Today I managed to steam bend the oak buffalo rails that I built, around the rotting ones on the boat. The steam box was going for the planking crew on Adventure and all I had to do was put the oak in for about an hour and a half and then run the pieces to the dock before they cooled. I'd say the pieces weigh around 80# each and I booked it with the first one. Luckily,the big pieces of oak hold so much heat that the distance was not a problem. Later I tore out the samson post on the starbord side aft. When I kicked it chunks came off, and unfortunately the shingles around it's perimeter let in so much water that the deck beams bracing it are rotten.
A guy was looking at the Pike from the dock today and I figured he was a fisherman by his interest. I like when people don't hop right up and interrupt work. This guy was a seiner for 25 years and knew the Pike from loading it. He talked about feeling glad he was on the fishing end of things. In his estimation, the carriers had it rough with long hauls, bad weather, and having to chase the fish into coves where the smaller net boats could more easily go. He was very moved by the boat and also spoke of the sardine fishery as an untold story - an economic engine before lobsters. I got his contact information and I'm thinking of ways we can record stories from these guys.
I heard today that some of the museum folks have been surprised at the poor condition of the boat. I was told to get more shots after I fix something. I'm glad to hear all the rot photos made an impression. I was worried about sugar coating the realities of this boat to people who hadn't been on board. The Jacob Pike needs a rebuild and I absolutely think the boat deserves one. That said, we've done a lot mechanically and electrically to keep her chugging along. I can keep water out of the important places, keep the pilot house above the deck, give us some secure bits to tie off to, and make her look a little less tired. I think it's going well.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
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