Hello from the Hammond shop for our final update on Felicity Ann‘s restoration for Summer 2015! The last month of the quarter was a big one for the FA team. Two more students joined the project so we were able to make a lot of progress on both the hull and deck structure.

Planking is almost complete on the Felicity Ann

The two major additions to our deck structure in June were four purple heart lodging knees in the forward deck and the construction and fastening of covering boards. While Felicity Ann already had hanging knees bracing the deck, the lodging knees are a new addition to add extra strength to the deck structure and prevent racking. We already notice a huge difference in stability with just the lodging knees, so once the hanging knees are replaced, FA will be a sturdy ship indeed!

Covering board installed

The covering boards we installed this month are made of cedar and run the length of where the housetop will be installed. They rest on top of the carlin and spur beams we installed earlier this year and are fastened with a water tight seal to the sheer strake. Which brings us to our next big milestone in the Felicity Ann restoration…

Spiling sheer plank

We have a sheer strake! Not only that, we’ve completely planked up the boat aside from one shutter plank on either side. This has allowed us to begin fairing the hull, and her beautiful lines are finally starting to show. The general consensus among the shop has been “Wow, she’s really starting to look like a boat again!”

-Jo