Enterprise Sailing Dingy Restoration

External Since: Apr 10, 2006 Posts: 1

Hi,

I've just aquired enterprise number 947 as a restoration project (glutton
for punishment!) and it's in quite a mess. I think the framing (such as
there is) is ok, but pretty much all the ply needs replacing.

Does anybody have any experience of a project such as this please? I'm just
pondering where best to start - upturned on the base boards, or right way up
and starting on the sides... I know the chines went on last but any help or
info on this would be most gratefully rec'd!

Also, the timber mast has had complete glue failure and separated into 4
quadrants and aquired a slight bend. I'm wondering if it's possible to
reglue this using a precise flat surface and reuse it - any ideas?

Or, hopefully, any info on the boat herself?

Many thanks,
Dave

External Since: Jan 29, 2006 Posts: 26

You are better off using the boat to measure the panels, measure the
bevels, then strip off the hardware, gunnels, and pull the panels down
to the frames, etc., cut new panels, block up the frames on a
strongback and start from scratch... Less work, less cussin', and less
time than trying to patch new wood to old wood...

The mast should be salvageable as you suggested.. Take it apart, get
the wood good and dry (heat tent for 2 or 3 week) while the pieces are
strapped to a straight timber, or a strongback (my choice).. This box
can be put together with deck (house) screws so the material can be
reused... Get a hand plane and learn to use it to remove the old glue
from the mating surfaces... Next, fasten one part to the strongback so
it is straight and square and clamp up the other 3 parts to the
first... Use epoxy for the adhesive...

denny - just finishing a rowing pram for the grandkids for the summer..
Sailing pram to follow for next summer...