Ruth E., The Stegosaurus

Ruth E., the Stegosaurus

By Kate Preston, Student Ambassador for Boatbuilding & Restoration

I’d like to introduce you Ruth E. She is our Herreshoff 12 ½ originally built in 1937 by the HMCo in Bristol, RI. Hoping this is not too blunt of a statement but she is in serious disrepair, even after the numerous fixes evident after a survey. She sits twisted, crooked and falling apart inside restoration hall now as we prepare for a full restoration.

Can you say, “warped much?”

We started with the Nat Herreshoff’s notes and offsets, full lines drawing and construction drawing from HMCo, and a new set of lines plans from Mystic Seaport Museum. All of which don’t quite match up the way you’d like them too. Go figure. After deciphering all notes and old plans we made a set of our own and used these to start lofting.

We are slowly turning our lofting into a real physical boat! It’s a little magical watching it come to life after studying it in 2D for so long. We started with making a mold platform, so we could have a level surface to work with (which is a lot harder when the floor you’re on is always moving with the weight of each person’s step).

As a team of 6, we have split the tasks and people into separate tasks to get it all accomplished. While the floor was being prepped, we had others building the molds that Ruth E will eventually sit on, another person steam bent our oak stem (and you’ll just have to imagine Warren jumping up and down on it with a sledge hammer in hand) and cut out the rabbet. Someone cut out the keel while others worked on the floor timbers and milling out frames. Everyone got a chance to build a mold (…or 5) and helped bevel the edges to meet the frames at the right angle.

Our stem (after Warren jumped on it)

A little insight into building the molds

As we progressed, our molds were put into place, and we could start to imagine what she will look like, new and improved of course. Frames are still being installed as I type, so currently she looks more like a stegosaurus than a boat.

Molds being installed on the platform

All the molds in place, ready to start framing

Our stegosaurus comes alive!

Our first attempt at framing, we need to redo some

With just a handful of frames to re-steam and bend into place, we’ve started moving forward to install floor timbers. Prepare yourself for a whole lot of riveting in very small spaces. Until next time, keep your hands nimble and your wrists ready to swing that hammer.