Time to replace the cockpit decking in the 1980 Drascombe Lugger. The deck was replaced years ago and is starting to crack.
We selected cypress because it is rot resistant and Wilson Lumber runs a cypress sawmill in nearby Milton, FL.
All the cypress gets used, as lumber, mulch, sawdust or shavings
The lumber is stacked to dry
I wanted 10 foot boards, the longest piece needed is just under 9 feet. They had more number 1 grade available in in 12 footers, so I had them cut 2 feet off the end, that way they'd fit in the van.
Looks like I got some trailer guides for the ODay trailer from Eddie English while I was in Milton
Going to replace the port side first
Bilge is not in too bad a shape, just a few 14 year old leaves from Yuma, AZ
Laid the pieces out for the port side
Flipped the sole over and lined it up with the cypress. Turns out the 2 foot pieces match up perfectly for the part that wraps the centerboard trunk. Used a pencil to trace profile onto cypress
Used a jigsaw to trim pieces to size and palm sander to round edges
Measured widths and length of cross members to transfer over to scrap pieces. Used a square with ruler dialed in to scribe new backers
Cut backers and laid them out to match old sole
Use brass screws instead of nails, matched nailing pattern. Also drilled pilot holes
Dry fit the cypress sole
Sun going down, skeeters inbound. Next I'll put top screws and pick out a protective finish, Lugger lives in garage when not sailing, leaning towards a marine spar varnish for now
Skipped the varnish and sprayed on a coat of Minwax Polycrylic, it is a water based finish. It should be good for the light use that the boat gets, easy to apply. Once it wears off we will probably just oil the cypress and let it age naturally.
