Bits (of wood) and Bits (to drill out those stubborn Ole'screws)

Groundwork is underway as I resist the urge to dismantle everything before I have her in place.
I have decided to limit the chaos to the stern for now.

Here is the aft cabin, having removed the 3 layers of glued tarps over the original canvas.

A lot of cabinetry and trim had been removed by the previous owner, but the cabin was usable.

Once the head was out of the way, the berths were disected.

My fondness for Nutmeg remains unchanged and my anticipation of veiwing her bare hull makes the scraping and sanding ahead of me seem less daunting. 

Here she comes...

With springtime in full swing I had to change my plans several times. I am going to construct a steel cradle for Nutmeg, and had planned on using it on a flatbed to move Nutmeg to my yard; however, timing and logistics steered me to using a haulling company and constructing temporary wooden stands. Due to a late melt and wet start to the warm season, the place where I wanted to place the boat was too muddy to prep before delivery. So Nutmeg's placement is also temporary.

Here in potato farming Northern Arrostook county a deep water vessel is a rare curiousity and my neighbors are very interested. Getting ready to pull out the trailer, one 4x4 on each side is all that steadies the boat.

With the trailer edged forward we place the aft stands. Then pulling forward she stands alone:

Note the impact the trailer's tires had on the lawn; still very damp.

With the stands in place I set about constructing a frame for coverring the boat with plastic. Eventually, when relocated,  I will build a shed over her but as she sits I wanted to offer some protection. When the ground allows, the pile of fill will help raise the ground on the other side of the shed which will be Nutmeg's home for the restoration.

Until I complete the groundwork and cradle construction I will resist the urge to start stripping her cabins, deck, and paint. The project has become real to me now, as here she is and she is mine.

As I found her...

Here is Nutmeg. She displaces 9 tons measuring 33' LOA, 8.5' Beam, and about 4.5' Draft. Built by Hillayd in the early 60's with English Oak and Mahogony. Her appearance here is shows her age (as well as some poorly repaired impact damage near the waterline admidships starboard.)

When I first saw Nutmeg in April, there was ice in the bilge from snow that had blown in throughout the winter.

Note the melting ice seeping out of the garboard (hopefully no so much along the keel.) The extent of this fresh water incursion will not be known until I dismantle the cabins and get to the boat's floor. At least a third of the frames will need replacing but most of the planking appears sound.

The pine cabin roofs and fiberglass covered decks will be replaced but you can see she is now stripped down and ready for transport (many thanks to my father, shown here, for lending a hand.)