Preparing 'Nanw' for re-timbering

'Nanw' our 15' clinker pulling boat has not got one un-decayed or damaged timber (rib or frame) in her.  Her frames are at 6" centres and are of 1-1/8" by 5/8" oak. I noticed when I was stripping her out that there is little or no paint under the floor boards (burden-boards), and this, plus being always out in the open and filling with rain, had probably lead to the demise of her frames.
There are 29 timbers in total from transom to stem and some suitable new unseasoned timber is on order.  Whilst awaiting delivery I have removed six of the longest frames in the mid-ships area and cleaned and primed the inside in readiness. I have fitted temporary battens around the outside at gunwale level and removed the local sections of inwale to allow the new frames to run out each side and to provide something to clamp them to as it is intended to steam-bend and then cold fix the frames later. The unpainted patches are where there is damaged bottom planking that will be repaired later when the boat has been re-timbered and strong enough to be safely turned upside down.

Removing old frames by sawing and splitting.

Inside cleaned out and primed in way of six of the mid ships frames.

Redwing 'Pintail' spring preparations

With the 2015 sailing season fast-approaching we broke off from working on Nanw the 15' clinker rowing boat to do some fettling work on Pintail our National Redwing dinghy that we enjoy sailing a couple of times a week during the summer.
Having the use of the shed has made looking after the boat much easier and she only needs a good clean and a bit of varnish touching up - 'scratch and patch' - mainly inside on the edges of the thwarts and coamings where there is wear and tear. After that the buoyancy bags needed re-inflating and the rigging and mast checking over.  Nowadays the Redwings have modern alloy spars as standard and these match the powerful sails very well.  Wooden spars are an option still in the class but we gave Pintail alloy spars when she was built in 1989 and they are still good today with minimal maintenance.
Although she is now over twenty five years old Pintail remains tight and completely free of leaks despite being 'dry-sailed'.  I must admit to liking an all-over varnish finish as it gives a 'window into the wood' to monitor the health of the timber and fastenings. On Pintail there is the typical staining of her Agba planking around the fastenings caused by gradual oxidisation of the copper. However it is normally the rove on the inside that will eventually give way - but so far Pintail is OK here.

Pintail on her trailer and ready to go down to the harbour.

Pintail's varnish patched up and buoyancy refitted.