It seems there's something going on in every part of the boat! It's all hands on deck (and above deck and below deck). There were definitely times we didn't think this day would come and now that it's finally here, it's very exciting!
We feel confident in the able hands and minds of the SEA Marine crew to lead us through this phase. Pat and the guys at SEA Marine have worked incredibly hard to prepare the boat structure for the component installations and are now enjoying seeing it begin to come together. Pat is learning a great deal about all the systems as they're installed and Sara just stays out of the way (until something needs to be painted).
Clockwise from top: bow thruster inside, and outside, Matt laying out hydronic heating system, furnace and water heater, heating and charging systems on bulkhead, shower sump and bilge pumps amidship.
The electrical system installation in the beginning stages.
Aaron is stripping the paint from the house and flybridge exterior. Per usual, lots of damage and quick fixes over the last 50 years need to be corrected, repaired and improved. We will fiberglass the house and flybridge for extra strength and protection.
And joinery work continues throughout. Bob steam bent 1/2" teak planks to form the cockpit coaming corner sections. Flybridge helm sections to be installed as soon as painting completed.
Pat claims he has completed his final yucky tear apart job, removing the insulation from the former freezer compartment in the cockpit. Of course this leads to what he claims will be his final dry rot repair project...Nope, spoke too soon, forgot about the termite repair section left in the aft lazarettes, of course in an extremely hard to reach spot. THAT will be the last one!
While all this installation madness is going on, we're also finalizing choices for interior finishes. The galley cabinets are being built off site by Robert d'Arcy Marine Services. Robert is a well respected craftsman, sea captain, long time supporter of the Port Townsend maritime community and caretaker of the Schooner Martha--click here for an interesting article about Robert. His advice has been very helpful and we know the cabinetry will be gorgeous. We're proud to have his fingerprints on our project.
The flybridge hardtop and framing and deck railing is in design stage, working with another iconic Port Townsend marine tradesperson, Tim Nolan.
Pat will document the progress in video in the next installment. We are exactly 2 years into the rebuild. She is no longer a derelict vessel destined for the gallows...she is now cleaned, repaired, strengthened and cared for. We hope the Rybovich family will be proud that this piece of history will be back on the water soon...do we dare say summer of 2024? :)