Progress (?) on Lyman 23 "Sprite"

Post by **Tim** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:17 pm

Well, the house construction is a little delayed, thanks to others' schedules, so I find myself with unappropriated time these days.

I decided to start getting something done on Sprite, the Lyman 23. I never anticipated she would sit for two years with so little progress--and the progress you are about to see is minimal, though still an important part of the whole process.

One simply cannot work on, or even properly observe, the interior of a project boat when it's laden with filth. So the other day I spent about 5 hours vacuuming out the inside of the boat. The lapstake construction, along with the closely-spaced (6" apart) ribs means that there's no easy way to get rid of the accumulation of paint chips, dirt, grime, oil, pine needles, leaves, and trash; attempts to force this stuff to a central location for easy cleanup proved futile.

Instead, I laboriously vac'd out each section betwen the ribs, and along the planks, removing probably 5 lb. of grime and paint chips. I also used an air nozzle to help blow some of the gunk out of hidden areas.

This is what I started with:

...and here's what 5 hours does (I'm trying to get the shaft coupling off with that gear puller):

I discovered during and after this process that many more of the ribs had damage than previously expected. Many of the ribs in the centerline beneath where the engine had been are cracked, and a large number of the ribs on both sides (including the "patched" starboard side, where previously noticed) contain cracks, most likely from being lifted with a travelift and improper blocking during her previous ownership.

Also, I found some rot in several of the ribs, right at the turn of the bilge where the floorboard support pieces attach.

The additional damage represents a setback, but not that much of one since I had already determined that I needed to completely rebuild and refinish the boat, rather than do a more straightforward "repair". With all the hidden damage, it's clear the boat was on borrowed time, and I am glad that I never put her in the water.

Next I want to get that fuel tank out of the way, as soon as I manage to transport my gantry crane from the old shop--maybe this week.

Jason K · Post by **Jason K** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 3:22 pm

Nice, Tim.

Those classic powerboats are a lot of fun.

I saw an old Lyman languishing in a boat yard about a month ago and thought about you and this project. It's good to see that it's moving forward.

jollyboat · Post by **jollyboat** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 4:46 pm

Tim,
Thank looks like a lot of work, I am sure once you start on it you will get it done. My father and brother are in business together and own the Middlebank which is a party fishing boat, Maine built Cranberry Island 50, mahog over oak. For for the last three weeks I have been helping on the boat as much as I can. This year the bottom was sandblasted and the entire boat refastened - I helped my brother, who is also named Tim - install two new ribs as well. We also found and replaced a broken plank - this is an inspected vessel so everything that is done to the boat must be logged and sent to the USCG.
They have now owned the boat for 6 years and have pretty much rebuilt the whole boat. There always seems to something pretty big to do every year but my brother Tim runs a pretty tight ship. The web site is www.middlebank.com if you would like to see the boat.
Cheers and Good Sailing - PS mailed out some sail info for you to look at for the Seabreeze.

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:26 pm

hey, a three-pronged gear puller! schmancy!

bcooke · Post by **bcooke** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:29 pm

I discovered during and after this process that many more of the ribs had damage than previously expected...

But you were not really surprised were you?...

The good news is that you didn't write about any cracked planks which is a plus. I bet with some rib material cut up, a steamer steaming away, and a couple of helper grunts you could make short work of those ribs. I have seen two/three people working together manage to bang in one rib right after another without any pausing or delays. You can do an awful lot of ribs in a day that way.

I trust Nathan to pick out a good Maine microbrew that would solicit my help :-)

Looks good.

-Britton

Post by **dasein668** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:06 pm

bcooke wrote:I have seen two/three people working together manage to bang in one rib right after another without any pausing or delays. You can do an awful lot of ribs in a day that way.

I trust Nathan to pick out a good Maine microbrew that would solicit my help :-)

Did I just get volunteered for something?

And yes, I can get the right micro for you... though I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that my favorite beer 'taint from Maine.

xroyal · Post by **xroyal** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:23 pm

Tim, grab Britton and Nathan, if you can catch him, before they get away.

That old beauty looks a handful at this point.

Having much fun lurking about the various threads hoping some of the expertise rubs off on me (humor sure is). Thanks

bcooke · Post by **bcooke** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 9:38 am

Well, replacing those ribs are well within Tim's ability alone; only it goes much much faster with some teamwork. Of course you need some quality help to pull it off and I am not sure I could guarantee that :-)

Nathan wrote:Did I just get volunteered for something?

Volunteered to bring the beer at least.

-Britton

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 10:21 am

I have asbestos hands.

Post by **Tim** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 1:03 pm

Cool. Sounds like I have a willing (well, mostly, anyway) group of New England boat nerd volunteers to help me out!

It's a party. I'll provide the food, the white oak, and the steambox. No question that extra hands are helpful when steam-bending ribs.

But it may be a little while now. House construction is suddenly beginning for real, so my days of work on the Lyman have once again screeched to a halt.

Post by **Tim** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 1:08 pm

Figment wrote:hey, a three-pronged gear puller! schmancy!

Only China's finest from Northern Tool for me!

Post by **dasein668** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 1:14 pm

Tim wrote:Cool. Sounds like I have a willing (well, mostly, anyway) group of New England boat nerd volunteers to help me out!

Just as long as Britton brings along some do-nuts...

Tim wrote:But it may be a little while now. House construction is suddenly beginning for real, so my days of work on the Lyman have once again screeched to a halt.

So I guess you won't be spending the 17th out on the water then, huh? ;-P