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

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

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

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

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.

A solid cast rudder and the prop for Merva.