Boatshop Blog

Work on the Galbraith launch continues as we moved the engine in to position.  The day was spent aligning the engine with the propeller shaft, not an easy task!

  Putting the boat on a moveable cradle really helps with this step.

Using a chain fall allows one person to easily lift the more than 700lb engine.

Lowering the engine into place doesn’t need to be difficult, as long as you do it slowly.  

Getting into all the nooks and crannies to paint a lapstrake boat can be tricky with just a paintbrush, so we decided to employ the services of a volunteer’s spray gun. Because the boatshop is now so well insulated and airtight, we needed to use an outside air supply for breathing. Luckily we decided to paint a similar color as the original, so the paint went on nicely with two thin coats.

Before we can begin sanding and preparing for the new paint job, all the dirt, grease and grime need to be removed.  A gentle cleaning solution works well with a garden spray jug.  It’s amazing what a bit of scrubbing can do.  Once the interior is free of dirt each frame bay will be sanded to prepare the surface for enamel paint.







We’ve been working on this donated powerboat for most of the winter, and the varnishing of its mahogany is underway.  Once the wood is sealed we’ll begin painting the interior and putting all the parts and pieces back inside.  From the scant information available we know she was built in the 1950’s in Keyport, New Jersey by the C.C Galbraith and Son company.  Her power is a Gray Marine 106hp six cylinder gas engine, which we are rebuilding.