Abernethy & Gaudin Boatbuilders

Sulhamar Classic Boat

2011-12-15T21:25:00.000-08:00

Sulhamar is the oldest boat that we have restored and maintain. Over the years we’ve replaced a fair amount of old and tired wood from her.
Built in Vancouver, 1924 she was always a pleasure yacht. At the time she was built she would have been out fitted with a Grey’s Marine engine. Today she looks much like she did in her original beauty. Her bottom however has always been in need of attention. To begin we had to remove the interior to access the rotten wood.
To make the restoration list short I can sat that we did not have to replace the keel. Other than that it's all new.
Sulhamar will get a new engine and systems. This fresh start will make simplify the mechanics and electrical. We will also return the interior to it's original configuration. With the exception of a bucket as the head....or maybe not?

Tender for Merva

2011-12-15T21:14:00.000-08:00

Last week we began a new build. This is a new tender for Merva. A motor boat that we restored a few years ago. Her tender has always remained with the boat throughout her life. This little gem sat in her cradle attached to the davits on the aft house. We have a picture of the boats, some 60 years ago with the tender on Merva aft house.
The tender is too far gone to serve as a safe reliable ship tp shore vessle so we decided to build a new one using the old one as the template. We have done this before with much success. There are a few changes that we are going to make from the original. The planking will be plywood and there will be no frames. This is to keep the weight down and to make her tough enough to be pulled up on the shore. All of us who own cedar planked boats know precious they are. This tender will be ready for her owner this spring

Dreamboat. 40' Matherws

2011-12-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

"Dreamboat". Not to be confused with the Lake Union boat. This is a motorboat built in Ohio By the Mathews motorboat company.
Our project this summer was the restoration of Dreamboat. A 40' Mathews built in 1939. I believe that this particular design of Mathews was the finest. It really has everything you could want as far as looks and the accommodations is well laid out.
Our restoration consisted of replacing 1/2 of the lower sections of the frames. New garboards and second planks full length, floor timbers. Keel work. side decks. house rebuild and a systems upgrade including new tanks.
The new owners of Dreamboat were a pleasure to work with on this project. Dreamboat can now stand up to her name again thanks to them.

Here is a link to the Mathews Boat Owners Association. http://www.matthewsboatownersassoc.com/

2011 Classic Boat Festival

2011-08-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Classic Boat Festival is happening this September 2,3 and 4th, Labour day long weekend in the Victoria inner harbour. The events start at noon on Friday and go until Sunday night. There will be all the usual events such as award dinners and a sailing race. We will be participating this year along with our festival The Open Boat Festival. We will have 10x20 stand stet up on the wharf to display our newly built boats and to meet with boaters.
We are looking forward to this event and we would like to give a very special thanks to the volunteers at the Classic Boat Festival and the people that put the show together.

Llanoria 6 meter takes third place

2011-08-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

We were very excited to hear that LLANORIA (US 83), the 1948 Sparkman & Stephens design, came in third at the 2011 6 meter Worlds in Helsinki Finland.
At the beginning of this year we were a part of the team that restored Llanoria in what I believe to be record time. Her restoration was completed in late spring and shipped overseas to race. Llanoria had previously won at the Olympics in the Summer of 1952.
Thanks again to Jesperson Boatbuilders for the opportunity to work with them on this project and congratulations to the crew who sailed her.

Boatbuilding in Brentwood Bay

2011-05-31T22:04:00.000-07:00

After completing the boatbuilding school in the States, my wife and I were looking for a place to moor our 1939 sloop Sea Witch as we returned to Canada. Brentwood Bay was the closest protected bay close to Victoria on the chart and looked like the obvious choice. At that time I would have never known that my connection to this place would go so deep.

Brentwood Bay must have once looked like a remote inlet, like those found north of Desolation Sound. 100 years ago only a handful of cottages with boat houses were lined along the eastern shore where the ferry dock is now. Getting to Brentwood would have been easier by boat than cart or car.

I have a friend who lives in the cottage that his father built. Jack is in his early nineties and I enjoy every story he tells me about this place. He remembers when young men were going to war; when a basking shark just wallowed up to the beach and when his neighbour went out for a short row and never returned.

In 1999 Jean Gaudin and I started Abernethy & Gaudin Boatbuilders Ltd. in a barn in North Saanich. 3 years later, Gilbert’s was offered to us. We became the third tenants of the waterfront boat shop located in the bay. This shop offered an ideal place for us to do the work we love, and in a location that is at times breathtaking. What we didn’t know at the time was that Gilbert’s boat shop was rich with history and well known to everyone but me. I had heard of the name but didn’t know much about the man or place. What we have found out over the years make us proud to continue the tradition.

Gilbert’s started out as Gilbert's Guide Boathouse in 1927. A sawmill was also built to process lumber for the construction of summer cabins. At that time the marina was built. One of the biggest draws, was the fish - not just fish, but 30lb salmon! Brentwood Bay boasted one of the best places to catch salmon in Canada. Over the years, Gilbert's saw their fair share of notable anglers, including 2 prime ministers Rt. Hon. John Diefenbaker and Rt. Hon. Lester B. Pearson, Oscar Peterson, Gordie Howe, and even a young Shirley Temple.

It was so reliable to land a good size salmon that there was a facility to can or freeze your salmon right there at the marina. Gilbert built guide boats for hire and business was thriving. The boat was a popular sight out on the calm water of the bay. My friend Jack told me that there would be a line up of people waiting to rent these little fish boats. I don’t think that there is anything like that today.

In 1938 the marina was struck by fire and in the reconstruction, a set of ways were built. Likely the same ones that we use today to haul classic boats up to 30 tons. I can only imagine that there was some old engine out of a model T Ford connected to a used logging winch to haul out the boats. Today the winch is still there and a 4 speed transmission transfers the power from a 10 hp 3 Phase electric motor. From the 50‘s to the 70‘s Gilbert's was also home to a commercial smokehouse, freezer plant, the launch ramp. The ramp was condemned and eventually fell apart. That is now the location of our woodworking shop.

