Restorations great and small
Those who sail regularly develop a strong affection for their vessel. They might moan about her quirks and shortcomings but should anyone agree they’ll stoutly claim she’s the most well-built, dependable craft one could ever wish for! So when the scrap heap beckons, it’s easy to understand the desire to restore the boat to her former glory. But this is also the time when the head and heart spin off in opposite directions.
In the 1990s, after my involvement in several successful restoration projects, I was undeservedly dubbed a champion of maritime heritage. Frequently, I was approached by owners seeking advice about their vessel, invariably described as ‘unique’, or ‘the last surviving aft-mizzen yawl (or whatever)’ or ‘a trip boat that’s given pleasure to thousands’.
Instead of offering an apologetic ‘no way’, I sent them to the local council instead, which had just granted a hefty sum to a worthless maritime project. At least the boat owner could be assured of a sympathetic ear… even though there would never be any more money.
Some tales were genuinely heartwrenching, but many made me wonder how anyone could be so naïve or inexperienced to even consider tackling such a restoration.
Some sad tales
One hopeful was John, a tax-inspector with no DIY skills or experience of boats. He’d just bought an 80-year-old, 30ft yacht that needed a complete restoration. It had a history, said John – although vague what that might be – but he was a cheerful person, so I agreed to take a look at the craft.
Laying on a desolate patch
