Log #13 - Restoration in Action
Beginning March 2026 - After The Wettest Winter On Record (according to local radio)
Welcome to the comprehensive series documenting the restoration of a steel boat stern deck. This step-by-step guide covers everything from initial assessment to reflections and lessons learned, providing valuable insights for boat owners and restorers.
Article 1: Assessing the Damage and Planning the Work
Learn how to evaluate stern deck structural integrity, plan steel deck restoration workflow, and document repairs for future reference. Topics include measuring steel thickness, reinforcing deckhead support, and pre-repair inspection techniques.
Article 2: Removing the Concrete Topping
Step-by-step guidance for removing concrete topping from steel boat decks using mechanical methods. Covers safety, tool selection, and best practices for boatyard environments where water blasting is not an option.
Article 3: Steel Assessment and Rejuvenation
Learn how to rejuvenate steel boat decks after corrosion, including ultrasonic thickness measurement, rust conversion, primer application, and selective steel replacement. Detailed methods for restoring structural integrity are included.
Article 4: Planning for Deck Reconstruction
Explore planning strategies for boat deck reconstruction after steel repair. Topics include choosing between marine plywood and polymer concrete, surface preparation, bonding methods, and lightweight deck materials for restored stern decks.
Article 5: Reflections and Lessons Learned
Review the complete stern deck restoration process, documenting workflow, insights, and best practices for long-term steel deck maintenance. Learn from practical reflections on mechanical and structural boat repair.
About This Series
This series is intended for steel boat owners, restorers, and enthusiasts. Each article provides detailed documentation, practical methods, and lessons learned to guide effective stern deck restoration.
About the Author
Jack Allen is a former Royal Navy seamanship rating, boat skipper, boat builder, and project manager. He is the creator and administrator of HamstersAHOY.com and currently coordinates the HamstersAHOY! Project, converting a derelict 48ft steel trawler into a modern 60ft liveaboard cruiser at Stourport-on-Severn.
Jack holds SMSTS and RYA Day Skipper certifications and is formally trained in the Natural Sciences through the Open University, Manchester University, and Sussex University.
👉 Follow Jack’s latest adventures and his articles at the HamstersAHOY! Project.
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