walter.hobbs Posted October 9, 2019 Share #1 Posted October 9, 2019 I'm starting to restore a "pond yacht". It was reportedly built by my father but it is nicely done and I never saw him build anything that would require this level of skill. Guessing it was built in the 30s, he would have been a teen. I thought it was scratch built but perhaps it was a kit. Hull and deck are intact, sloop rig needs gooseneck, boom, and jib boom. I plan to repaint the hull, the deck was varnished (shellaced?) my question is should I refinish it bright or leave the patina? I also need sails. I have the originals but they are only good for patterns. Is there someone who makes custom sails? Approx. Specs. LOA 41 inches, LWL 27 inches, mast 57 inches. Modified fin keel. Thanks for your help, Walter Hobbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Cleek Posted November 1, 2019 Share #2 Posted November 1, 2019 (edited) The value of most pond yachts built ninety years ago would be severely impaired by repainting and refinishing. It's all about the patina acquired over the years. If one "restores" an antique to 'like new" condition, it's not going to be worth much more than what a new one would cost. Edited November 2, 2019 by Bob Cleek mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaager Posted November 3, 2019 Share #3 Posted November 3, 2019 (edited) If spars are missing, or too damaged to repair, fix that. Do it in a way that matches. I totally agree with Bob, refinishing is not the wise choice. If this model was ever intended to sail in an actual pond, it is not probable that shellac was used as a clear finish final coat anywhere on it. Shellac loves water. It loves it so much that it grabs it and turns white. In the 1930's a water proof clear finish would be vanish. Traditional varnish - boiled linseed oil cooked with shellac in mineral spirits or terp. Carefully remove any dirt and muck condensed on it from the its environment - look up restoration cleaning methods. Give it a home that protects it from dust and temporary gaseous goo like tobacco smoke and frying oils. If something bright and shiny for you to sail is your original goal, I suggest that you leave the old girl in her retirement and build a new one yourself. Edited November 3, 2019 by Jaager polishing mtaylor 1 Quote NRG member 45 years Current: HMS Centurion 1732 - 60-gun 4th rate - Navall Timber framing HMS Beagle 1831 refiit 10-gun brig with a small mizzen - Navall (ish) Timber framing The U.S. Ex. Ex. 1838-1842 Flying Fish 1838 pilot schooner - framed - ready for stern timbers Porpose II 1836 brigantine/brig - framed - ready for hawse and stern timbers Vincennes 1825 Sloop-of-War - timbers assembled, need shaping Peacock 1828 Sloop-of -War - timbers ready for assembly Sea Gull 1838 pilot schooner - timbers ready for assembly Relief 1835 ship - timbers ready for assembly Other Portsmouth 1843 Sloop-of-War - timbers ready for assembly Le Commerce de Marseilles 1788 118 cannons - framed La Renommee 1744 Frigate - framed - ready for hawse and stern timbers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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