Today we have built up the shop as a dedicated wooden boat repair facility. One of our first projects at the shop was to rebuild and upgrade the set of ways. The old set was very worn out by the time we took over. The ways would slip off the tracks often. If it was let down too fast without a boat on it, it would float right off the tracks. This was due to it’s solid wood construction. The new set of ways is built with steel H beam and we use mining cart wheels. The ways was upgraded to todays environmental standards. Gilbert is long gone but I’d like to think he would be proud that we’ve kept the shop up and continue to build and repair wooden boats.

St Lawrence skiff

2011-05-26T21:49:00.001-07:00

We have finished the skiff!!

6 meter completed

2011-05-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the year we worked with Jespersons Boatbuilders to rebuild Llanoria. A 2 time Olympic 6 Meter. The project was to rebuild her to race in the next 6 Meter worlds in Helsinki Finland. The deadlind for the project was June 1st 2011 and we met that target date. We started in January replacing 1/2 of the frames and the lower planking. Removed the ballast and repaired the keel and stem. A new transom and floors were built. The boat was wedge seamed, refastened, faired and painted. Deck beams and deck were replaced. Yachttech (www.yachttech.com) in Sidney rebuilt the rig and have done an amazing job.
It was a pleasure to work with Jespersons and there crew.

St Lawrence skiff

2010-12-14T13:01:00.000-08:00

Here is the new St Lawrence skiff that we are building. You can follow us on the Wooden Boat Forum. There you can see the posted progress shots and see the on going debate on what this boat actually is.

Gartside double ender

2010-12-14T12:59:00.000-08:00

Here is the Garside boat getting some furniture installed. We are defiantly going to have hear ready for the spring.
Still there are oars and sails to make.

St Lawrence skiff

2010-11-27T23:07:00.000-08:00

Here are the latest pictures of the boat.
Garry oak stem and stern. A yellow cedar keel and the nicest red cedar planking we have ever seen. I have used this batch of cedar for 10 years. It was a big batch. So far we have hung 4 sets of planks and working on the 5th.

12 double ender

2010-10-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

This boat is well on it's way to being finished.

Fresh Varnish

2010-10-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

Early this fall we did a varnish job on this Aldin cutter that belongs to SALTS. The boat if for sale and after the varnish she looks very fresh. This is a good time to purchase a classic!!
Check out SALTS website for details on this boat and others foe sale.

New construction

2010-10-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Recently at the last Open Boat Festival a friend dropped off a nice little double ender that Jean and I ended up falling in love with. I believe that it is a St Lawrence river skill and we are almost certain that this boat was a rental boat due to the vast number of repairs done to her. The planking and keel are pine or white cedar and the rails, stem and stern post are oak. The fastners are copper clench nails. Instead of going to the trouble of taking lines off the boat and lofting. We decided to make the molds right in the boat. We straitened up and fared the boat. Then by assembling patterns in the boat we created actual patters of the exact boat. To date we have the molds set up and we are beginning the construction of the new boat.

Rebuilding a ships wheel

2010-09-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year we had the opportunity to rebuild the wheel from Duen. A Norwegian fishing boat built in 1939 as a working boat. Most likely Duen's original steering was a very large tiller. At some point this wheel was found and installed on Duen. Likely this wheel that we are working on was from some other ship. The age of the wheel would be between 80-100 years old determined by the the building method and glue that they used.

This is the wheel as it's being taken apart

Building a jig to build all the new pieces was the first job. The jig and router did most of the work. The jig built all the pieces for the wheel and it was essential in keeping all the parts perfect circles. It's interesting to note that the wheel was a very accurate circle to begin with and all the parts were almost identical. It makes me think that this wheel was originally built with a jig and that would indicate that this wheel was built by a ships wheel manufacturer.
After building all the parts for the wheel we used the jig to build a mold for the two bronze rings that we had cast up. Taking in consideration that bronze shrinks we built the rings slightly oversize.

The original plan for this project was to rebuild the steering pedestal and to upgrade the cable to tiller steering to a hydraulic system.
Below is the hydraulic pump built by a Vancouver company Kobelt. The pump and the steering controls are neatly hidden in the tradition pedestal.

Kotick's rebuilt engine

2010-09-15T23:10:00.000-07:00

Kotick is a falmouth cutter that we have done a great deal of work to. She is looking very nice these days. Here is a picture of her 1 cylinder Yanmar that Gartside Marine engines rebuilt. Nice job! You would not think that engine was 20 years old.

12' double ender

2010-09-15T23:03:00.000-07:00

This little boat is coming along. Its cedar on oak carvel planks. The floor are installed and the rubrail is on. It's now starting to stiffen up and look like a real boat. I'm pleased with the way it turning out. It sure is a lovely design and I'm sure she will be very comfortable. A friend of mine has built a version of this and an extended version 18'. The design belongs to Paul Gartside.

August project

2010-09-15T22:43:00.000-07:00

Finishing up on a boat that we had been working on for about a year. This boat can now be called a yacht. The improvements on the boat, trim, wood work, paint and chrome have made a huge improvement on the overall look of the boat.

Deense kotter merlan Breeuwen

2010-06-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

Woodshipwrights Caulking Plank Seams cottonMVI 0321

2010-06-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

Gauguin caulks a longtail boat

2010-06-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

Woodshipwrights Caulking Plank Seams cotton #2MVI 0322

2010-06-16T21:16:00.001-07:00

Caulking a wooden boat

2010-06-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

One more strory from Jens

2010-06-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

I have met some sailors that boast they have never run aground...everyone goes aground sooner or later. You just don't want the chart maker to name a rock after you!

Story by Jens Bagh

Are You Listening?

