thompsondockside.com

Hello
(my first post)
I recently bought a '53 Sea Coaster (made in Cortland, NY) and I'd like some initial advice about the repairs needed to the bow stem.
I've gotten information about the local chapter of ACBS, so I'll soon have some people nearby to confer with.
Look at the pictures that I hope will be here:
http://s234.photobucket.com/albums/ee10 ... 010003.jpg
http://s234.photobucket.com/albums/ee10 ... 010002.jpg
http://s234.photobucket.com/albums/ee10 ... 010001.jpg

thanks;
HOPOIL
Syracuse, NY

Welcome aboard!

Remove the decking. Maybe you will have to remove the gunwales. This will give you a better view of the problems. This is the first step in your autopsy to be able to learn what is going on and then you can formulate a replair or replacement plan.

Andreas

I see both screws and nails holding things together here, any special considerations when trying to remove the nails? Do you use some sort of nail puller with small jaws? or screwdriver blade and side-jaw pliers?

I'll take a picture from inside the bow soon and post it too. Looks like oak framing under those plywood topsides.

thanks
-Jeff (HOPOIL)

There is no easy means to remove the nails. You may have to destroy the deck in the process.

Andreas

so over the weekend I pulled out the brass nails holding down the plywood to get a better look at the problems at the top of the stem.
Here are three shots
http://s234.photobucket.com/albums/ee10 ... frames.jpg
http://s234.photobucket.com/albums/ee10 ... temcap.jpg
http://s234.photobucket.com/albums/ee10 ... em-rot.jpg

Hows this idea sound? (for lack of a more accurate word I'll use 'Breasthook') can I replace the block of wood behind the stem and cut away the bad portion of the top of the stem - with one new piece of wood? like a Breasthook?

One of the frames (left of center in the picture) is quite warped and will need to be replaced. all others appear solid. I'll try to pry back the top rail (or is it a gunnall?) and un-screw it.

any advise is welcome.
-Jeff

Yes, remove the breasthook (block of wood behind the stem). This will get you access to the stem. The king plank may have to come out too (deck support in the middle). Remove the bad wood of the stem and scarf in a new piece. Use all-heartwood white oak.

Andreas