Late in 2023, caulking the foredeck was underway.
By early April 2024 the caulking of the aftdeck was being completed.
The margin boards are being put through the thicknessing machine for uniformity and are being shaped to fit exactly in position. The deck photo shows the space where the margin boards will be fitted .
The lead ballast blocks, weighing 45 kgm each, are lifted up so that the timber beneath them can be cleaned, primed and painted. The ballast blocks are repositioned and fastened to the frames. The frames and ballast will be unsighted beneath the sole ( floor ) of the finished cabin.
The 2 whalebacks had been removed to allow the deck beams to be repaired, replaced etc. and for the decking to be laid. Most recently they have been refurbished, sanded and primed and painted.
Around mid 2021 the old decking had been removed to expose deck beams. The beams were repaired or replaced as needed. The 2 raised “frames” are for the whalebacks to be attached to. The round hole aft ( left ) is where the fore mast goes through the deck to be stepped to the keel.
Mid 2022 the whalebacks are in posiition when the decking commenced.
Work in progress.
Fixed in position with the new decking.
Most, if not all decking planks have been laid and the making and fitting of the king plank, margin boards and caulking the planks is progressing well. The following photos, taken last week, give an idea of the magnitude of the work involved in decking the ship.
All the joins in the margin boards are required to have precise gaps so that they can be caulked for a watertight seal.
The spacing between the deck planks has been routered for uniformity, hand sanded and and cleaned of debris before caulking commences.
Thanks again to Norm for the following update.
“Caulking the foredeck yesterday. It’s back breaking work! We are so fortunate to have a dedicated team to do these important tasks. Thanks Guys!
There was a team of volunteers adding a spacer tube into the gap first, then two shipwrights putting in the caulking like this. Using battery operated sausage guns.
Please note that the Shed will be closed for five weeks from today.
Looking forward to lots of you coming to see us in 2024. The Visitors Centre will be open from 10am on Thursdays from January 25th.”
Thanks to Norm Boreham for the following information and photos –
“Yesterday at the Shed – Long-time supporter of Alma Doepel David Wood, of Direct Power Generators, very kindly donated to our Restoration Director Dr Peter Harris OAM this fabulous 1940’s Henry Browne & Son Compass made for Proud’s. It is likely to be installed in the Captain’s cabin as an additional compass to the main one used at the helm. Thanks David! “
The following is a copy of a post on Alma Doepel facebook on 27th. November 2023
” 
Alma is back in the water and has been towed back to her berth in the docklands.
Special thanks to Bhagwan Marine for the assistance with the tow!!
Back to work on the restoration!
“
The following is a copy of a post on facebook today.
” 
Huge day today… we achieved:
Installation of bowsprit
Lifted on the anchor windlass on to the foredeck
Lifted and fitted fuel tanks
Towed the ship to the Victoria Dock Slipway for a hull clean and paint
Special thanks to PW Johnson Construction for the assistance! “
The 5 photos accompanied the facebook post showing the work in progress during the day – Monday 13th November 2023.
The two green manifolds that are part of the bilge water pumping system have been installed in the engine room. The plumbing of the pipes to various locations in the bilge has commenced. Any plumbing needs to have a watertight seal as it passes through any of the bulkheads. The manifolds are positioned centrally and close to the forward bulkhead of the engine room. Thanks to Ian for the photo to use.
During 2022, the 2 manifolds on the workbench being inspected, cleaned and painted ready for installing.
Alma Doepel Chronicles 