The Relentless is up on blocks at the Bethel Island Marina and the hull repairs have begun. Damaged wood chines (the sled like wood bumpers on the bottom of the hull) have been removed. Now the wood must be sealed with an initial layer of marine epoxy which has been thinned down to better penetrate the antique hard wood. This is followed by several coats of a thicker more durable mix. Next, we will replace the outer chines and continue to seal the wood. Finally the bottom of the boat will be painted with a special hull paint to protect it for many years to come.
Believe it or not fresh water is more dangerous to your wooden boat than salt water because it provides a perfect habitat for wood worms which can eat right through your hull! As it turns out, The Relentless was indeed damaged by worms, but they made it less than 3/4 of an inch through the 4 inch think oak hull. Thanks to our heroic team of collaborators the holes will soon be filled with epoxy and the worms will be out of luck!
