Victoria the Tender Gets Some TLC

In the latest episode of Acorn to Arabella, we return to where it all began for Steve and his wooden boat, Arabella. This time however the focus is on Victoria, the tender, which has been a reliable companion on their journey.

Over the past five weeks, while caring for his mother, Steve has also been working on much-needed repairs and improvements to Victoria. This is a nice reminder of the importance of routine maintenance (and how to do it), especially when a boat is used as hard as Victoria has been over the past year.

The repairs to Victoria primarily involved addressing wear and tear along the keel, which had endured the rigors of daily use, including being run up on rocky beaches and loaded with gear and dogs. Steve emphasizes that the issues are not due to poor craftsmanship from the original builder, Bob Emser, but rather the natural outcome of using a wooden boat intensively. The episode provides a detailed walkthrough of the repairs, which include removing damaged fiberglass, allowing the wood to dry, and then applying new layers of fiberglass reinforced with High Performance Epoxy. This process, while meticulous, ensures that Victoria is not only seaworthy but also protected against future wear.

One of the standout products featured in this episode is as mentioned above, High Performance Epoxy. Steve demonstrates how this epoxy plays a crucial role in sealing and reinforcing Victoria's hull, ensuring a strong bond between the new fiberglass and the wooden structure. The use of epoxy is particularly important in areas where the wood has moved or expanded, creating gaps that need to be filled and reinforced. By overlapping the fiberglass onto the mahogany and ensuring a thorough bond, Steve can restore the integrity of the hull, preparing Victoria for more adventures on the water.

In addition to the epoxy, Steve also uses TotalBoat’s TotalProtect Epoxy Primer. This product is essential for preparing the hull before applying the final coats of paint. The primer not only provides a solid base for the topcoat but also helps to smooth out any imperfections in the fiberglass, making the final paint job more durable and visually appealing. Steve highlights the ease of use with TotalProtect, noting how it allows for multiple coats to be applied in quick succession, which is a significant time-saver during the repair process.

Another challenge tackled in this episode is the mounting of fenders around Victoria's shear. To ensure these fenders are securely attached and capable of withstanding the stresses of docking and rough conditions, Steve uses TotalBoat’s Thixo Fast Cure. By drilling oversized holes, filling them with Thixo, and then drilling again through the cured epoxy, Steve creates a robust attachment point that will prevent water intrusion and potential damage to the cedar hull. This method not only secures the fenders but also adds a layer of protection against the elements, ensuring that Victoria remains in top condition.

Before the final step of applying paint, Steve does a skim coat with TotalFair Epoxy Fairing Compound on the top sides and most of the bottom to ensure a super smooth surface. He states that fairing compound will sand better than the epoxy primer, which will mean less sanding in the next step before paint is applied.

As the episode progresses, you get to see the transformation of Victoria as she is prepped for her next sailing adventure. Steve and his sister apply several coats of topcoat paint, using TotalBoat’s Wet Edge Topside Paint, which provides a glossy, durable finish that is both protective and visually appealing. The careful application of this paint, along with TotalTread Non-Skid Marine Deck Paint on the seats and sole, ensures that Victoria is not only beautiful but also safe and functional for future voyages.

The episode concludes with Victoria taking to the water once again, her repairs complete and her rigging restored. Steve expresses his excitement about having the sailing rig back in action, looking forward to the many small adventures that await. With the support of TotalBoat products, Victoria is not just a tender; she is a fully capable boat, ready to explore new waters. Victoria’s facelift serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and caring for wooden boats, ensuring they remain seaworthy and ready for the next chapter in their journey.