1956 Collegian restoration

Also steam bent the piece that goes across the deck at the transom,  I think that’s the last time we’ll need the steamer on this on.

I ended up rebuilding the dash as the old one had been altered from the original gauge layout quite severely and repairing all the holes was going to be more work than fitting a piece new piece.

Here’s the fore deck layout,  the deck had been replaced by the previous owner and what they put back was not even close to the correct pattern.  From what few photos I could find 1956 had a one year only deck pattern and had a nice alternating staining between blonde and the red mahogany.  That will become more apparent as I gel the decking installed.

Fitted the bow deck inserts and shaped the hatch cover.  Next up will be the cover boards that run the length of the boat, been avoiding them because I think they’re going to be a challenge.  

Very happy with the hatch, I decided to try something and it worked out very well.  Once I built the hatch frame I shimmed it in place to set the gaps then installed and shaped the decking in long pieces that run all the way to the transom.  Now that its complete I’ll cut it free from the rear deck and end up with a perfect deck seams and gap.  I didn’t do this on the Hurricane and I spent a ton of time  and effort trying to get that hatch to look good and was never really happy with it, this process worked out great.  

I’ll get these permanently installed and finish shaping them then get to work on the rest of the infill decking