Restoring wooden sailing yacht - working order

[PAD475]

Dear all,
I'm relatively new in the restoration of boats but have bought a wooden (mahogony) sailing yacht of 43ft as a restoration project. She seems to have a sound hull (no leakage) but a few frames are broken (and some were never fixed) and some of the planking (above the waterline) should be replaced. The biggest problem, though, seems to be the (rain)water infiltration through the deck. This caused the stringer on top of the frames to be rotten at several points. I will probably have to replace the deck, since the plywood has deteriorated. Where should I start? Removing the deck plywood, keeping the beams? Is there not a risk the boat will twist? Should I reinforce diagonally or otherwise? Can anyone give me advise? Thanks already.

[gonzo]

Start by building a cradle that will maintain the shape of the boat by supporting it evenly.

[PAD475]

Thanks, she is already out of the water on a cradle, and I supported the bow and stern. Should I support her more, or will this do? Is lateral support on the planks necessary, you think?

Originally Posted by PAD475

Thanks, she is already out of the water on a cradle, and I supported the bow and stern. Should I support her more, or will this do? Is lateral support on the planks necessary, you think?

When you remove the deck you should support her lateral, yes.

Regards
Richard

[gonzo]

Make some plywood forms to keep the shape.

[PAD475]

Thanks everyone. Did I understand well. Lateral support is necessary even when I keep the beams? Shouldn't they keep the shape of the boat?

[gonzo]

The deck help the boat from twisting. Think of a box without the cover.

[PAD475]

Thanks Gonzo,
I understand.
as for the plywood shapes, the boat being 43ft x 12 ft, this will be a lot of wood (and work). Is there no other option? I saw boats with diametric supports in the inside of the boat (against twiting) and the beams to keep the boat from opening.

If I have to make plywood shapes (how thick should they be and how many on the 43ft of length? I suppose I will also have to interconnect them?

Thanks for advise.

[TeddyDiver]

Originally Posted by PAD475

Thanks Gonzo,
I understand.
as for the plywood shapes, the boat being 43ft x 12 ft, this will be a lot of wood (and work). Is there no other option?

Some yes.. You can add internal beams below the deck beams and bolt them throw the planking (which you are replacing after the deck anyways so no harm done). Some external forms can also be made of planks and bolt them together as (multiple) triangles supported to ground and to each other. Wedges btw the forms and the the hull..