Wooden boat help

[28 foot]

Hi Guys, I am a new member and would like to ask, I have just purchased a 1920-28ft huon pine sloop Carvel design which has about 5 cracked ribs located in the middle part of the boat (looks like they have been broken for some time). I was wondering if it is hard to laminate in some sister ribs and if there is anywhere that I could get a step by step break down on how to do this. I am located in Tasmania and would be happy to pay someone to help me do this if anyone is available.

[PAR]

It depends on why they broke and what's in the way as to the success of a repair. This type of repair requires much experience with bending lumber and repair work on similar constructed vessels. You may have some luck with someone here being close enough to help, but my advise is to call a boat carpenter and have them take a look.

Much is involved with this type of repair. Removing pieces to gain access (usually an involved and difficult job), understanding what happened to cause the breaks, addressing structural considerations to fix the issue which may have lead to the breaks, deciding on what type of repair, implementing the repair and reassembly of the removed parts so the boat can be whole again.

There are general guide lines available on line and in books. Unfortunately, no book can anticipate what you'll encounter in the bilge of a boat. As a result, only the experience of a craftsmen can be of service. Someone who's been in more bilges then they'd care to admit and has many difficult jobs under their belt, will be the person you'll find success with.

It's not that you can't do it yourself, but if you're looking for a step by step directory to the repair, you're in over your head and need professional help with the job. You may be able to find someone who will work with you and help get it done, with you providing much of the labor.

[28 foot]

Thanks for your response and Information, I agree that I would be tring to bite of more than I can chew. I think that I will take your advise and leave it to the experts. Thanks again.

[BOATMIK]

PAR is right about finding the causes - could just be age - if it is you can just repair it.

The work itself is not so difficult.

Boatmik

[28 foot]

Thanks Boatmik I have organised for a professional boat builder to come and have a look for me to see what the cause may be.

[Guillermo]

Originally Posted by 28 foot

I am located in Tasmania....

Whenever the professional you mention visits you, I'd appreciate very much if you ask him for me if wooden boatbuilders still use Blue Gum wood there (See my thread http://boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=10556). Thanks a lot in advance.

[28 foot]

I will definately do that for you, I have had some trouble tring to get him to turn up but as soon as I do I will let you know.

[chandler]

28 foot,
There has been an excellent series of articles on wooden boat repair in woodenboat magazine recently. The current online issue deals with broken frames and thier repair and replacement.www.woodenboat.com

[BUSBO]

Could you create a step by step directory using photos, patience, a gamble and all the marvellous enthusiasts on this site. I suggest starting by cleaning every part of the boat and equating yourself with every square millimeter.

[VKRUE]

Hello:

Par hit the nail on the head, absolutly. There are however, two very good books that deal with exactly what YOU are going to be dealing with.

Wooden Boat Renovation by: Jim Trefethen, and
Frame, Stem & Keel Repair by: Wooden Boat Publications

Best of luck with all your decisions and your work, mostly your boat

VKRUE