October and November 2013

A less exciting but essential couple of months have been spent suring up the hull.  With the main skeleton of Fedoa back in place the aft has to be completed by finishing off the remainder of the laminated iroko frames as well as fitting the last of the new green oak futtocks.  These have all gone in as of the end of November, using every crooked bit of oak available from the Isle of Wight woodlands and forests - the storms in mid November provided us with the last 3 logs of 8 necessary to get the frames finished aft!

In preparation for refastening or replacing the planks that have been removed whilst the stern post was being replaced, the outside of the frames have been faired, and the keel and sternpost rebate / apron worked into the right shape to accept the planking.  December should see all this planking going back in.

We have also removed the aft deck and introduced timber floors from the sternpost aft along the top of the horn timber to stiffen up the transom.

The refastening has been a long and painstaking job, which Simon and Steve have undertaken without complaint.  They have been very thorough inspecting and testing every fastening to make sure any that needed replacing have been found and changed for the necessary nail, rod or screw.  This is still ongoing in early December, but the end is in sight....

The 2nd batch of bronzefloors have been collected from the foundry ready to be fitted after all the planking has gone back in.  The templates for the last batch are being made at the moment for the rear section of the keel, and these will be cast next month ready to go in as we prepare to remove the lead keel in the New Year.