Good God; I should have known better.

August 8, 2010
So, here goes my attempt at a blog on the rebuilding of our 1933 Alden cutter. I just started digging in and found more than I had hoped, but am far from surprised. I knew the sternpost was coming out due to a well intentioned, but inexperienced former owner. But after pulling the garboards and broad strakes I found that I'll have the joy of replacing the keel and some frame ends. Awesome. Well, at least I get to pull the keelbolts I was having some doubts some doubts about.
A little about the boat first. She is a John Alden design. Number 521 if you happen to own the book. Launched in 1933 in Cleveland, Ohio by N. Philpot and originally named Lady Ruth. Until we purchased her last year, she had spent her entire life on the Great Lakes as far as I can tell. A local guy here in Maine purchased her and trucked her over, only too find the boat was more than he could take on, so know shes with us. She measures 26'3" length over the rail, 8'7" beam, draws 4'6", and displaces 13,000lbs. I know, she's a bit tubby. Ballast is 4500lbs exterior iron, and 1500lbs lead pigs inside. Sail area is around 500sq/ft. She still has the original Grey 4-20 gasoline engine which we'll more than likely replace with diesel. And yes, I've already had the gas/diesel debate and my mind is set. Both insurance and a wood stove less than five feet from 35 gallons of gas decided that. So thats about it for the boat. I'll apologize now for what will be a scattered blog. I'll try to update and post photos as I can. As well as describe the process of the restoration as I go. Hopefully I'll get some of the drawings up on here as well.
As I said earlier. I really sust started in on the project by pulling the garboards and broadstrakes (the lowest two planks on either side) to get a look at the keel and sternpost where it mates up. Now that that can of decomposition has been opened I know whats ahead for the Fall and Winter. Sternpost, keel, deadwood, maybe the forefoot, some frame ends, and a few floors. I already tore out what remained of the cockpit in anticipation of pulling the old engine. Sitting in the original cockpit, you could barely see over the bow. Since we anticipate doing more cruising in this boat, well get rid of the sunken cockpit and thwarts and have a smaller footwell and sit on the deck. Still, with a coaming surround. Well, I'm about to head to the boat and work. I'll take some photos and try to get them up within the week.