Cutting Rosie's Keel

Marc and the shipwright apprentices got the chain saw working yesterday, and were able to remove part of Rosie's keel as part of her restoration. You can watch it all unfold right here at the Museum - harborside near the lighthouse.




Marc has his two apprentices on either side, helping to guide how far to go with the chainsaw

The wood still looks pretty solid in the middle. Above is a peek at Rosie's aft cabin, which is surprisingly in good shape

It's all a learning process for the apprentices and our shipwrights. Shipwrights must be smart, creative problem solvers....and remain flexible in their plans of historic boat restoration.

AFAD busy with 2 Smith Island Skiffs and a Rushton

Casey balances hard cherry as Bill concentrates on Rushton Oar shape

John, Mack & Jeff check out Smith Island Skiff # 1 with Dan out in the April sun

Casey uses hand plane on edge of Rushton rowboat oar

Casey continues to work plane on Oar while Bill works on Rushton deck channels.

Doc John, Mack, Jeff & John work on Smith Island Skiff as Dan provides advice from top of tool box.

One plank of hard cherry will be two oars for the Rushton Florida model rowboat. Look above to see how it was shaped.

Richard at bow on portside, Henry, Frank, John, Michael, Bob, Sam, Dan work to help SIS #1 off the platform onto its new trailer.. Get the engine & other items finalized...

SISkiff #1 goes out to launch & SIS #2 will settle back for final work. Two ships passing during daylight.

Skipjack Rosie Parks Restoration Project Officially Started!

The Skipjack Rosie Parks Restoration project has officially began. This privately-funded, three-year restoration project will be done completely in view of the public. Stop by periodically and see Rosie's progress!

Marc and his apprentices discuss the plan on getting the rudder off safely and intact.

Oh the stories this rudder could tell from its history in the Chesapeake's waters. Thanks to generous donors and the work of CBMM's shipwrights, apprentices and volunteers, Rosie will get a new rudder through the restoration process, and will be back in the waters for new stories to unfold

The rudder was dropped just an inch from the ground, thanks to the precision work of our shipwrights, apprentices and volunteers.

The rudder will be on display as the restoration continues.

Smith Island Skiff gets a cabin

John checks cabin height as Doc. John peers through the "window"

Cabin design

Considering the side profile

Model making

Top view of the model

Mack cuts the plugs off the coaming

Cleaning up the coaming

Mack, his dad John & Dan working the angles

Doc John figures out an angle on the chop saw