2012 // 2013
Hull Bottom Renovation
The sailing season of 2012 revealed that the hull needed renovation. DIVA was taking on too much water, even towards the end of the season. Planks had separated, and in some places, there was rot to be found.
In addition, 13 broken frames needed to be repaired.
I chose to have Copenhagen Yacht& Motorboat Yard (KYMV) carry out the task, and they did an excellent job.
The project turned out to be larger than expected, so DIVA was put back in the water late in 2013.
KYMV
Let it be said right away: I have only had positive experiences with Copenhagen Yacht & Motorboat Yard. Competent individuals under the leadership of boat builder Morten Laurs Sørensen.
I handled the scraping, sanding, painting of the bottom, interior varnishing and topside painting myself. The scraping revealed poorly executed previous repairs.
The yard replaced planks with rot. Planks that had previously been repaired but with subpar work, including planks that abutted each other without overlap. Several gussets were installed. One garboard plank was completely replaced with a larch plank. We couldn't source planks in Oregon Pine that wide. It was caulked against the keel. Some of the smaller bolts were replaced as well. 13 broken ribs/frames were also repaired.
I can only give my warmest recommendations of Morten & Co.
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Broken Frames
13 of them repaired.
The broken frames were repaired, partly by joining - as illustrated in the picture - and partly by inserting sisters. The yard was initially hesitant about making sisters (professional pride). I insisted because this would help preserve the beautiful topsides. -
Bolt Replacement
Oak's acid "eats" through keel bolts. The bolt shown is still functioning, but it looks dangerous and is probably only about 50% of its original thickness.
We had three of the smaller bolts at the front of the keel replaced with new stainless steel ones. The bolt pictured was in the worst state.
Since then, I anticipated all the keel bolts to be checked. Yet another project pending.
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Soft spots repaired.
A soft area was removed from the keel, and a larger piece has been installed with a new, large plug for a replaced bolt.
When the bottom was completely scraped clean, you can see what was needed to be done. In total, three pieces need to be installed. The one shown is the largest of the three.Beautiful and well executed work.
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Milling for Strips
Cracks worsen if left unaddressed. There were smaller and larger cracks to be found below the water line, typically found in the seams between the planks that were no longer holding together. A result of the boat being on land for too long and drying out too much.
We chose to mill grooves and fill them with strips to address the issue.
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Perfectly Fitted Plank
A wide larch plank.
The boat's planks below the waterline are made of Oregon Pine, but we couldn't find planks that were wide enough.
We chose larch for the garboard plank. Measurements were taken, a template was created and it was recut and refitted countless times. The plank ended up fitting perfectly.
When you look at it in the picture, you may think, "that's a do-over." In reality, though, it's a perfect illustration of a boat builder's craft. After installation, caulking was done on both sides of the keel. -
Good Craftsmanship Replaces Poor Craftsmanship
This was a surprise.
When the bottom was fully scraped, an unfortunate previous repair surfaced, which had resulted in some rot among other issues. The planks had been replaced in such a way that the ends met without overlapping (butt joint), and the endings of the two planks were directly across from each other. Here, the planks have been laid with a significant overlap, bonded with epoxy, and the joints are staggered in relation to each other.
That's how it should be done.
Mood and Finished Work
KYMV is a boatyard specializing in wooden boats. The atmosphere in and around the yard is unique and hasn't been overshadowed by modernity. It exudes tradition and craftsmanship.
Feel the atmosphere and see the finished work below.