Single handed sailing is to many a fools game and it is not without its hazards. On the other hand having a crew on board brings on its own problems as well as it increases the requirements of fuel, water and supplies to be carried. Some people thrive on solitude while others find it hard to survive without the continuous excitement and change which company brings about. Most modern human beings seem to thrive with lots of noise around them and nowadays it is hard to go anywhere without being exposed to music or noise in one form or another. By adopting this life style have we failed to learn what nature is prepared to teach us if we just kept silent and listened for a while?
One of the reasons I like to sail is the fact the noise level under most conditions is quite tolerable with the wind in the rigging and with water lapping against the sides of the boat.
However, there are times when it is necessary to use the auxiliary engine such as when coming into harbour or anchoring in a confined space and then of course the noise level increases considerably.
I had been cruising all day in moderate winds and a fairly heavy swell and towards nightfall I approached an anchorage of which the sailing directions told of sandy bottom and clear waters. Hence I had no qualms about steering into a very sheltered bay and putting down the anchor into the dark waters as I from the chart and the colour of the water assumed ample depth for my 5' draught. In most places one can hear some sounds from the denizens of the deep in the form of clicks of various loudness and frequency and here I heard these noises very loud and very clear. Shortly thereafter the boat gave a sort of a bump and I immediately realized that the water was too shallow and the boat was aground. I went on deck right away and with the anchor and capstan tried to haul the boat out to deeper water to no avail. The tide was going out and soon the boat was inclined at an angle of better than 20 degrees. I checked the tide tables and found it would be another couple of hours before the tide again would rise and meanwhile there was little I could do except to make sure that the boat rested evenly on the sandy bottom. This I did and then took to my bunk, resting in the angle formed between the bunk and the side of the boat. Around midnight the boat was again on even keel and I got the engine started and went out to anchor in deeper water, this time making very sure that I had plenty of water under the keel to allow for the full range of the tide. I have since then been accutely aware of noises coming through the hull and should I again hear loud clicks I shall immediately check the depth and the tide status for nature may well be telling me that my boat and I are out of our depths - if we will only listen!

Story from Jens

2010-06-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

Story by Jens Bagh

Don't Shoot the Old Bitch.

There are times when customs of different cultures conflict in the most unexpected manner, conspiring to produce reactions which may have deadly results. Once in the Arctic an old bitch came close to be the death of me. As bitches go she was not unusual but as she grew older she developed some strange quirks in her character. When husky bitches no longer can have litters of their own, they sometimes attack younger bitches or their puppies which needless to say results in fighting between the dogs and upsets owners who see their stock destroyed. The Inuit know of this apparently common trait among husky dogs and are prepared to deal with it in what to white men may seem a very ruthless manner. The law of the land is clear, if a dog owner cannot control his dogs and if they repeatedly attack another team then the attacking dogs are killed.
Well, this old bitch had once attacked and destroyed a young puppy and clearly was no longer mentally stable. I told the station handyman to get rid of the beast somehow or other. That he prevaricated and never got it done should have put me on the alert but it didn't. A few days later there was a frightful racket outside on what was otherwise a beautiful winter's day and it transpired that the old bitch had started another fight by killing off a second puppy. Well I was not prepared to have this go on indefinitely so I grabbed a gun and went out and shot the old bitch and I don't think she even heard the gun go off. Everyone else in the vicinity did though and the next thing I knew was a young fellow coming at me with a gun. The gun clicked, a misfire, and then he grabbed his gun by the barrel and took a swing at me with a will. I used my own gun to fend off the blow which resulted in his gun breaking in two with the butt end hitting me in the face, splitting my lower lip wide open and knocking me to the ground. I thought this behaviour a little unreasonable and got up and pacified my attacker by holding him in a rather painful grip. He conceded the error of his ways and promised to be more reasonable in the future.
Only later did I get a more complete picture of the whole affair. He had arrived in the arctic very young and had few friends. When the whole world seemed to go against him, he sometimes retired to the carpenter's shop and sought comfort nesting up to the old bitch which to him was the only friendly creature around. And I had shot the only true friend he had ever had.
I did not press charges for attempted murder or for causing grievous bodily harm, for if truth be known then in some obscure way I felt after hearing the full story that I was as guilty as he.
It is hard to keep ones head when an old bitch loses her mind but whenever I am tempted to make a rash decision there is a scar on my chin reminding me that a little mature reflection may save a lot of grief later on.

Stories from a friend

2010-06-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

Recently I have had the pleasure of making a new friend. Jens arrived at our dock less than a year ago after some amazing sailing adventures. I asked him how, after sailing much of the world how he found our place in Brentwood Bay? I believe he met some other cruisers in Mexico that recommended Brentwood as a good place to rest up and keep the boat. Jens sails a Bristol Channel Cutter built in 1994 and has sailed it as far as Northern Europe and back.
I have always enjoyed talking to Jens and listening to his stories. He has a rhythm to his storytelling that grabs you and puts you right in the situation.
I asked him to let me read some of his stories and I'd like to share them with you.
Enjoy

Story by Jens Bagh

Traffic Light of the Fairies.

I am not averse to physical fitness but regard the current craze for jogging with some detachment and cannot help wondering whether something is not being lost in the headlong rush towards that elusive goal, physical fitness.

Everyday I meet people jogging along the local pathways puffing, panting and the glazed look in their eyes precluding any recognition of their fellow creatures or intelligent observation of their surroundings.

A poet wrote: “What is this life if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare”, and it certainly is true that we deprive ourselves of some wonderful experiences if we do not occasionally withdraw from the daily rush and the noisy crowds to reflect a little in a quiet spot.

Once it was my good fortune to spend some time on a very isolated coast where signs of human habitation, past or present, were scarce indeed. Wildlife there, though never abundant, was remarkably tame and after a little while one felt in complete harmony with nature. Water was clear and unpolluted and fresh water was readily available from many small streams running down the hillside being fed from higher laying melting snow. In short, the whole place breathed peace and tranquility and had someone suggested that this was the last refuge of the fairies or the wee folk, I would not have been surprised. Little did I realize that the place was so overrun by fairies that they had to have traffic control and even had a traffic light installed on the island.

