News Letter
The Beacon Sloop Club (Restoration)
During the winter of 2008 into the spring of 2009 the major restoration efforts were focused on rebuild the center board trunk, caulking the hull and replace the batteries. The total cost of these projects was in the $40,000 range.
A contract for a professional shipwright to rebuild the centerboard trunk with a projected cost of $28,566 was completed first. This work was done by Rondout Woodworking, Inc. of Saugerties, NY and was overseen by James Kricker. Jim was one of the original builders of the Woody. You can see Jim and his team at work in the photos under the Centerboard Trunk Images link on this page.
The Woody uses an Elco electric motor for propulsion on long transits, no air sails, and to come in and out of harbor or tight docks. The 72 volt system is powered by 12 AGM-type batteries. This stands for absorbed glass mat, a type of battery with great safety and endurance. The old batteries were 10 years old and were failing. In a system of this type it is far better to replace all batteries as one weak one can cause the others to fail rapidly. The batteries were replaced and the motor is working great!
We also had some problems with the motor controller but with a complete rewiring of the system we were able to resolve the issue.
Pending projects: The Woody's topmast is in need of replacement along with the cabin top and seat benches. Oh the joys of a wooden boat. But come for a free sail and you'll find its all worth it.
A contract for a professional shipwright to rebuild the centerboard trunk with a projected cost of $28,566 was completed first. This work was done by Rondout Woodworking, Inc. of Saugerties, NY and was overseen by James Kricker. Jim was one of the original builders of the Woody. You can see Jim and his team at work in the photos under the Centerboard Trunk Images link on this page.
The Woody uses an Elco electric motor for propulsion on long transits, no air sails, and to come in and out of harbor or tight docks. The 72 volt system is powered by 12 AGM-type batteries. This stands for absorbed glass mat, a type of battery with great safety and endurance. The old batteries were 10 years old and were failing. In a system of this type it is far better to replace all batteries as one weak one can cause the others to fail rapidly. The batteries were replaced and the motor is working great!
We also had some problems with the motor controller but with a complete rewiring of the system we were able to resolve the issue.
Pending projects: The Woody's topmast is in need of replacement along with the cabin top and seat benches. Oh the joys of a wooden boat. But come for a free sail and you'll find its all worth it.
