A and R Way Boat Building

A & R Boatbuilding

My first contact with Adam was by telephone and after explaining who I was and that  he had been recommended.  I had a boat I would like him to look at. It quickly came to what type of boat.  Well it's old and wooden has a bit of fame to her name called Hatasoo!

"Well why did you not just say" "I know the boat, the MacGrouthers, the yard her history. Seen her at The Fife Regatta and at McKellars Slipway.  I know of her sisters Katydid and Fricka.  When can I come and see her?"

So in May 2023 Adam visited Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry to look over Hatasoo.  It is amazing that most of the timber is original to Hatasoo from the 1890's, but there is always a point when the good luck runs out.

Adam spent at least  2 hours looking over the hull a prod here a tap there and even though I had hoped for better I new she was in more major work than I could provide.  The planking has been refixed many times over the years and so many of the ends would need work.  The stem post even though it looks good from the outside, has rotted away inside, which explains why the planks keep popping.

We suspect when the transom was replaced it may the planking may have been shortened to find better wood, even so it has still been fixed to many times which means more planking repairs.

 

Inside Adam identified cracks to 12 sawn frames and also 8 steamed frames, that doesn't leave many intact!   The mast partner rotten repairs needed where the chain plates are fixed.  The deck would also need repairs and refixing.  "If only this was going to be the end of it"  I know many will be saying she is old and wooden...…

Decision made, time to arrange transport.

 A & R Way Boatbuilding

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