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So you say you want a renovation?
When we initially purchased Island Eagle, we had planned on doing some of the more urgent jobs, such as replacing the AC electrical system. We knew that with some additional interior work the boat had incredible potential, but we'd initially planned on postponing that work for several years. However, when we discoved extensive rot in the pilothouse and upper deck we decided to bite the bullet and do all of the planned work at once.
There were six major projects:
The Pilothouse
The original pilothouse was pretty frumpy. That's OK, with just a bit of work it underwent a miraculous transformation. Check out the "before" and "after" shots:
Click here for details of the transformation.
Of course, that's just the interior. We also found some rot in the exterior of the pilothouse.... and then some more rot... and then some more. So in between the two images above the pilothouse looked like this:
If you're feeling up to it, read the saga here.
The Master Stateroom
The Galley
The
Past Updates
How did we get into this state? Read the following tale for details:
Fall 2003: After spending the summer of 2003 on the boat (working on the boat, that is), we decided that we should do just a few more things. We needed to finish the electrical system and the genset installation. The plumbing was really on its last legs. The old mechanical steering system was a menace and would need to be replaced by a new hydraulic one. A fresh coat of paint and some new carpet would make a heck of a difference. Plus the master stateroom bulkhead needed rebuilding from the hole we cut while removing old washer/dryer, and the pilothouse console was looking a bit raggedy. While it was very satisfying working on the boat ourselves, it was also attractive to think about actually using it, so we decided to hire a few folks to help us out.
January 2004: As we were working on finding the right folks to help us out, we came across the name of Tad Roberts (see www.tadroberts.ca). Tad is a naval architect who was associated with Bruce King for many years and has recently moved back home to Nanaimo, just a few miles from Island Eagle. Since we needed some design work done, Tad went and had a look at IE in preparation for our trip out.
February 2004: After Tad visits the boat, he does what every great architect does: he starts talking to us not about the way things are, but the way they might be. I of course fell for this hook line & sinker (and we wouldn't have it any other way). Over the course of a month or so the "new paint and carpets" becomes a complete new interior for the pilothouse, a rebuilt master stateroom, new doors, and redone trim throughout the interior. It would be a big job, but it really would bring Island Eagle up to the next level.
March 2004: We decided to head out to the boat in the early spring and get work underway. We met Tad and lined up a great crew of folks to help us out. In a frenzied week of work, we tore out the old console and stairs, stripped the master stateroom, and generally got things ready for the work to come. The last night there we even burned the midnight oil and got the hydraulic steering installed. The rest of the crew was ready to get to work after we left (Below Scott, Tad and Bryan discuss the pilothouse).
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| Scott Tad and Bryan in the pilothouse |
April 2003: We get the call that no wooden boat owner wants to hear: "we found some rot...". While removing some of the old acoustic tiles on the ceiling of the pilothouse, the crew had found some soft wood. They traced it out to to aft corners of the pilothouse, and then down the aft corner post, and from there forward in the sills of the house. And so started The Saga Of The Pilothouse, which I'm sure will be remembered in song and story for many a year among the Nanaimo waterfront folk.
June 2004: After what seems like an interminable period while the pilothouse is rebuilt, we head back to the boat. At this point, we were about 6 weeks behind schedule, but the good news was that we had a pilothouse built to take just about anything. There were a few more little details to deal with, like removing the old mast, but it looked like we were well underway. The day after we got there Scott started installing electronics and wiring the console, it it was from that position that he got to experience deja vu all over again as the crew (not being very original) announced "we found some rot". And so started The Saga Of The Upper Deck, And Of The Corner
Posts, And Also Of The Funnel, which was just not funny any more. We spent another two weeks living in an extra-specially unenjoyable construction zone before coming to the conclusion that we would not be using the boat this summer.
July 2004: Can it get worse? You bet. The day after being warned by the Harbour Patrol to be careful about debris in the water, we arrive back at the boat in the evening to see a funny sort of shimmer in the water. Like oil. By our boat. Coming out of our boat! Scott jumps on board and dives down in the engine room to discover a leak in the hydraulic steering system. Fortunately, only about a cupful of oil overboard,mixed with bilge water, but it was quite a scare. Don't tell anyone, OK? Here's Scott that night, really enjoying his Yaachht:
August 2004: OK, it's not all bad. The painter has refinished the port side of the boat in beautiful Yacht White from Kirby Paint Company, and we decided to add a new blue strip on the rub rail. Take a look:
September 2004: Work continues, and while nothing's really exactly totally 100% complete, almost every project has been started, and many of them are getting very close to completion. Here's a picture to whet your appetite, the new pilothouse (click for a larger version):
 December 2004: Finally! The end (or at least the beginning of the end) is in sight. I was on the boat the last week of November, and things are looking pretty fantastic. It's hard to know where to start, but here goes, from stem to stern and top to bottom:
The forward cabins are completely painted and refinished, and even have snazzy new reading lights. The electrical work is completed, and the heads are just in the process of being refinished with new sinks, counter tops.
The salon is coming along very well. In particular, we completed work on the new ceiling and lighting. Enzo (the Fabric Magician) has created beautiful new cushions.
The galley rebuild is going very well. New countertop and backsplash are in (see picture at left), new fridges and freezer mostly done, ceiling in place. Click here for details.
The new heating system is in progress, not working yet but should be fired up within a week.
The new mast has been test-fitted, and is now off at the powder-coat shop. Should be in place by Christmas.
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