I do not suppose I was meant to see it and apart from my wife, who saw it at the same time as I did, I never heard anyone else mentioning it. Not that people on that part of the coast were averse to telling tall tales when they did meet - far from it – but possibly the fear of ridicule held them back, because after all, who has ever heard of the traffic light of the fairies!

We first saw the cave entrance as a dark spot on the coastline as we sailed through the narrow inlet to the natural harbour formed by the island, but as the entrance was a difficult one with several reefs blocking direct access, I was preoccupied with steering the boat and did not pay much attention to the shoreline as such. The day was a beautiful one, a clear blue sky overhead and just enough wind to set the waves astir and turn the sea into a pool of shimmering silver. When we had the cave entrance just about abeam and approximately half a cable length away, my wife suddenly exclaimed, “Look, there is a light in there”! With reefs all around us I wasn’t much disposed to do anything but to try to get us into some relatively open water but as soon as I could I turned my head and said “Where”? My wife pointed in the direction of the cave and I saw a diffuse green light coming from the inside of the cave. Then my wife said in a voice which clearly indicated her distress “But a moment ago the light was red”! I could hardly believe my ears, the hair rose on my head and shivers went all up and down my spine. I imagine I sounded more than a little testy when I said, “You mean to tell me that when you first saw that light it was red and that it now has turned to green”? That is right she said! Here we were – more than a thousand miles away from the nearest place known to possess a traffic light and my wife was seeing one changing in front of her very eyes! This obviously was something requiring further investigation. I reduced the speed of the boat, brought it about and we returned the way we had come. Sure enough, the light changed again from green to red and even going through yellow on the way. By this time my hair was standing straight on end but I was determined to see this thing at close quarters. I reduced speed to dead slow and gingerly steered the boat towards the cave mouth keeping a sharp lookout for underwater obstacles on the way. Next time I looked into the cave mouth, the light that greeted me was shimmering silver and it suddenly dawned on me what we had been privileged to see. Water leaking through the cave ceiling had set up a fine spray a little inside the cave. With the exact elevation and direction relative to the cave entrance and our distance from the shoreline we had only been able to observe one of the spectral colours of the rainbow at a time as we sailed by.

In terms of probabilities, the chances of seeing a sight like this is small indeed and I shall feel forever fortunate in having been allowed to see the traffic light of the fairies.

JOB, (East Greenland. 1969-1971.)

MV Reliance

2010-06-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

After working on Reliance for over a year we returned her to her slip in Victoria. Those of you who have visited the shop in the last year would have seen her reconstruction. If you didn't we basically re surfaced everything on the outside of the boat. The final result speaks for itself. Erin, Dave, Theresa, Mike, Courtney and Jean all deserve gold stars for doing such a great job. There are some pictures of the details and some video of us taking the boat back to the States to clear customs.

Somthing different

2010-06-04T22:16:00.000-07:00

At our shop in Brentwood Bay, We're not just creative on boats. This in-house project is my latest creation. Hopefully if the design and Geometry are good this will be a scooter built for speed!! I'll let you know if it works. Thankfully I have very talented friends who can weld. In the picture is Mike Harris a good friend and AG employee. Jean Gaudin also helped me with this project.

Euphimia

2010-06-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

After a long bottom end rebuild. Euphimia is ready to go. Now that the fresh new Garboard planks are on, you would never know that almost all the floor and keel bolts were replaced. Engine timbers were re fastened and heat exchanger was reconditioned and re mounted. Euphimia was built in 1929 in Seattle. There was no doubt that the fasteners that we replaced were original. I'd be very happy if our bolts lasted 81 years. Euphmia will be launch Wednesday June 9 2010 just in time for a short sea trial and the off to the first of the summer Classic Yacht rendezvous. You may also notice by the pictures that we gave her a new pain job and a reconditioned swim grid. A new laminated rubbing strip re places the steam bent oak one. Euphmia is a member of the CYA Classic Yacht Assosiation.

New decks for Kotic

2010-05-28T23:18:00.000-07:00

Kotic is a lovely little gaff cutter that we have done quite a bit of work to over the years. Now she is being fitted out with some new decking. We are installing yellow cedar decks. This will be the third deck we have done in yellow cedar. The first one was the Duen over ten years ago. Those decks look as fresh as the day we installed them. The yellow cedar is very tough, tougher than most people think, and the price is right. As teak soars to $32 a board foot we have to look for these kinds of alternatives. We will have more pictures soon.

Teak blocks

2010-05-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

Jean has built these teak blocks. Real blocks are hard to find and the quality of the ones we have found are not so good. So Jean built these. Nice hey!
Oh and the nickles are fake;)

Bristol chanel cutter

2010-05-28T23:07:00.000-07:00

Here we re-built a hatch for a customer. The end result is something that we are pleased with.

Boatbuilders weekend

2010-05-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

I suspect that most boatbuilders go boating on the weekend, but Jean and I like to go looking for adventure on our motorcycles.
OK! we are not straying form our original passion boatbuilding and operating wood boats, Just having fun.

New boat

2010-05-16T23:19:00.000-07:00

Alice is a new build. She is a Paul Gartside designed 12' double-ender. The construction is red cedar carvel on Garry oak frames. The keelson is oak and the keel is Douglas fir. The planks are fastened to the frames traditionally using copper nails and roves.
We hope to have her ready for the Open Boat Festival in September!!
In the picture shown here, the boat is upright and the rub rails are going on to create stiffness.

Euphimia The Classic Yacht

2010-05-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

Euphimia is in our shop for some annual upgrades. Keel-boats and some new garboard planks.
Shown in the picture is Jean shaping up some new planks to replace the worn out ones. Euphimia was built in 1929, this makes her 81 this year. She is looking very fresh for her age. Credit must go to the owners for taking such good care of her.

