Ironbark Repair
KJ has ironbark on her bow for added protection against log strikes, etc. Recently, one plank popped loose. That was a bit alarming at first, as Brock was worried about bad wood underneath (that constant lurking fear of any wooden boat owner). Luckily, it was just old original fasteners (square nails). I suppose they have the right to rust out after 58 years. We removed the ones that we could get to, got the stubborn ones back in their places, and added some nice new silicon bronze screws to do the job right for another 50 years.
Brock made the project easier by heeling the boat over to port with the help of the dinghy so that we could get the planking just a little higher above water level.
Raft up! The little concrete float here is pretty handy, although it’s a constant battle to keep it away from the finished surfaces of not only our boat, but the neighbor as well. Which is where my job comes in. Brock does the labor, as usual, and I keep the float where it’s supposed to be. As he’s pushing against KJ to pry and lever things, I attempt (more or less successfully) to apply the same amount of pressure by pulling on that rope attached to KJ so we don’t go bouncing from boat to boat.
Next haulout, we will go through and refasten all of the ironbark. Add it to that neverending list!
experience
Brilliant thanks for the reply Jamie I`m glad its nothing to worry about!
Yes, Rob, you're absolutely correct. The primary old growth fir planking underneath is in perfect condition, as is the ironbark itself. It was simply the fasteners on the ironbark that got too tired to do the job anymore. No water ingress whatsoever. We'll just shore up the fasteners on all of the ironbark when we eventually haul. She's still in solid condition and with any luck, we'll keep her so!
That looks like some sort of "over fitted water line rubbing strake" and not the main structural planking as it were? is that right? if so and you have no water ingress no real problem yet? Brock will sort that out I`m sure "on lift out"
Good old (Diamond) Brock he really is a girls best friend, isn`t he? another job done. Planks can ease or spring on most elderly wooden boats ( part of the inheritence I`m afraid) KJs well built, so I guess nothing too much to worry about especially as you had little or no water ingress? and as you will check the hull fully when you haul her out,