A Piece of south Jersey history has landed. Updated 9-25

jode hillman

jode hillman

Well-known member
Another piece of south Jersey history landed in the shop tonight. A 16' cedar framed and planked railbird Skiff. Believed to have originated in the Cape May area, Gracefully bent planks and original framed stern drawer are a few of the highlights of this boat. Bottom planks are grooved and fitted with a copper tongue between them. Plans are for a restoration on the exterior make water tight, but the 100 year old interior patina will be left as is! Stay tuned for updates. A real treat on my birthday!

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Do you think it tips the century mark by much? Are you going to address the mold issue in the interior?
 
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Good morning, Jode - and Happy Birthdate!

What a great vessel! All those details - and obviously fine workmanship - are sublime. I am glad it found its way to your shop.

I'll be watching intently.

(Is that a Walker-Turner drill press?)

All the best,

SJS

 
RLLigman said:
Do you think it tips the century mark by much? Are you going to address the mold issue in the interior?
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RL, I believe she was made sometime soon after WW1. So she's getting close. She is fasterned with a mix of galvinized straight screws and bronze nails. I plan to clean the inside w water and light bleach solution, then coat with turp and linseed oil.
 
Steve Sanford said:
Good morning, Jode - and Happy Birthdate!

What a great vessel! All those details - and obviously fine workmanship - are sublime. I am glad it found its way to your shop.

I'll be watching intently.

(Is that a Walker-Turner drill press?)

All the best,

SJS
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Thanks Steve. She's a neat one, but s labor of love for sure.

Yes good eye! It is an old walker turner!
 
Happy Birthday Jode and great present! I wish more people understood the value of salvaging these treasures. I spend some time driving the back roads of Burlington County so if you're looking for something in particular let me know and I'll keep an eye out. Good luck!
 
Jode

Happy Birthday.

I can almost smell the "aroma" of the marsh and old wood from here.

Look forward to seeing your restoration progress on another piece of history.

Best regards
VP
 
Happy Birthdate as Steve put it! and awesome boat and shop!! I too look forward to watching and learning a few things in your upcoming love commitment!
 
Why the copper tongue between bottom planks? Is it to ensure water tightness or something else? I can only imagine how much work went into getting that right.

Mark
 
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My guess is to stop/reduce deterioration of the wood. Cedar roofing is sometimes applied with layers of copper flashing for that purpose. Keeps the wood looking new.

I will be watching this with interest to see what the boat-builders have to say about it ...
 
Mark W said:
Why the copper tongue between bottom planks? Is it to ensure water tightness or something else? I can only imagine how much work went into getting that right.

Mark
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Mark, my guess is to keep the planks in alignment as the expand and contract during the year. The seams were also fill with a material that has become hard and black. Maybe some kind of tar or pitch?
 
Thanks all for the birthday wishes.

Bob I'm always looking for neat out of the ordinary stuff. Not sure what until I see it!
 
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