Deck removal images

 

Stabilising the starboard side of the hull

 To try and stabilise the damaged side of the hull and retain its shape, we have laminated some temporary beams spanning the hole. They are secured through planks that will eventually be renewed. With them in place, they will help to create a former for laminating the new hull frames.

Laminated frames

 We thought that most of the frames were original. It turns out that only six frames per side, at the bow, are original steam bent frames. The other 36 frames per side are all laminated frames.
 

 Original frame on the left and laminated frame on the right.

The old deck is off!

We have removed the old deck, covering boards and bulwarks. Now it is the time to properly inspect the beams.

 

All the beams forward of the cabin top are in very good condition. However, the steel breasthooks and the forward end of the deck structure will require some attention. 

 

A note from a previous shipwright

Sometimes it is hard to identify what is original in the boat and what has been replaced during the years. Thanks to a note found written on one of the panels of the stove recess, we have a clear idea of the extent of the work carried out from 1995 to 1999. 

 

The method is a bit unconventional but it works!

Aft deck and cockpit structure

When we inspected Grace before the purchase, we saw that many of the deck beams aft of the cockpit would have to be renewed. In order to do that, the deck, cockpit coaming and all deck gear had to be removed. With the structure revealed, it becomes clear that all beams and carlings must be renewed

 

 

Pine deck

Grace's original tongue and groove deck would have been covered in painted canvas. However, at some stage in the past, the canvas was substituted by a textured decking material. After we removed the decking material, the pine deck seemed to be sound. Unfortunately the deck beams aft of the coachroof have to be replaced for new ones. That meant that the cockpit coaming and deck had to be removed. We will reuse the cockpit coaming but the deck will be substituted for a plywood deck sheathed on glass epoxy.