Anita im Orkan

2010-05-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

If you have not seen this video before, here it is. The best heavy weather classic yacht sailing I have ever seen. I love how relaxed the crew is.

keepturningleft 25 Sailing Gaffers and smacks on the Colne

2010-05-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

Brave Little Merva

2010-05-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

Merva under way

2010-05-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a video of Merva underway crossing the Straight of Georgia.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=782xiH0Nz_4

Merva

2010-05-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

This is the reconditioned galley area. New fitting imported from Europe and a sealed copper backsplach are some of the details that we installed.

Here is the new cabinet we have just built and installed into the boat. This cabinet is located in the pilothouse under the passenger seating. The wood is a match to the rest of the boat. It's Sapelle mahogany, the drawer sides are fir and the frame work is cherry.

This is the engine room located under the floor of the pilothouse. We built this to replace a similarly designed fir floor. The new floor and hatches feature sound proofing built into the hatches. The greatest feature of this hatch system is the sliding center board that is also removable. The pilot house on Merva is very small, the hatch system that we designed allows the operator to continue driving the boat while a crew member could access the engine. The engine room is designed to be completely serviceable. All essential service items are positioned to be handled with ease. We also made the engine room intuitive. The goal was to make servicing the systems simple.

This another view of the new cabinet. looking across the pilothouse floor.

Here is some details of the heads. Sepelle counter and a copper back splash.

In the winter of 2009 we had the pleasure of having Merva in our shop for a complete re-fit. New engine, interior finishes and all new systems. Basically we took the hull of Merva, repaired what need attending to and totally updated the boat with all the modern conveniences. All the upgrades were carefully thought out. The goal was to not disturb the original look of Merva yet have all the best of the new world. Modern electrical plumbing, sounders and navigation systems are essential in the busy waters these day. The Owner of the boat did all the necessary research to make the boat a period piece. We are very pleased with how Merva turned out. Merva has been featured in our blog before. The cover picture is of Merva's bow.

Bronze rings

2010-05-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

Polishing the newly cast bronze rings for the Duen. Recently we rebuilt the 80 year old ships wheel. We know that the wheel came from another boat but we don't know when. It was a treat to take this wheel apart and rebuild it.

Kalamari

2010-04-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

This is another fine example of a classic yacht. Although I have heard that it was a commercial boat at one time before it burned. The classic yacht features were added in the reconstruction. Kalimari was in our shop for some time getting 75% of the keel and stem replaced. We also put this lovely transom and swimgrid. The cockpit was removed and a water draining cockpit was installed in it's place.
What a beauty

New wheelhouse

2010-04-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

This is Native II. This is a typical repair to a fishboat house. Usually the original plywood rots out and then affects the timbers. Fortunitly for this boat the carlins were not to badly damaged.

Storm damage

2010-04-30T21:37:00.000-07:00

Here is an H28 that was badly damaged in a storm. Nothing a couple of new planks can't fix. Now just imagine what it would have looked like if it was fiberglass!!

Euphmia is coming in.

2010-04-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to having Euphimia in the shop. She will be fitted out with new garboards this go around.

Teak doors

2010-04-26T22:04:00.001-07:00

Here is an example of shop testing. No research lab necessary. The video shows a door being tested in the shop for stiffness. Interesting that the weak point of the door is right in the middle where the two panels meet. The objective of this test was to see if the doors were strong enough to hold back water, lots of water, 254 cubic feet of the salty stuff.
This was required by Transport Canada as the doors that were just for privacy now need for stability and safety.
We had no interest in tearing out the Teak doors and replacing them with steel doors, so we had to come up with something acceptable. First we tested the doors, then we split the door in half and epoxied Maranti plywood in between. The customer was very happy to have the original doors while Transport Canada was able to certified them. How great was that!

Our tall ship friends

2010-04-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of great boats that we work on. Passing cloud and the Duen have recently passed the latest round of Transport Canada regulations. The Owners of these vessels deserve metals for being ahead of the game.

Who's really in charge

2010-04-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

There is someone in the shop who does not get enough credit and that is our real boss, Myrna.
Myrna is the one who takes care of everything. I hope she knows how much we love having her around!

ways upgrade

2010-04-05T21:45:00.000-07:00

For the better of the environment and by order of environment Canada and Fisheries we have completed the upgrade necessary to comply with the new regulation set by the government. We have boarded over the ways and can collect the water used to wash the bottom of our customers boats. A difficult challenge as we are always working over the water.
We are happy with the result and I think the fish will like it too.

Updates

2010-02-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

I realize that it has been some time that I have updated this and there is allot to catch up on.
For most of the winter we have been working on Passing Cloud, a schooner built here in B.C by Brian Walker and is now used for sail training. There were many things to do for the Transport Canada upgrades. Watertight bulkheads, doors and hatches and engine air intakes that can be shut off. The trick with this upgrade is that the boat hast to keep the original look of the interior and exterior. We came up with several effective low impact solutions. Transport Canada has given us the Green light and the vessel can now continue operating.

Also we have been working on Reliance. This a 42" motorboat from San Diego. The project is to repair everything and make the boat look as new. We have been working on the boat for 9 months to this date. The result is stunning.

There have been so many other projects. Melbia is receiving a new cockpit and the Duen is getting a new hydraulic steering system.

open boat Festival

2009-10-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos taken By Chris Barret. There are may more photos at the Open Boat Festival Facebook page. Here is a link. www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=25517381103
I'm not sure if you have to be on FB to view.

