MASB 32

Second World War 63ft MASB which has been shiped from the med to lowestoft for us to work on.

MASB 32 on arrival at Lowestoft

Here is a picture of the vessel prior to being lifted into the water for the short journey to our yard

Now in the shed

having now been slipped and washed off MASB 32 is hauled into the workshop where she will undergo work on the hull planking.

Plank Removal

Starboard side planking being removed to gain access to the damaged chine timber

Plank removal

Port side undergoing the same treatment, outer planking being removed to reveal damaged second layer.

Repairs

Here we can see the damaged caused when the boat was lifted, the chine having been broken behind the planking along with frames.

Starboard side repairs

another shot of the extent of plank removal required to gain access to the damaged chine, not only has the outer planking above got to be removed but the inner planking has to be released. Then the planking below the chine has to be released so that the chine timber can be removed. For obvious reasons the chine timber can not be removed from inside the vessel as all the frames are fitted over it.

Starboard side repairs

The plank removal will also mean that the planks will be cut back to a point where the staggers in the butts is such that they meet required standards of construction. These boats rely on long planks over lapping each other with any joins and or scarf joints not appearing close to each other as this creates a week point which will eventually cause hull failure.

Starboard side repairs

In this picture you can see the damage caused to the frame below the chine, this frame runs down to the keel and now needs removing.

Starboard side repairs

This photograph shows now that the planks have been released the chine timber can be removed, the shape if this timber is clearly shown and is the reason why some much has to be done to get it out.

Starboard side repairs

The full extent of the removal work on the starboard hull side

Starboard side repairs

Now we extend our efforts to the area below the chine rail where the planking was also damaged.

Starboard side repairs

new chine timber being fitted

Starboard side repairs

Looking aft with scarfed join visible right hand side at clamp

Materials

Just the matter of a little mahogany for the repairs, all cut to 3/4" boards and supplied by J. B. Timber of North Cave, East Yorkshire, and very nice timber it is.

port side repairs

Now the inner planking is being replaced with the new mahogany planking and initially screwed to the frames whilst awaiting the outer skin.

Starboard side repairs

Plywood gussets being replaced where the frames were replaced, these hold the two separate frames together, those below the chine and those above, they are also drilled out as per the original spec to save weight and increase strength.

inner planking being replaced, initially this is screwed to the frames but will obviously be copper nailed to the outer skin when this is applied.

Calico covering

here you can see that the calico cloth has been overlaid the inner planking which is now completed. Once the cloth is tacked in place it is covered with linseed oil and varnish mix which firstly makes it see through and most importantly waterproof.

applying calico and linseed/varnish mix

MASB 32

Starboard side outer planking going on

MASB 32

port side planking being shaped and ready to fit

port side repairs

in this picture you can see the pencil lines drawn onto the outer blanking show us where the frames and diagonal timbers are. At present the planking is screwed to these, the area between frames and diagonals is where copper nails need to go. This stops the planking from curling or "cupping" away from each other and also makes this construction a totally riveted structure.

MASB 32

Starboard side nearing completion, all planks at present are screwed to the frames and diagonals. Following on from this we will be completing the fastening by copper nailing between frames so that each plank is nailed and roved to each other.

MASB 32

This shot shows the shape of the hull and the closeness of the seams between planks.

port side repairs completed just the copper nailing to do.

MASB 32

Now the job of nailing or "riveting" the planks together, each copper nail has a rove fitted on the in side of the hull, the nail is then cut to length and using a ball pein hammer the nail is peined over. This makes a riveted joint which will take some movement with out coming loose or falling out.

MASB 32

Her we have the actual nails and roves we are using.

Starboard side repairs now completed and primer coat applied, just the chin and rubbing rails finish.

Port side is also just awaiting the chine rail fitted.

starboard side now completed and awaiting removal of scaffolding

port side completed and hull ant fouled ready for launching on Friday 14th december

finishing touches to the rubbing stake and deck edge

Launch day

MASB 32 back where she belongs

along side on the pontoon mooring, and after a short stay has now been moved to her owners mooring in Norfolk. This vessel should return next year for further works to be carried out.