“Margaret” – 27′ Shepherd Mahogany Express Cruiser
NAME: “MARGARET”
TYPE: 27′ Shepherd Mahogany Express Cruiser
BUILT: Shepherd Boats, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, 1954.
OWNER: Doug Turner, Ontario, Canada
PROJECT: Complete restoration. Remove and replace forward starboard double diagonal bottom planking along with several other outer bottom planks. Remove all hull topside planking and transom. Remove and replace all battens, repair frames as necessary, then seal and reinstall all good topside planking. Replace all deteriorated planking and frames as required, then plug fastener holes and fair hull. Remove and replace deck planking, necessary deck beams and forward hatch. Perform numerous repairs throughout the vessel. Completely refinish vessel inside and out, then re-chrome and install hardware, repair and install windshield with new curved lexan, and refinish and install interior including laying new flooring.
First the forward starboard bottom was removed and one new frame was installed.
The inner diagonal planking was then built, sealed and permanently installed.
The original outer planking was then sealed and reinstalled with canvas between the two planking layers as it was done originally.
The entire bottom (to the waterline) was then sealed and antifouling paint was applied. “Margaret” was then lifted and set back onto her trailer.
Next, every topside plank and the transom was labeled and removed from the vessel.
This close up shows the deterioration we found in every batten.
All the battens were replaced and all framework was repaired or replaced as necessary. All wood is properly sealed prior to final installation.
All good hull planking was sealed and reinstalled. We replaced only the deteriorated planking, then plugged thousands of fastener holes. (Lining up the grain on every plug !)
“Margaret” was then transported to have both of her rebuilt engines reinstalled. Putty was used on the fastener holes below the waterline. The bilges were cleaned, sealed and painted prior to engine installation – the balance would be done later.
Upon her return we stripped and faired the hull topsides, and removed her decks.
Some deck beams were replaced and wooden “wedges” were epoxy glued into the fastener holes of the remaining original deck beams.
The new decks were built, the undersides properly sealed, then permanently installed onto the vessel.
The decks are sanded, stained and varnished with 3 coats prior to caulking the deck seams.
8 rolls of masking tape were used to prepare the decks for seam compound. The 2 aft engine hatches were installed so the aft deck seams could be properly lined up. (Original deck seams were terrible.)
The windshield was repaired and mounted with new curved lexan. The hull and decks then received their final coats of varnish.
Floorboards were recovered and installed with new lift rings. The interior was revarnished as necessary, then installed into the vessel.
“Margaret” and the registration numbers were hand painted on the hull (in 2 colours to match the upholstery) prior to application of the final varnish coat.
With her hardware all remounted and thoroughly cleaned throughout, this beautiful 27′ Shepherd Express Cruiser awaits transportation to the marina for her spring launch. You might see her at the Clayton Antique and Classic Boat Show in early August 2002.