The finish

2009-09-21T21:59:00.000-07:00

Open Boat Festival

2009-09-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

September 18-19 was the 2nd annual Open Boat festival. Many Boats showed up and enjoyed the events. There was a rowing race in the morning and a sailing race in the afternoon. The rowing race was over 1 km. The fastest time was 16 minutes and the last in was 20 minutes. That's pretty good for human power. The sailing race was exciting. The winds were gusty at 15-20 knots coming from the shore. The sailors were amazingly skillful, it was a blast to watch. Next year I'm going in the race too. Here are some videos to fill your pallet.
The evening was filled with watching old videos, awards and a BBQ. It's a great weekend to hang out with good friend. I'm already looking forward to next year.
My photos turned out very poor quality so I'm going to ask my friend Chris for copies of his photos. I'll try to create a link to his pictures for you.
Thanks to all the participants vendors supporters.
This year we were sponsored from
All Bay Marine
Waypoint Marine
Brentwood Lodge and Spa
Paynes Marine
Westwind Hardwood
Pacifica Paddle sports
and us Abernethy & Gaudin

We could not have pulled off this great day without the support of our faithful crew. Not only do our employees work hard all day but the also put in so many extra hours to make all this happen. I hope they know how much I appreciate them. Dave, Trish, Chris, Erin, Theresa, Myrna and Jean, You guys are the best!!
I would not want to forget My wife Carrie-Anne who built the website and the posters through her company Creative Gravity Graphic design and Commuinication. www.creaitvegravity.com

Luckey guy

2009-09-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

Theresa,Donell and Erin at the award banquet at Mederia Park Boat festival.

Our crew

2009-09-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

Here is the crew relaxing on our trip to The sunshine Coast.
the reward of a job well done!!

Balandra's under way

2009-09-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

The summer way traveled to Medera park with a couple of our projects. Balandra and Merva our two classics traveled across the Georgia Straight for there maiden voyages.

This summer

2009-09-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

A short video of Trish in her boat.

Balandra sailing

2009-07-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Here we are, Shendra, Chris and me sailig Balandra after a long restoration. Sailing in Brentwood Bay we are getting ready to sail her to Medira Park at the end of the month.

Merva' Stanchions

2009-07-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

Fresh from the foundry and cleaned up here at the shop. Bronze stantion bases ready to mount to the deck.

Kotick

2009-07-14T12:48:00.001-07:00

Balandra's launch

2009-07-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82IeL-Mrr2k

2009-06-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

On June 13 2009, 64 years to the day we re-launched Balandra in the middle of the night. Several weeks of hard work leading up to the launch payed off as this little jewel of a boat was re-united with her familiar home.
Thank-you to everyone who helped out and to those of you who came out to see the launch so late at night.
There are some finishing details to work on but we will have everything done for the Madeira park Boat show in the end of July.

Balandra at her dock

Bow detail

Before the launch

David spinning a yarn,,

A very content Shendra re-acquainting her self with and old friend.
Welcome home!

Kotick

2009-06-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

Kotick an Enlish built Falmouth Cutter. She has been up in the shop for a little while now getting some much needed repairs. So far she has had the transom rebuilt, a new paint job, the mast re-finished, toe-rail repaired and a hand full of other things. This boat is in nice shape and the new work done to her will make her very hansom.

Transom planks and aft deck being fitted.

Here is Chris fairing the hull after the paint has been stripped.

Theresa re-shaping Koticks mast.

The crew

2009-05-20T22:02:00.001-07:00

Here we are! the crew at A&G standing behind the latest completed project. Lucky is a Atkins knock about. We have just refit her with some new paint and she is ready to go. What a great boat.

The proud owner of the Jolly boat, getting her ready for the trip to Pender island for the summer.

Going back in time

2009-05-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

Here ia a clip of Merva's engine coming out. This was back in January 2009.

Getting on with things

2009-05-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

We are fully into our spring work. Painting anything that is still.
I have just returned from holidays to find the shop buzzing with activity. Several haul-outs and many projects crossed off the list.
In the shop now is a lovely boat re-built at the Cannon & Benjamen yard. They did a beautiful job to this little Alden knockabout. W are giving it the yearly service and a new paint job. Because this boat was shipped across the country we were looking for signs of damage due to being on the trailer. Good craftsmanship proves well as we could find nothing wrong with her. She is a nice addition to our collection of boats.

Merva is now sitting in the water in front of the shop. All the electrical and motor work is done. We are working on the little details of the interior. Our upholstery should be ready soon. I'm looking forward to showing her off at the shows this summer and fall.

Balandra is coming in to her final push. We will be launching her on June 14 2009. This marking er 64th anniversary of her original launch. Shendra ( owner ) is here this week to give a hand. She arrived on time and as usual with cookies for all and a great deal of enthusiasm. I'm looking forward to the progress this week.

MV Reliance a 42f motor boat is on the dock getting repaired,,,,,,we found termites!!!

Merva Launch

2009-04-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

On April 10th we launched Merva at 7:30am. All went smooth, leaks were at a gallon every 2 hour, then stopping completely by the end of the day. That's how it should be. Now that Merva is at the dock we can finish off all the details. The boat is in almost operational mode. More varnish and paint. A few wires hooked up and we will be away to the shows. Looking forward to cruising back in time with this lovely machine.

Balandra is next to be launched. We have her completion date for JUNE 13th. exactly 65 years after her origunal launch. Looking forward to that. It will be a fitting re-birth for her.

2009-03-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

2009-03-18T21:22:00.000-07:00

We have two weeks to go until launch, 90% done 90% to go.
There is not a piece of this boat we have not touched during this project. We have made this boat the very best of both worlds. It was important to us to have the esthetics's of the boat as original as possible while having all of the modern conveniences of a new boat. I'd compare it to installing disk brakes on a classic car. While all the other cars on the road have incredible stopping capabilities the classic car is rear ending all the others. I don't know if that a worthy analogy but it's what came to mind. The list of mod-cons are new wiring, bilge pumps, lighting, engine, tanks hot and cold water system, radiant heat through out the boat and the engine, there are many more things on the list.
I'm really looking forward to the launch. I think we will make a big at do about it. Merva has been in the shop since Christmas.

