The Penguin restoration work started in early 2022 and is expected to continue until at least 2024/25.
The restoration started on the port side of the hull, the area showing the worst signs of rot. More decay and damage was exposed as we slowly removed old waterproof sheeting from the deck, stripped paint from the hull and hammered out the concrete ballast. Timber is being acquired for frames, knees, planks, decks and spars.
The restoration crew work every Tuesday and Thursday. Come and join us, or just come and say hello.
The following photographs are snapshots of our progress:
Recycled deck timber used for internal floors
John repurposing the old decking as flooring below
Sanding off frames
Roughing out the next plank
That rotten knee has gotta go - Part II
Some knees are beaut..but
Will not be easy accessing and replacing some of the frames
This offcut goes with that offcut on the Penguin
Starting on that stern quarter
Stern quarter - seven pieces of Oregon offcuts to replace one block
...and the planking
That beautiful stern
Heeling under the winds of progress
The Penguinos - come and say hello
Bolt removal
That stringer is in the way
Tom fitting a port plank
The Ballast Munchers
Initial trim of the main gaff
Inanimate Objects of the Penguin Restoration
Cutting new frames
Boss, can we get it out without removing the string
Work cover Feb 23
Repaired mizzen gaff
Portside stripping
Portside works
End of November 2022
The Penguinos November 22
Working cover attempt 2
Diving pump removal
Diving pump removal
Engine removal
Engine removal
Engine removal
Deck removal
Paint stripping goes on
A stripper on a mission
New shears
Russes dump puller
Paint stripping starts at bow
...and new shear
Portside frames and planks going in
End of August 2022
Planks
Planks
First plank fitting
First plank
First plank
Prep for first planks
Bolting new frame sets
Bow sprit repair
Bowsprit repair
Rear decking exposed
Old portside frames
Salvaged fixings
Stripping around prop
Paint stripping starts
New frames portside
Frame cutting
Shaping templates for frames
Port side frame repair
Out with the old samson post
Original decking exposed
Foredeck windlass removed
Work cover first attempt
Work cover first attempt
Rot first look
Windlass removal
First new timber
First new timber
Initial stern
Initial bow
Iinitial view