The first step in any restoration project is assessing and agreeing on the work to be done. In this case, we agreed that Ashley River Boatworks would perform repairs needed to the boat, but that re-finishing would be the owner’s responsibility. Often and owner has special talents and can save money by performing some of the work themselves.
A thorough cleaning of the boat with water and Dawn dish-washing detergent was the first step. That revealed a colony of ants that had set up housekeeping in the keel and a fair amount of rot. There was rot in both stems, both breasthooks, the gunwales, parts of the keel, and the ends of the yoke (a thwart that is used to carry the boat on your shoulders when portaging). More that a day’s work to be sure! Stay tuned for the next issue where we get down to business.