Port Townsend Shipwrights Co-Op Blog

The Schooner Martha

January 17, 2012

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Schooner Martha, the oldest operating sailboat in Washington, is hauled out at the Shipwright’s Co-op for a Ballast Keel Replacement.  The Schooner Martha Foundation received a historic preservation grant and donations to make this exciting project possible.  Dave Grizwald made the pattern for the new keel and Robert d’Arcy’s crew began carving into the large solid sepele timber last week using traditional handwork.   The keel will be two feet deep, with complex curves and notches.   A lead ballast will be installed the full length of the keel.  The mold for the ballast was poured at the Northwest Maritime Center.  To see more photographs and some videos, visit Martha’s website.

Martha's Ballast Keel Replacement

Sepele Timber that will become the new keel.

Martha's Ballast Keel Replacement

Original keel bolts for ballast from 1907.

Martha's Ballast Keel Replacement

Doug Jones and Robert d’Arcy discussing the pattern for the rudder stock. The timber is purple heart.

Martha's Ballast Keel Replacement

Original 1907 timbers removed for restoration project.

Martha's Ballast Keel Replacement

Plywood pattern for the new keel.

Martha's Ballast Keel Replacement

The original centerboard slot will be filled and then topped with a purple heart timber.

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