The sternpost, deadwood and knee measure approximately 20’ by 11’, and weigh about a ton and a half. They were removed in one piece so that the new timbers could be made to the exact dimensions.

Throughout March, significant progress was made. The month began with the engine being collected by Watermota of Heathfield, Bovey Tracey, and taken away for refurbishment. The fist of what would become a very large number of plywood templates of timbers were made. By far the largest single operation to date was removal of the sternpost, deadwood and knee. We plan to display this section in Brixham, as near as possible to the Heritage Pontoon where Vigilance is traditionally moored, as a visible reminder to all of the hard life that she has had, and of her original construction.

The new keel, in two sections with a 6 feet long scarf joint, was cut offered up to ensure fit and confirm positioning of the cutouts for the new floors. A rabbet running the length of the keel to receive the new hull planking had to be cut at an angle that varied continuously, to accommodate the changing angles of the planks. The new stern section was cut, assembled and fitted into position. Unlike the old stern, there is now a substantial cutout where the propeller will be positioned.