Having started the stripping work on Gannet 252 it is clear that a couple (well 8 ribs will need attention). Has anyone out there any idea what wood was used by Wyche and Coppock in their ribbed boats (talking 1951 here!). It is a pale yellow colour now, although it is possible that it was different when they were put in although Robin Steavenson's wonderful book "When Dinghies Delight" show a number of examples of W&C built boats - Merlins and National 12's with pale ribs so it may be that the colour was that from the start. Any help gratefully appreciated.
Posted: 31/07/2006 08:41:56 By: Garry R |
Canadian Rock Elm or Ash.
Posted: 31/07/2006 08:51:46 By: Ancient Geek |
That is Ash if you cannot get Rock Elm not an alternate name for Rock elm!
Posted: 31/07/2006 08:53:27 By: Ancient Geek |
Thought that the AG would come up trumps
Posted: 31/07/2006 08:58:07 By: Garry R |
Any advice on suppliers? Only need a realtively small amount and can get it cut and planed locally
Posted: 31/07/2006 09:02:41 By: Garry R |
Not a definative list by any means but try:
[email protected] - 01997 421013 -They supply boat & harp makers!
As well:
F.A.Aldridge 01953 887415
Barchards Hull 01482 633388
Coombes Boatyard West Sussex01243 573194
Posted: 31/07/2006 09:39:54 By: Ancient Geek |
Robbins Timber, Bristol - often seems to appear on this forum as an answer.
http://www.robbins.co.uk/mar_plywood.htm
Posted: 31/07/2006 10:34:07 By: Mags |
Don't forget to use 'green'(unseasoned)wood before you steam it for replacement timbers. It's illegal to fell Canadian Rock Elm these days but Ash is OK for dinghies. There are those that don't like to use Ash below the waterline - but dinghies hardly suffer from over immersion. Green Ash ought to be available from decent timber merchants (proper ones - not DIY centres/Homebase/B&Q/Jewsons, etc) in most towns.
If you've got to scrape down the insides, it's sometimes worth re-timbering the entire dinghy. Don't seem too shocked - a huge amount of time is saved in not having to scrape between timbers - and an enthusiastic amateur (not you I'm sure!) can do a huge amount of permanent damage with a scraper. Just dont take all the timbers out at once!
Jamie
Posted: 01/08/2006 13:59:41 By: Jamie Campbell |
PS. Mike Nokes was spotted sailing a Broads One Design last week at Wroxham Week.
Posted: 01/08/2006 14:03:30 By: Jamie Campbell |
So much help - so much conflicting advice. Use ash, use elm, ash is no good, and so it goes on. Unlike Secret Water there are only a few ribs to sort out and they are in the flatter bilge area of the boat where they have been kicked and waterlogged in the past. I am hoping that I can scarf them in as the replacement lengths will only cross 3 boards and thus the colour of the good bits will be above the floorboards and will retain the originality as much as possible. Chris restored some ribs on No 36 in this way and she looks just fine. Others were completely replaced. Off to get on gently with the scraper again!!
http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/gallery/view_photo.asp?folder=gallery/building_and_repairs/restoration_of_36&file=36_new_ribs.jpg
Posted: 01/08/2006 14:13:05 By: Garry R |
Pleased to announce that after a gap of 59 years Secret Water No 111 has finally been certificated. Owner however is still certifiable after purchase of 252.
Still have no idea if 252 should have stern decking - I see no evidence that she had side decks to the stern (inwhales would have been screwed to the transom I guess and I see no holes there) although most Rockets seem NOT to have a stern deck to help with bailing after capsize on the sea. There are marks to suggest that there was a cross member between the sternmost knees so perhaps .... A decision will have to be made soon so if anyone has any further ideas or has seen one of these boats in the past .......
Posted: 07/08/2006 09:21:19 By: Garry R |
Rockabye, 251, did not have a stern deck.
Posted: 07/08/2006 13:54:00 By: The Judge |
Thanks for that - you have just saved me a fortune in Robbins marine ply!!!
Posted: 08/08/2006 08:31:04 By: Garry R |
