The refit of a classic Bertram 31 has begun. The engines and deck have been removed, and areas of rot – found in the bulkheads, deck supports, stringers and cabin door threshold – are now being repaired. Soon, the deck stringers will be replaced with sealed marine plywood and the new bulkheads and supports will be freshly fabricated with Coosa Board. This high-density, polyurethane foam, reinforced with layers of fiberglass, is an excellent replacement for wood. It’s light-weight and will not rot.

While the engines are out, the crew will also repair rotten rudder supports, a broken strut bracket, and a crack found in the hull, just aft of a shaft tube.

There’s much more to come on this project, including a complete interior refit. Updates for “down-below” call for a new teak and holly sole, a headliner with teak battens, a teak table, teak doors, and a new galley countertop with a stainless steel backsplash. New lighting and a stainless refrigerator will also be added.