Before removing them it was necessary to support the hull a little more. With so many ribs away and the planking in the keel removed, the bulk of the hull is only resting on the stem and sternpost, and a few very poor ribs. So a support at either end to was placed. The stern lifted about 2 inches - so she had sagged a little - not too much to worry about: and after new planks and splining she will be stiffer and stronger than before.
The bow did not move - which answered a question I had about her shape. In the bow, just above the waterline, she looked a little "hollow" and I was worried she had dropped a little ( maybe because of her bad stem). That she did not return to shape with some force convinces me she was made that way.
This wasn't a hard job now the bilge is open, just tedious, cramped, and dirty ( the ribs in the counter will be a pleasure!). Once "set-up" it only took an afternoon. Pulled about 400 plugs out of the planking that is left, probably only 800 still to pull - for the steel rib jobs. Again this went very quickly - but only after Oscar worked his wonders with a welder and made a tool for the job.
Sadly found some more planking that is beyond saving - but the stern-post seems better than at first glance. The stem is in "dubious" condition, but much seems to be in a previous repair. The repair certainly was functional, but I am not happy with the way it was done and how the planking was fitted to it. Nor indeed the repairs on the planking at that point - two short planks butt joined at the same point in the port forefoot... The continuation of one plank is also very poor - so I'll cut back one and scarf in a new piece, the other will be replaced entirely. Now up to about 210m of planking to be done... Might need to treat myself to a new plane.... ;-)
Left a list of jobs for Oscar to carry on with and returned home to see the family and catch up with some "work".
The sharp eyed amongst you will see Oscar's Plug-tool Mk.1. Despite having removed thousands of plugs over the years - to varying degrees of speed, tidiness, success, this tool makes the job much easier, faster, more accurate, with less risk to the surrounding wood... This is the sort of thing that can make a job like this so much faster and easier - and so help keep motivation levels high.
Oscar is brilliant at this kind of thing. I think when we get the boat finished, I'll help him get on top of his house repairs... Then 2-3 weeks to neatly draw all his ideas, make them, test them, then send them to my patent agent. Some will never be of any commercial success, but at least if they are registered they "get out there" and somebody finds a job easier and maybe even drops a mail to Oscar to say thanks.
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