Stem Removal

The stem had to come out which is just a little daunting if you have never done it before. Probably the last job one would willingly tackle given a choice.

Lofting the stem from measurements taken of the stem while it was still in the boat.

 The first thing, before removal, was to take measurements of the profile and the shape of the rabbet and loft them on the bench to allow templates of the various parts to be cut out.


The drift bolts attaching the lower part of the stem to the keel were withdrawn by welding threaded rod to the head of the bolt which was then nutted on a cross beam which could then be jacked up with a couple of hydraulic jacks 

Drift Bolt removal using hydraulic jacks

Surprisingly (frighteningly) easy to remove.

The planks were easily sprung away from the stem and a saber saw was used to cut the remaining fastenings after which the thing just slid out. For this kind of work and removing frames a saber saw is a must with long flexible blades, fantastic. The saw was a cheap 50 Euro job an Einhell DIY machine but it lasted for all but two of the frames.

And now laying on the ground with all its horrors reveled.

There is definitely something missing!