Things you never imagined reading about, right? And I never imagined doing....I only hope I do actually make it interesting...this was originally a publication about the liveaboard life....it's been testing my creativity to be on land laboring this long. Its a bit of love/hate some days, I must confess. But she's worth it. I appreciate your words! Truly. Thank you. J
I went to view a 1965 Alberg 35 a few weeks ago (listed as “turn-key”). Absolutely beautiful to look at (in a “classic plastic” sort of way) - - gentle lines.
I always start by sitting in the cockpit, looking forward and then walk the deck clockwise (I suppose so that I can keep my right hand for the boat). And, it was readily apparent that e.v.e.r.y. s.i.n.g.l.e. p.i.e.c.e. of hardware needed to be rebedded (especially the pieces that were pulling out of the deck - fastened mostly with hope and mildew).
I made my way below in search of the chainplates where I found a halo of water damage around each and every one, even though they’d slapped a coat of paint over everything (and varnish on everything else - the floorboards to the bilge were all stuck). “Turn key” had devolved into slow motion disappointment.
I had a pleasant conversation with the gentleman about boats and sailing, while I read through the 20 year old survey. Unfortunately, I CAN imagine the condition of the deck core. I didn’t bother to ask him to start the engine (repowered Yanmar - a highlight).
Rebedding is a tedious chore, but as we know, it’s what we can’t see that’ll ruin your day. Given my druthers I’d choose your external chainplates over traitorous “ingrown” chainplates that trap rot like gossip in a small town. Your chainplates are honest, trustworthy, transparent, in a rugged way. The gruff, mostly silent grandfather you can count on when you need him most. Some might say, “Steadfast.”
My current read is Daniel Robb’s, “Sloop”. He writes about restoring his family’s H 12-½ that’s been in the family since 1939. He has a chapter on Thoreau and Walden Pond. The parallels to boatbuilding are salient.
Robb writes, “(He) decides to come out here, a mile from his nearest neighbor, to build a cabin to live in and write in.”
And of course the quote we’ve all seen in one form or another: “The true cost of a thing is the amount of what I call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run.”
So, congratulations on your chainplates and Cheers to another week of restoring your home!
Another awesome reminisce Scott! Those Alberg vessels have grace so what a disappointment! And a wise choice! Ours weren't hidden after we found them, anyway....no, seriously, point taken. Those chains chainplates are crucial and crucially aligned.
Thoreau. There was just a nat geo article....Walden gets 5M visitors a year!...What would he say? Your timing on yet ANOTHER quote is perfect. I've come to rely and truly appreciate your weekly anecdotes and wisdom. You know that even the slots on each bolt are lined up perfectly horizontal; it's how we do things.
I appreciate the opportunity to gather my thoughts and share them.
We are still on Kauai and surrounded by the Pacific. I always sense a certain irony when looking at my Google Maps while in a tropical location and I’m informed that I’m situated in the “North Pacific Ocean”. Though, when standing on the shore gazing north, the next stop is Alaska … just over the horizon.
I believe it was Fatty Goodlander who wrote, “If you want to stay safe, avoid Hurricane season and never sail north of Hawaii.”
The force those shrouds, chainplates, and bolts have to withstand - not to mention the wood holding them in place! That's some sturdy work right there!
Didn't know the masts had been extended before now. Did they also have to add ballast when they did that?
You're getting there, Janice, and how exciting that this publication will be a record for all who come after you.
A great thing to say...that this is the off-passage logbook !! I love that. It is amazing to imagine the forces at play. We ran into a storm janiceannewheeler.substack.com/p/over-and-over-and-over which may have been the most humbling time of my life.
Yes, previous owner lowered the keel and added external and internal ballast. 9 year project, which should make me feel better, I suppose...!! ....I love your appreciation of the journey. THANKS FOR THE WAVE, too. I felt it! J
I've learned amazing amounts of things I didn't know I would ever need to know...like you, now, to some extent. It can be overwhelming so I always try to have faith that things will fall into place. That said, your troubles are unjust and undeserved. Not sure that helps, but it's true...J
Wow, Janice, those bolts are IMMENSE! Loved reading about these incredible processes - great work, just wow.
Amazing labor of love, Janice. Those are some serious bolts. Thank you for taking us through these steps.
