Here are some of the pics that led us to drive over and have a look at Reverie.

 

What was wrong with Reverie was not apparent from outside inspection.  One had to climb aboard to get a better idea of what needed to be done.

The first thing I noticed was water entry from the deck to cabin seam.  The port cabin carline had been removed already and there was evident rot in the deck beams.

Ditto on the starboard side.  The damage evident in the black spots on the ash deck beams.

Then there was the v birth.

The galley had fallen victim to this same water entry.  The drawers were totally ruined and have to be replaced.

How much more damage there is to the boat has not been fully ascertained.  There will be more damage revealed as work progresses.    The entire hull needs to be stripped, painted and caulked.   All of the brightwork  needs to be stripped and varnished.  Wiring and plumbing look pretty sketchy as well.   There’s probably twice as much to do and four times the amount of time and money we’re hoping to expend.

The main project is to remove the deck so as to have access to the deck framing underneath.  There is extensive damage from leaks in the deck and the only way to determine the extent is to have a complete inspection. All rotted beams will be replaced and additional knees will be added.

The hull framing is in pretty good shape with the exception of several of the large frames and a few of the smaller, intermediate frames needing replacement.  The large frames will be laminated of white oak and fastened with silicon bronze screws while the intermediate frames will be steam bent and fastened with copper rivets.

There is certainly a lot of work at hand in order to get Reverie back in sound condition and we have our optimism tempered by a good dose of reality. The time and commitment to complete this restoration is sizable but it is not beyond what we’re willing to put into the project.  We want to sail her, not spend a decade restoring her.  Each phase is being approached individually; one thing at a time and eventually, it will all be done.

There are many boats being restored with dedication and loving detail resulting in many varied examples of maritime history being preserved and flourishing with life.   It is good to be an active part of a community that strives to maintain a rich legacy of wooden boat design, building, restoration and sailing.  We like to think of this project as not only good for the boat but good for us, as well.   There is certainly something to be gained in the process.  We will be different people when this is finished and  we truly look forward to the day she’s back in the water sailing!