Review of 2018

Work has progressed on ‘Shamrock’ during 2018 and the tasks undertaken are described here in no particular order.

• All ribs were checked, these were repaired or renewed as required. The rot found in sections of beamshelf was cut out and replacement sections fitted.
• A number of lodging knees were found to be missing and these were renewed the remaining knees being repaired or replaced.
• The work carried out on the beams and beam shelves necessitated the removal of the Starboard side hanging knees, these were moved to the boat shed to be stripped and painted and have been refitted. 
• The Sluice pump, Windless, Deck Winch and main mast tabernacle have also been removed to the boat shed. 
• All deck planks were removed and the new planks are on site and ready to be planed and fitted. 
• The after deckhouse and fore skylight combings have been removed.
• The Transom, Sternpost, Warping Horse, the aft deadwood and aft deck shelf have all been renewed. In addition, the aft deck shelf has been extended around the Warping Horse and Deadwood thereby providing the stern section with extra strength.
• Delivery was taken of a new set of sails for Shamrock which have been made from ‘clipper tan’ canvas and are stowed in the boat shed awaiting fitting.
• Both of the masts and the associated booms and gaffs, have been stripped of varnish and given a coat of ‘Woodskin’.
• Forward end of the cargo hatch coaming has been removed and will be replaced. 
• Five of Shamrock's beams have been renewed with an extra beam added to the fore deck, thus providing extra strength and will allow for Shamrock's deck winch to be bolted through the deck and a beam at both ends. Partner beams have also been fitted to the aftermost beam.
• New Oak sheer strakes have been cut, shaped and fitted. Replacement hull planks have been fitted up to the last strake, this will be fitted once the bulwark stanchions are renewed. All beams and frame ends have been ‘faired’ to the sheer line.
• The old bulwark stanchions have been put back, along with a temporary ribbon rail, as a template for the next stage of replacement.

During the summer Shamrock looked a bit of a mess but since the transom was renewed and the sheer strakes fitted she has been gradually taking on her old shape.

Beams & Knees

Shamrock's conservation work has been progressing well over the past few weeks with the following oak items cut fashioned and fitted.

• Forward cargo hatch coaming main beam.
• Extra forward beam. While not only providing extra strength this will also allow Shamrock's deck winch to be bolted through the deck and a beam at both ends. It was originally bolted through the deck and beam at one end with the other end through the deck and a loose reinforcing plank beneath.
• One aft beam. 
• Aft deck shelf.
• Aft deck shelf extended around warping horse and deadwood. This will prevent the deck moving around the deadwood and warping horse uprights helping to maintain a watertight seal.
• Transom knees.
• Aft beam knees.

A total of four beams ended up being cut from the naturally curved oak tree originally acquired for the main beam.

New aft beam.

New forward beams.

Aft deck shelf and extension.

New knees.

New Beams

The shaping, steaming and temporary clamping into place of the last section of starboard beamshelf has enabled the cutting and temporary fitting of Shamrock's aftermost deck beam. To get the correct deck camber a plywood template has been produced taking the curve from her cargo hatch after beam. Two partner beams have also been cut with tenons at one end that are to be mortised into the new beam while the other ends are to be bolted to the new deadwood adding extra rigidity to Shamrock's stern. Sections for her after deck shelf have been temporarily fitted to the transom and one of the forward beams that needs replacing has been cut and shaped ready for fitting. These new sections will need to be removed and given a protective coating before they are finally bolted in place.

Last section of beamshelf

Josh beam shaping.

New aft beam in position.

Partner beams.

Deck shelf.

New forward beam.