Things you never imagined reading about, right? And I never imagined doing....I only hope I do actually make it interesting...this was originally a publication about the liveaboard life....it's been testing my creativity to be on land laboring this long. Its a bit of love/hate some days, I must confess. But she's worth it. I appreciate your words! Truly. Thank you. J
I went to view a 1965 Alberg 35 a few weeks ago (listed as “turn-key”). Absolutely beautiful to look at (in a “classic plastic” sort of way) - - gentle lines.
I always start by sitting in the cockpit, looking forward and then walk the deck clockwise (I suppose so that I can keep my right hand for the boat). And, it was readily apparent that e.v.e.r.y. s.i.n.g.l.e. p.i.e.c.e. of hardware needed to be rebedded (especially the pieces that were pulling out of the deck - fastened mostly with hope and mildew).
I made my way below in search of the chainplates where I found a halo of water damage around each and every one, even though they’d slapped a coat of paint over everything (and varnish on everything else - the floorboards to the bilge were all stuck). “Turn key” had devolved into slow motion disappointment.
I had a pleasant conversation with the gentleman about boats and sailing, while I read through the 20 year old survey. Unfortunately, I CAN imagine the condition of the deck core. I didn’t bother to ask him to start the engine (repowered Yanmar - a highlight).
Rebedding is a tedious chore, but as we know, it’s what we can’t see that’ll ruin your day. Given my druthers I’d choose your external chainplates over traitorous “ingrown” chainplates that trap rot like gossip in a small town. Your chainplates are honest, trustworthy, transparent, in a rugged way. The gruff, mostly silent grandfather you can count on when you need him most. Some might say, “Steadfast.”
My current read is Daniel Robb’s, “Sloop”. He writes about restoring his family’s H 12-½ that’s been in the family since 1939. He has a chapter on Thoreau and Walden Pond. The parallels to boatbuilding are salient.
Robb writes, “(He) decides to come out here, a mile from his nearest neighbor, to build a cabin to live in and write in.”
And of course the quote we’ve all seen in one form or another: “The true cost of a thing is the amount of what I call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run.”
So, congratulations on your chainplates and Cheers to another week of restoring your home!
Another awesome reminisce Scott! Those Alberg vessels have grace so what a disappointment! And a wise choice! Ours weren't hidden after we found them, anyway....no, seriously, point taken. Those chains chainplates are crucial and crucially aligned.
Thoreau. There was just a nat geo article....Walden gets 5M visitors a year!...What would he say? Your timing on yet ANOTHER quote is perfect. I've come to rely and truly appreciate your weekly anecdotes and wisdom. You know that even the slots on each bolt are lined up perfectly horizontal; it's how we do things.
What ocean do you find yourself in this week?? J
I appreciate the opportunity to gather my thoughts and share them.
We are still on Kauai and surrounded by the Pacific. I always sense a certain irony when looking at my Google Maps while in a tropical location and I’m informed that I’m situated in the “North Pacific Ocean”. Though, when standing on the shore gazing north, the next stop is Alaska … just over the horizon.
I believe it was Fatty Goodlander who wrote, “If you want to stay safe, avoid Hurricane season and never sail north of Hawaii.”
Epic year for sea turtles … Cheers!
The force those shrouds, chainplates, and bolts have to withstand - not to mention the wood holding them in place! That's some sturdy work right there!
Didn't know the masts had been extended before now. Did they also have to add ballast when they did that?
You're getting there, Janice, and how exciting that this publication will be a record for all who come after you.
A great thing to say...that this is the off-passage logbook !! I love that. It is amazing to imagine the forces at play. We ran into a storm janiceannewheeler.substack.com/p/over-and-over-and-over which may have been the most humbling time of my life.
Yes, previous owner lowered the keel and added external and internal ballast. 9 year project, which should make me feel better, I suppose...!! ....I love your appreciation of the journey. THANKS FOR THE WAVE, too. I felt it! J
My goodness, that boat is a beauty. I’m endlessly impressed with this restoration project. 💕
I've learned amazing amounts of things I didn't know I would ever need to know...like you, now, to some extent. It can be overwhelming so I always try to have faith that things will fall into place. That said, your troubles are unjust and undeserved. Not sure that helps, but it's true...J
Well, Tally Ho! You're doing it, crossing things off your list, BIG things! And yes, I am sure fun is in your future!
May you be correct once again Jeanine!! Whew. Definitely on the upswing but our weather up here is daily SPARRING!! J