Repair work during the 2003-04 winter season takes in a representative sample of what we do.
In the outer shed there is underway a complete rebuild of a 21’ New Jersey Sea Skiff. Age and several years out of the water have caught up with the boat, which was designed to get people around to fishing holes and picnic spots. We have removed all the systems and built temporary molds inside the boat to restore it to near its original shape, given her new steam-bent frames, replaced the bottom planking, floor timbers, engine beds, keel and skeg. She’s going back together now and will be relaunched the spring of 2004.
Out on the railway this winter one boat underwent extensive work. A 30-year old 45’ oceangoing sloop has new owners, who want old systems removed in order to reduce maintenance and to gain space. The engine was repaired, sea cocks, plumbing and wiring replaced, and some nice cabinetry is going into the galley. The boat was launched in May. The other vessel, a 30' on deck gaff rigged sloop, gets a new stem, some planking and new frames. You can see pictures of Welwyn under projects.
In our schooner shed—Mugwump, to the locals—a Vineyard 15 is being overhauled. Erford Burt built the Vineyard 15 class for the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club, mainly in wood, but a few were made in fiberglass, all of them at the Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard. There are still a number sailing and several more in backyards. This one is being rebuilt to last another 50 years, with a new keel, frames and deck.
In the past we repaired the fire-damaged Zorra (now Kathleen), a 72’ yawl, with extensive interior work, repowering, a new deck house and decking. When and If, our charter vessel, was rehabilitated after an autumn gale put her on the rocks, leaving her with two-thirds of her portside gone. She received a whole new mid-section, from sheer to three planks above the keel, and with her open, we redesigned the interior forward of the aft cabin. From starboard frames we made patterns for the port side, put in new planking and repaired the deck.
Each year we usually do a new spar or two, bowsprits, rudders, tillers and new cabinetry for down below..
If you have a wooden boat that needs repairing, please contact us at gandb@gannonandbenjamin.com.
