Big day today, as the stem came out of the boat. It's now lying in the workshop, looking like the remains of a whale washed up on a beach. We've spent a good few hours preparing to take this out without the boat moving too much, and without squashing any Moreton Marine employees, both of which we managed. The idea was to remove it in one piece so we can use it as a template for the new one.
Having laminated in all the ribs that were to be replaced along the stem before Christmas - while the forward section was still intact - we took them out again so we could free the planks forward. With a few of the short planks removed completely we were able to put in acro props up to the beam shelf and deck beams, as well as supporting the bow from outside. Having done all this we were able to lower the stem out of the boat without incident.
The 1st batch of bronze floors have arrived back from the foundry at the beginning of February, so once we have remade the stem everything can be reassembled giving us a new strong bow section to support the front half of Fedoa before we lift her to remove and replace the keelson.
All we need now is a 25 ft section of oak tree with a 20 degree curve. . . . anyone seen one?
