Conditional Rigging Survey
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CONDITIONAL RIGGING SURVEY Iron 3 masted Barque ELISSA Report on assessment and Recommendations after Hurricane Ike October 25-26, 2008 Page 1 of 31 11/9/2008 – James L. White, III On site survey of the historic 3 masted barque ELISSA spars and standing rigging was conducted from over 2 days from 25 October to 26 October 2008 aboard the vessel in her berth at the Texas Seaport Museum, Pier 21, Galveston, Texas 77550. This was a visual inspection accomplished from ratlines, tops, cross trees, footropes, as well as the deck, and is therefore not a complete analysis of the condition of all parts of the masts and rig. A thorough inspection would require disassembly of all components where potential deterioration or defects could not be seen, and NDT testing of iron or steel components as necessary. Sounding of wooden components was made by audible means checking for evidence of rot. A thorough survey of wooden components can only be made by core sampling or invasive probe testing and was not performed. Recommendations are based solely on conclusions drawn from visual and audible inspection by the surveyor. The survey was conducted approximately 6 weeks after Hurricane Ike Ike made U.S. landfall at Galveston, Texas, on September 13, as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of 110 mph (175 km/h) and a central pressure of 952 mbar (28.11 inHg). Scope of Survey The purpose of this inspection and survey report is to determine, insofar as possible within the limits of visual and physical accessibility, through non-destructive means, the condition of the spars and standing rigging of the 3 masted barque ELISSA at the time of survey, by reporting observed deficiencies along with general recommendations for repair against the Surveyors background and knowledge of traditional square-rig practices. The intent is to present the surveyors personal opinion as to the current condition of the vessel’s standing rigging after the passage of Hurricane Ike. Coatings build up, corrosion, excessive gear aboard, or bent on sails may have hampered the surveyor’s ability to inspect. Components requiring access with tools or by disassembly are not inspected. A vessel’s rigging and component parts have a limited useful life and are subject to deterioration over time. Some conditions affecting useful life include original material specifications, historical fabrication techniques, environmental exposure, deferred maintenance, and history of use. This survey is an opinion of the surveyor based on his knowledge and experience. Within these parameters the surveyor will report on the standing rigging, accessible spars, and the general condition of running rigging and blocks based on the foregoing. The surveyor will also supply observations or recommendations of changes to the rigging that may improve the safety or handling of the vessel. Page 2 of 31 11/9/2008 – James L. White, III DEFINITIONS 1. Appears: Indicates that a very close inspection of the particular system, component, or item was not possible due to constraints imposed upon the surveyor (e.g., sails bent on spars, inability to remove panes or fittings safely, running rigging blocking access, requirement not to conduct destructive tests, etc.) 2. Mechanically prep and paint: Prepare surface to SSPC-SP3; Apply appropriate coatings as per ELISSA Seamanship Manual sec 19.1 3. Prep and Paint: (Wood) As per ELISSA Seamanship Manual sec 20.1 4. Sandblast and paint: Prepare surface to SSPC-SP6 (commercial blast); Apply appropriate coatings as per ELISSA Seamanship Manual sec 19.1 5. Service Blocks: Disassemble block and inspect all components for wear; replace worn components; prep and paint shell and strap or tar strop; and reassemble block with lubricant on pin (axle). 6. Patch Serve: Strip back parted or damage service and parceling to sound material; tar wire or cordage; re-parcel with 100% cotton, linen, or burlap cloth or bunting and tar; re-serve using similar diameter in kind marline (synthetic to synthetic or natural to natural) and tar. 7. Lift Service at Eye: Remove service and parceling at the marriage and tucks of a splice; inspect for corrosion or damaged wires; tar, re-parcel, tar, and re-serve as in “patch service” defined above. NOTE: All processes which involve paint or service, or removal or disassembly of any items, provide an opportunity for more thorough inspection; it is assumed that inspection of all exposed components would be continuous throughout this overhaul. COST & TIME ESTIMATES: Cost and time estimates are based on the assumptions that: 1. The vessel would be berthed alongside a pier allowing for cranes to assist in rigging down and sending aloft any top- hamper; and to accommodate the safe evolution of the referenced task by having the ship closed to the visiting public. 