right in the first place. Craftsmen who carryout this type of work where ever they are in the world. Often have a lot of empathy for saving historic vessels. and as such can be quite reasonable. You could buy a lot of shipwright's time for the comparative cost of the materials it would take to do a botch job and write it off.

[Fore and Aft]

It’s not as bad as I thought. You really just have a whale boat on steroids which will keep the cost down.
Give Dave from Scarborough Engineering in Gloucester a call. He specialises in timber boats. Tell Him Drew recommended him.
Cheers
https://www.scarboroughengineering.com.au/

[Frank 101]

After reading all the opinions, here’s my two cents worth. Depending whether there are any wooden boat carpenters near you, it may be worthwhile flying up one of the men from the wooden boat place in Franklin, Tassie to do an inspection (if they will). They are all volunteers and have a keen interest in wooden boats - especially from Tassie and Huon Pine. Only a thought! Frank

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Kokonut

Once again, thank you for all the feedback.

Weeding out the background noise, and leaving some very genuine constructive suggestions, I think I'll get a thorough hull inspection first.

I have also reconsidered my original thoughts to venture out along the coastline as a dream to be pursued at a different time on a different boat.

This boat will only be used along the river, and so I've resigned to choosing carpentry repairs / fibre-glass to make her safe for use. I cannot afford to restore her, and if all goes well and after many years, someone else may have the energy and pockets to do that.

For now, I'll just head out with my tape measure and flashlight.

Will be back with any progress.

As long as you only plan on her being a river condo glassing my be OK.

[Hardhead]

Could glassing over the hull actually accelerate any existing rot? It seems like closing it in might promote more moisture, trap heat, etc. I have no practical experience in this area, at all..

[coastalexplorer]

Hardhead what you have outlined in your question has proven to be the general past experience. the GRP covering creates a green house effect that hastens the destruction of the wood.


The concept of using the decaying boat as a form. can be covered in enough GRP thus essentially creating the construction of a new boat to the old design. in this case the wood of the original hull becomes ballast/cargo therefore if this course of action is taken it is usually partly or completely removed. Mold is very unhealthy.


The vessel under discussion here looks potentially quite restoreable by traditional methods.

[JPA Cate]

Kokonut,

There is a relatively new CF member who calls himself <first.contact> One of his close friends is fixing up a very old classic racing 21 footer, called Tassie Too. I'd suggest an e-mail to him,* and I think he and his friend will be really good sources for you, and full of encouragement. You're just starting out with this, and i think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Also, you may not be aware, but there is still some Huon pine around, at Macquarie Harbour. It will be expen$ive, but it will be sound, and if you don't need too much, perhaps your vessel deserves to be fixed properly.

Good luck with the project; it has the possibility of bringing you many hours of satisfaction and numerous pleasures.

Ann

*How to find his e-mail? Put first.contact into the CF Custom Google Search, under the Search menu. Click on the post about the whales. After you have found his post, then click on his avatar, and a menu will appear, one of which selections is send an e-mail to first.contact Then, just write whatever you want to him. Mention Ann from Insatiable II.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Wotname

Franklin 43.05S 147.01E population ~330.

+ 1 soon.

[coastalexplorer]

After reading the post By Ann and Jim....I looked it up.
https://www.ryct.org.au/2018/02/02/t...went-tomorrow/
Obviously some people in Australia take good care of their Historic vessels.

and do not get out the chain saw or reach for the tub of resin and fiberglass.

[boden36]

Just sleep with one foot on the floor!


Regards,
Richard.