CAPE ROSS
Converted Seiner Circa 1952 - Refit Details
Over the past 6 years the Cape Ross has been stripped down to the bare hull. All tanks and equipment were removed. The remaining interior was thoroughly cleaned then new water and fuel tanks were fitted and installed. The engine and rebuilt transmission were then reinstalled and the drive shaft and bearings refitted. Shafting and machinery were realigned and new engine mounts built.
The decks and hull were sheathed to the depth of the guards with 1/4" 5086 marine grade aluminum. The housework was built of the same material.
Once the deck and hull were stripped down, resheathed and refinished with yellow cedar and fir, the fine finishing began. Burmese teak, known for durability and beauty, was used for exterior finishing along with Purple Heart, which adds an exotic flair. The interior was finished with hand-made western maple mouldings and cabinetry.
Window frames and exterior doors are made from solid Burmese teak for durability and the railings are honed from purple heart. All windows are 1/4" tempered glass from Garibaldi Glass Company. They had boat windows survive Hurricane Katrina.
The hull was re-caulked and re-fastened with stainless steel 1/4" x 4" screws. A gumwood belt of 3/4" planking was fitted along the waterline for ice and debris protection. The same was done for the steel bow cheeks and the box on keel.
The hull is sectioned by 3 watertight bulkheads, 4" thick, as well as a collision bulkhead, 21/4" thick.
There are three escape routes out of any area of the vessel, the engine room has two, all with a minimum of 22" opening.
Interior plywood lining, divisions and furniture are all 3/4" solid core plywood. There were over 12,000 #10 and #12 stainless steel screws used in the interior fastenings.
Cabin divisions were fitted to the bilge lining and floors (11/2" thick) then fitted against the divisions making for an extremely strong "egg crating" design.
Rock wool 2" high density fireproof insulation was used throughout.
Careful consideration was made to insure the interior hull can breathe properly and a humidity controlled venting system is installed.
The interior is finished with Arborite for durability and ease of maintenance and all interior wood finishing, cabinetry and moldings are made of Quadra Island maple by local artisan Robin Richardson.
Interior coverings are all fire resistant to comply with Canadian Coast Guard regulations for passenger vessels.
The Cape Ross and her sister seiners were always regarded as very fine sea boats and with the reconfiguration of this conversion to a yacht, the "seakeeping" ability has been enhanced. A ship or boat which has good seakeeping ability is said to be very seaworthy and is able to operate effectively even in high seas.
The Builders & Suppliers:
- Gooldrup Boats - designer & guide
- Steve Ramos - lead shipwright
- Doug Mrak - finish welder
- Jim Berkowitz - shipwright
- FairIsle Welding
- Mike Taylor Electric
- Ocean Pacific Marine Supply Ltd. - 95% of all marine hardware used
- CR Metal Fabricators, McTavish Welding and North Island Metal provided custom metal work
- Cowichan Hydraulics
- West Wind Hardwoods (Sidney, BC)
- Allied Shipbuilders Ltd (North Vancouver, BC)
One of our intentions for the interior finish of the boat was to keep it attractive yet durable and easy to maintain. We envisioned large people, the elderly and children being safe and comfortable without being overly concerned with wear and tear on the boat. ( No special shoes required.)