Here is Theresa doing the final fill for the paint job

this is a sample of the exterior joinery, forward chain locker hatch.

More faring on the hull.

Mid-week

2009-02-18T20:43:00.000-08:00

There are two types of progress - one that is obvious and one that exists behind the scenes. Weeks of paint preparations seem to disappear when the final coat of paint is applied. Seems like magic.

Erin is seen here in this picture dusting off. She has been in the forward accommodations on Merva for a while now. As you can see she really gets into her work.

Erin is seen doing the final details in preparation for paint.

Here is Theresa after sanding massive amounts of white paint. Way to go Theresa!

Balandra has been getting some attention - new house sides and canvas on top. She is looking really smart. The rigging has arrived from Yachtech. There is nothing like fresh stainless steel wire and turnbuckles. We have uncovered all the bronze hardware that was painted over. We are pleased to be a part of uncovering her beauty. I can't wait to see her back in the water and sailing in Brentwood Bay, if there is any wind!

Merva

2009-02-10T21:06:00.000-08:00

Merva's side decks getting re-fastened and plugged

Forward accommodations or Erin's cave

This is the deck head that Theresa has been working on. It would have saved alot of time if we could have flipped the boat over.

We are pealing back the years on Merva. Every layer of paint on the interior represents a lifetime. If only the paint could talk. Stripping paint has become the bulk of the work.
The decks are getting new plugs, seams and fasteners. The trim is going back on and the bronze is getting polished. The engine is on it's way, the electrical is getting planned and Donell is hanging out at the bronze foundry. You could say we are in the thick of it now. I'm starting to imagine her on the water. She is going to look fabulous.

Super Dave

2009-01-28T21:25:00.000-08:00

Dave removing the lead out of Merva. Lets count 5 lead ingots x 60lbs a piece = 300lbs. Good thing we are up to date with WCB.

Duen

2009-01-28T21:04:00.000-08:00

Inside the Duen is Jean. He is fitting in the new inner stem piece.
Low impact- repair.

Here is a Norwegian sailboat built in 1939. Duen has worked her whole life . For the past 25 years she has belonged to a good friend. Duen has sailed around the world and presently she spends her winters here and summers in the Queen Charlotte Islands. Jean and I have been involve in many major projects on her over the past 10 years. This is the latest. The planking is Pine from Norway and has done remarkably well. The decay was localized.

Bronze and then some.

2009-01-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

A solid cast rudder and the prop for Merva.

Canvas

2009-01-28T00:48:00.000-08:00

This is Merva getting covered in canvas. This is one of my favorite jobs as a boatbuilder. It is just so satisfying to cover something with a consistent white blanket. We stretch the canvas by hand and staple it temporarily until we are satisfied with how it looks. Then we use copper nails and pull out the staples as they are made of steel and would rust at some point.

This is Erin laying out the canvas.

Here I am brushing off some copper nail clippings after we have stretched the canvas.
After trimming, we fill the weave of the canvas with many coats of paint.

Dream Boat

2009-01-17T21:36:00.000-08:00

On Friday we finally had the chance to sea trial Dream Boat. This 42' Mathews is in bristol condition. The list of projects include, Paint, Stem repair, New transom and supporting structure, re-alinding the engined and engine supports. New shafts, bearings and re-align the struts. There is more. Dream Boat was a joy to operate.

2009-01-17T21:31:00.000-08:00

Merva's engine came out last week. Here are the pictures. The engine had to be stripped down to its most basic form. The bell housing squeaked through the doorway with a 1/4 inch to spare. I suppose they had to get it in that way. The motor left a nasty greasy mess with wires all through out. After some time the bilge will be sparkling.

Merva photos 1944

2009-01-09T20:53:00.000-08:00

This is Merva on the same day as the tender shot below. I would never recognize Sidney spit without a hundred boats on the hook. That Jerry's uncle in the doorway.

This is Jerry Stinson at age 5 with his mother in the stren and Aunt in the bow. 1944
Merva had two tenders. This one was towed behind. The tender we have in the shop goes on deck.

Merva at Musgrave landing 1944. Thats Jerry on deck

2009-01-07T21:20:00.000-08:00

Merva in the shop

2009-01-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures taken from Balandra's site
Talk about a moment in history.
For more photos go to www.balandra.net
There is the Burrard st. bridge in the back ground. Do you think you could ride along with the cargo today?

Some history

2009-01-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

Just before 11am today a gentleman walked into the office with a package. On his way in I saw that he was having a long gaze at Merva. I figured he had something to do with the boat. He said his name was Jerry Stenson. He said that he wanted to show me something. He reached into the package and pulled out three black and white pictures. the kind with blurred edges and a crystal clear center. There was a boy in white overalls standing on the deck of Merva tied up to the piling at Musgrave landing Saltspring. It was clear by the way he smiled at me. The boy in the picture was him, 65 years ago. Merva did not look any different than she does now. How time stood still for that boat.
These are the best moment for us. Most boats that come up into the shop have some scraps of history attached to them through the word of the present owner, but to have a real moment presented, that's something. The two boats in the shop are similar in this way. Balandra the 21f sailboat has this same feel.
There were two other photos, one of Merva side profile with a man in a white shirt sitting in the wheel house doorway. The other was another picture in the tender with his mother and aunt. Jerry at the oars. That's where most 5 year old would be. The two pictures were taken on the same day at Sidney spit. It was so unrecognisable without hundreds of boats in the background.
I'll scan and post the photos tomorrow.

Merva is in the house

2009-01-05T22:45:00.000-08:00

At 12 noon Merva raced into the shop at 4 feet per minute. As she came into the shop and the bottom of the boat was exposed, it was apparent that Merva did not suffer from lack of attention to detail. This is a real yacht. She was washed off and scaffolding is creating a nest of her. Many great things are going to happen to Merva in the next couple of months.

What a boat!