2. A Master Traditional Rigger or full performance Journeyman Traditional Rigger would be supervising all repair work. 3. When safe and practical, aloft work will be carried out from a bosun chair or staging planks. Some tasks will require sending gear (spars and wire) to deck for repair and refurbishment. The statements in this survey are the personal opinions and observations of the undersigned surveyor and are for the consideration of the party or persons retaining him, with no guarantees, expressed or implied. No right of action against the surveyor for negligence, or breach of contract or otherwise, accrues to anyone other than the party retaining the surveyor and is both restricted and limited to the cost of the survey herein provided. The surveyor reserves the right to use this survey (without vessel name or hull number) as a sample of his work unless otherwise informed in writing. All photographs remain the property of The SquareRigger.com. Acceptance and use of this report constitutes agreement to these and all other conditions and limitations contained herein. James L. White Master Rigger The SquareRigger.com Page 3 of 31 11/9/2008 – James L. White, III A. MASTS & FITTINGS 1. BOWSPRIT Condition: a) Spar and coatings appear in good condition. Bowsprit has rotated several degrees off centerline to starboard (stb.). Recommend: a) Rotate spar back to plumb. This work should be incorporated into the needed repair work to the damaged standing rigging of the spar. Fore Royal & T'Gallant stays are showing severe chafe due to rotation of bowsprit/jib-boom. Photo 45 Photo 58 2. JIB-BOOM Condition: a) Jib-boom has several large checks on the underside @ the bowsprit doubling that exhibit some soft wood when probed. b) Pole section of Jib-boom has a crack that is held I check by a compression band c) Footrope sling lashings, port & stb., are dry and sun damaged from UV. Recommend: a) Reef out caulking compound and inspect for rot. Recommend leaving checks open to drain water if below 4:00 or 7:00 position on a horizontal spar. Use of borates in checks advised to prevent rot. b) Remove compression band and drift pole with bronze or galvanized drift, plug and paint. Reattach compression band. There is a lot of lateral loading at the dumb sheave and the added security of a drift would be prudent. c) Replace footrope sling lashings. Photo 29 Photo 60 Page 4 of 31 11/9/2008 – James L. White, III 3. FORE LOWER MAST Condition: a) Wedges are covered with a canvas boot (mast coat) @ main deck b) Wedges appear sound and tight at partners. c) Fore lower mast step appears sound with no outward signs of corrosion Recommend: a) Remove canvas boot and sound wedges for rot; inspect hidden steel mast surfaces. b) Replace any deteriorated wedges and treat with wood preservative and replace boot. c) Access and drain hole should be added to mast step for inspection of interior at heel. Photo 4 Photo 10 4. FORE FUTTOCK BAND AND IRON FUTTOCK SHROUDS Condition: Condition appears good. 5. FORE TOPS Condition: a) Condition appears good; some paint failure is evident on upper surfaces, decking, and on rim cope timber. There is a protruding screw head on port fairleader. b) Hounds and Bibbs appear in good condition c) Bolsters appear sound with no visible rot. Recommend: a) Mechanically prep and paint all surfaces including check plates, trestle trees, decking and cope rim timber. b) Tighten protruding screw head (trip hazard) Photo 88 Photo 121 Photo 86 Page 5 of 31 11/9/2008 – James L. White, III 6. FORE TOPMAST & CROSS TREES Condition: a) Condition of timber appears sound; some varnish failure is evident on forward surfaces from impacts. b) Wood grain slightly separating at masthead hoist of Fore Upper Topsail Yard. c) Wedges are missing from Cap Iron. Wedges should have a bull nosed stop to prevent them from falling out. d) Cross trees, Trestle trees, and Spreaders appear sound; some paint failure is evident on edges of angle iron spreaders and fastenings e) Fairleader board span is not fully supported @ lubber line f) Bolsters appear sound Recommend: a) Mechanically prep and varnish all surfaces above lower cap iron of Topmast. b) Flush area with acetone to remove all oils and apply a 2 part marine epoxy; prep and varnish. c) Replace all Cap Iron wedges with bull nosed stops - use Main Topmast wedges as a pattern d) Mechanically prep and paint all surfaces including spreaders, trestles trees, and fasteners e) Mechanically secure an angle bracket support from the angle iron spreader brace to the fairleader board Photo 128 Photo 92 Photo 112 Photo 111 7. FORE TOPGALLANT AND ROYAL MAST Condition: a) Fore Topgallant mast has rot at the top-rope sheave box and heel. b) Varnish is damaged, with bare wood exposed, at several locations along forward side of mast.