And we have a nearly symmetrical boat, mounted well off the floor and ready for ribs.

Stuart was stripped down and cleaned, all new gaskets fitted, bronze polished and a fresh coat of paint. Al is turning a new new handle for the hand crank in ash. We may well keep the engine if an electric option isn’t feasible. Be ready to test next week and see just how loud it is.

As the planking was level up and married to the transom, the force pulling the planks backwards into place was enough to pull the hood ends of the lower planks out of position. If we did this again we’d certainly mount the deadwood an inch or so further forward to give us a bit more room. However the hood ends affected will be replaced because they are rotten or very brittle, possible that had the wood still been in good condition they would have moved around more amicably.

In Summary

- Spanish windlasses are awesome

- Repainting engines is awesome

- Varnished 250 year old mahogany is pretty sweet