Preview: Restoring a Herreshoff Fishers Island 31, Part 3: The Transom

A new steam-bent oak transom and keel timber have been made and installed since my last posting and you can see the major steps of the transom replacement here. The still upside-down hull looks lovely as I write this, after being smoothed up, undercoated, and given shiny black topsides and a white boot top. I’ll cover other elements of this restoration soon. For OCH members new to this project, the boat is named WIZARD and is being restored by Brion Rieff. Be sure to check out our earlier posting here.

THE NEW TRANSOM

  transom frame fit The old transom was removed intact to preserve its shape and to use as a rough pattern for the new one. Most of the transom frame (hackmatack cheeks and oak blocking) were OK for reuse after minor repair. Here, Mike Moros has reinstalled the cheeks and has made a light plywood pattern representing both the transom’s radius and its top edge camber. It wil also temporarily support some of the pieces of the new transom frame.

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4 Responses So Far to “Restoring a Herreshoff Fishers Island 31, Part 3: The Transom

  • Avatar

    ron godwin says:

    This photographic description of the reconstruction is brief, precise and clear, also you managed to edit out the swear words in the keel video.

    An awesome boat, inspiring workmanship, we still have it!!

    Ron Godwin Brisbane Australia

  • David Tew

    David Tew says:

    Does the transom frame have limber holes along the lower edge where it mates against the planking? I’d think that would be a dirt/rot pocket if not, but since it’s lasted this long I guess not!! :D

    • Avatar

      Maynard Bray says:

      Hi Dave, There are no limber holes as such, but there’s drainage where the cheeks butt against the transom knee, so water never seems to collect. I’ve looked at lots of Herreshoff transoms built like this and have never seen trouble in this area. Hope this answers your question.