The twin screw motor yacht ‘Watermark of London’ (1966) of Iroko on Oak construction came into the East Cowes Clarence Yard for major hull repairs, involving extensive re-planking work, re-framing and a full exterior refit. Below is the finished vessel ready for launching.

Watermark before launching

Above shows some of the hull planking during works. The 2″ thick Iroko planking had decayed at the fastenings, the only route to a good repair was to replace planking as required.

A considerable amount of the hull planking underwater, and on the sides to deck had to be replaced due to decay. Framing was replaced as access is easier when the vessel is undergoing such major repairs….

New chocks to support the rudder posts fitted here, without removing the rudder posts and sterngear to minimise disruption. On a large project, tight control must be maintained to prevent unnecessary / avoidable works.

Caulking underway after planking works are completed, and here we see works replacing tracks on the small slipway underway.

Caulking

Fitting planks into the fwd sections… for the aft sections we had to steam the planks to fit…

Fast, steady and controlled work is required fitting steamed planks, to ensure the timber is clamped into position while still hot, removing stress from the timber…..

And ready for launching….

And below, afloat at the Clarence Yard, East Cowes….