Follow the restoration process
The restoration process is now in high gear. The Niagara Frontier Chapter has joined forces with the Buffalo Maritime Center and has relocated our restoration shop from the previous facility at Rich Marine to the Maritime Center. The Maritime Center has state of the art woodworking equipment and a full time boatwright to guide in the restoration process. The saying: "It takes a village to raise a child" is also true for the restoration of the Liggett. In fact many individuals at the center have taken an active interest and involvement in the project. Each selecting tasks they have interest and expertise in doing.
Roger Allen - Buffalo Maritime Center Director, is providing guidance in the restoration plan.
What has been done since the boat was moved to the center:
1. Engine removed and compartment cleared. This included the removal of the ice box refrigeration condensor, exhaust pipe, and muffler.
2. Leveling of the boat in its new location
3. Clearing of the aft cabin and deck area. Including removal of old fittings.
4. Removal of rudder and steering gear.
5. Removal of stern frames.
6. Removal of floor frames and gas tank supports.
NOTE: All of the above was necessary to get at 9' of the keel that needs to be replaced.
7. The 2 garboard bottom planks on either side of the keel have been removed to free the keel for removal and replacement. The planks each had 2 copper rivets per frame as well as being nailed with copper nails to the keel. All floor frames were riveted to the adjoining frame as well as nailed through the bottom. The nail and rivet construction made for a systematic and easy removal process. Much easier than past experience in working with broken and stripped screws. The rivet process has kept the boat held together tightly. I found this to be impressive for a boat of its age!
Roger Allen - Buffalo Maritime Center Director, is providing guidance in the restoration plan.
What has been done since the boat was moved to the center:
1. Engine removed and compartment cleared. This included the removal of the ice box refrigeration condensor, exhaust pipe, and muffler.
2. Leveling of the boat in its new location
3. Clearing of the aft cabin and deck area. Including removal of old fittings.
4. Removal of rudder and steering gear.
5. Removal of stern frames.
6. Removal of floor frames and gas tank supports.
NOTE: All of the above was necessary to get at 9' of the keel that needs to be replaced.
7. The 2 garboard bottom planks on either side of the keel have been removed to free the keel for removal and replacement. The planks each had 2 copper rivets per frame as well as being nailed with copper nails to the keel. All floor frames were riveted to the adjoining frame as well as nailed through the bottom. The nail and rivet construction made for a systematic and easy removal process. Much easier than past experience in working with broken and stripped screws. The rivet process has kept the boat held together tightly. I found this to be impressive for a boat of its age!