2009-01-04T20:45:00.001-08:00

Back to work full time for me. Jean and Dave have been working in the shop from time to time over the holidays. By new years day I was getting a little cabin fever and really wanted to get back to work. With so many great projects on the go, who wouldn't be excited about getting to work. Did I mention that I really like my job! There are some new members joining us in this new year. I'm looking forward to getting to know them and looking forward to seeing the talent that they have.
we will be picking up where we left off.
If I have not done so already. I'd like to wish you a happy New Year!

2008-12-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoy this little clip. It's really 5 minutes long. Just in case you thought we spoke like chipmunks and shuffled really fast.
This is Balandra as she came up first on the ways. She came up 3 times all together. 1 to see the shape of the bottom. 2 A reposition and measurements. 3 to put her on the cradle that we built for her. We then re-launched her with the cradle attached. Then moved over to the second set of ways that we have just built. Balandra is about 2 tons.

2008-12-23T21:24:00.000-08:00

Snow and then some.
I spent Monday digging out 30 inches of snow off many boats the would have otherwise suffered. That stuff is not light, I tell ya! I can't complain I was really missing the snow this fall and now I'm fully satisfied. Other than the pipes freezing we have had no problems at the shop due to the weather. I have been able to get to the shop most days thanks to better attention to the roads from the municipality crews.

Polar Star, a 38f. trawler that is suffering from a mystery leak. Although we found some evidence that water has been coming through the stuffing box due to corroision on the shaft in that area. Still searching for other sources of leaks before she goes back in the water.

Merva, Waiting to come up on the ways. She is next in line. I foresee he being in the shop for the remainder of the winter. I can't wait to have her nested in the shop. So far we have been taking her apart, pulling out all redundant equipment. there is many many years of layered systems. Already the waterline has come up a couple of inches.

Balandra. 21f sail, is setteling in nicely. It is nice to be greeted by her in the mornings. In the loft we have 5 coats of spar varnish on and should get the rigging back from the rigger soon. That will be one stage of the project complete. I'm looking forward to getting the canvas on the decks in January.

2008-12-17T23:04:00.000-08:00

How do you discribe the day that you purchace a vintage boat. I think by Donell's smile you can tell that this day will be remembered.

Congradulations !

Merva is presently at dockside but scheduled to be on the ways for the rest of the winter is this lovley classic. Most of this text below is from the Merva site. I recommend visiting it and finding out the rest of the details. We are very pleased to have a great boat like this to work on over the winter.
www.merva.homestead.com

MERVA is a 39' Classic Wooden Pilothouse Yacht, built in Victoria British Columbia, Canada in 1932 by Frank W. Morriss, a retired British Naval Engineer and Master Shipwright.

MERVA was constructed on the Gorge Waterway in Victoria of native Fir planking over Oak frames, with Burmese Teak used for the decks and deckhouses. Her interior is panelled in Mahogany and Teak, with many brass fittings. She still retains her original guages, running gear, light fixtures and SeaKing oil stove.

Her story has her hauled to the water's edge on a sledge by a team of horses for launching in 1932. As few changes to her authentic condition will be made as possible. She will retain all of her original fixtures and fittings, including original cut-glass globe light fixtures, taps and pump-handles, as well as hardware and cabinetry. Her upholstery and cushions will all be replaced using period-reproduction fabrics.
Modern upgrades will be made to all of her hidden components and equipment including new wiring, plumbing and hot-water heating which will be added.
Aditionally, she is being outfitted with a new 75 HP Volvo Penta Marine diesel engine supplied by Gartside Marine of Oak Bay BC, and fresh diesel fuel tanks.

2008-12-17T22:38:00.000-08:00

Today Patrick pealed back the rest of the canvas off the decks. Below was cedar that has not seen the light for many years. This is the point where we usually see what kind of work is before us. So far no signs of serious decay. the paint on the deck was about as thick as the canvas. The mass filled two garbage cans. Next Patrick will remove the hardware and rails then we will smooth the decks and re-apply the new decks cover. We will likely recover in canvas as this suits the boat.
I spoke with Shendra Hanney the owner of Balandra today. Unfortunately she could not make it for the momentous haulout as she is snowed in and having to deal with frozen pipes. My hat goes off to her for being so self sufficient. Looking forward to seeing her in the New year when we can all look over Balandra and discuss the details of her return to original state.

2008-12-17T00:12:00.001-08:00

Balandra up in the shop

Dec 16 2008

2008-12-16T23:37:00.000-08:00

I'm starting this blog assuming the anyone who reads this is familiar with our operation. If not Check out www.agboats.com
I going to begin with last Friday where w built a cradle for Balandra a 21f. William Hand designed sailboat. Hauled Balandra on to the main ways on to the cradle platform. That's where she stayed over the weekend. The weather was wild, waves were huge and the dock were under allot of stress. We felt that getting Baladra out was a priority, rather than leaving her out for the weekend.
Monday. We finished of the cradle on Blandra. Then re-launched her with the cradle. When the tide went out Monday night Jean, Patrick and I built a track out of 2x 12 laminated together. Greased the timbers to reduce friction as it was going to be wood to wood surface.
Tuesday. High tide at noon and the Balandra was launched from the main ways and floated to the mew ways off to the side. Hauling out took several hour because we pulled her up by hand. At the end 4 guys and one girl were completely exhausted but deeply satisfied with this achievement. I will never curse the big electric winch that we rely on so much ever again.
Balandra has scaffolding around he now and is should be in the shop for the winter to have her decks re-canvased. New rails and a general restoration. Her owner is very passionate about her as her husband built her in the 1945 and has owned her that whole time. www.balandra.net is her website. A very interesting site.

Now that Balandra is in her place, we also hauled out Polar Star. A 40f fishboat that need some tightening up.
Merva is a lovely classic that I am spending most of my time on. This 1930s cruiser is getting a refit. New power-wire-paint and woodwork. There will be lots about her as we get more into it.