ST365 - restoration.

Hi all,
I've tried to sell ST365 to somebody who will restore her. Unfortunately that hasn't happened so it looks like I'll have to make a start on her.

She isn't too bad on close inspection. AndyS looked at her last year and thought she was a good 'un.   Planking is very dry although gaps are quite small.  hull planking screws completely shot. Heads ping off when shown a screwdriver. It looks like I'll have to screw in between them to refix them.   Most of the planking at the waterline  has suffered major ice damage. I estimate about 100 meters to replace.

At some stage (when she was the Preston pilot boat?) she had a trawler cabin fitted to the rear,  front cabin removed, beaching legs fitted and a keel added.

 A previous owner has cut out all the bilge stringers so they'll need to be remade.  He also cut holes for port holes all over the shop.  He fiberglassed her topsides which has kept her dry.  It looks to have seperated from the wood so should come off easily.

Anyway  the plan is to sort out the hull first.
  1). Replace the bad timbers and refix the side planking.
  2). Ply sheath the underside, refix and epoxy coat the ply.

I'd appreciate any advice on  how to treat the dry planking problem.  I'll have to get all the paint off her I guess.  Hose her down daily for a few weeks?  Roller on linsed oil a few dozen times?    Like I said, all advice welcome....volunteers too!!

Once the planks are rehydrated, is there a modern replacement for white lead?

I need to buy some deck fittings and a suitable wheel for the helm.  I can trade a nice brass wheel for a ST type or buy outright.  I also need a pair of propellors for her.

Please see what old fittings you have lying around that might suit that you wouild be willing to trade/sell.   I'll put photos of original fittings as soon as I get time.

Thanks in advance....

Hi Don,