To begin the restoration of the Crystal S, our shipwright first sourced the materials required for the project, with the aim to use the same materials as the original builder. Here is a description of the materials, how they were sourced, and how they are stored to maintain quality.
Our planking stock is clear, edge grain western red cedar, cut in lengths from 14 to 19 feet and widths between 8 and 16 inches. