hull splinning

[steve pilot 35]

Hello there,im interested in your opinionon on my hull, i have just purchased a 1956 sloop pilot 35, designed by Sparkman & Stephens built by Hinckley, mahogany planks on oak ribs, on her port side she has 8 soft ribs which i think was caused by the shower draining into the bildge, the method that has been sugested to me is scarf new ribs,all these rib are soft for the first foot under the bronze floors, steam bending is not a worry but having all these ribs joined in the same line does, will this make a hard spot, the scarfs are 12' long, should i place a sister beside every second one that is much longer, the planking is in very goon condition, should i splin under the water or stick with the okum, which has worked just fine in the last 48 years, as this is my fist yacht, and what seems to be a unique boat all comments would be greatful.
Thankyou steve

[Bob Cleek]

I know you are down in Oz, but if the phone is too costly, I'd bet you can raise Hinkley by e-mail. Ask them. I'll bet a buck they tell you to replace the frames and NOT to try to put splines in the plank. If the frames are shot under the bronze floors, you will likely have to pull the floors and rebed everything anyhow. At that point, you may as well do it right and put in new frames, laminated in place or steamed, whatever. There is NO point in "sistering" a rotten frame. The rot's still there when you're done. If the frames are shot, but still holding their shape, there really should be no need to recaulk. If you work carefully, you should be able to use the same plank fastening holes. Do one at a time rather than pulling them all out at once and she should hold up fine. Yours is too fine a boat to muck up with sloppy workmanship. Get in touch with Hinkley. I hear they are helpful and most yards are very eager to help anyone who has one of their boats. They don't want their work to go to pot and tarnish their reputations.

[ 09-13-2005, 08:58 PM: Message edited by: Bob Cleek ]