The first frames were set up today and are drying overnight. The white oak, about 3.5 cubic metres of it, is arriving tomorrow and things should take off at a fairly rapid pace as all is prepared for the production of frames, deck beams and floors. We have worked out that about 32 pairs of frames will have to be replaced out of the 42 pairs total and this represents 76%. I was hoping to save more, but on closer inspection, most are too far gone to be worth taking the risk. 99% of the deck beams will be replaced except the one with official number carved into it. This one will be restored somehow and be refitted to its' rightful place. Also most of the floors will have to be renewed.
I have been dividing my time between the office and the workshop floor and have made good head way with the steering system and rudder hangings. I now know exactly what has to be machined to return it to top condition. I have also done a study of the electrical requirements and am quite interested in the idea of Lithium Ion batteries for both the weight savings and their longevity. On the downside, they are expensive so I may have to steal the money from somewhere else in the budget to offset the additional cost.

Jono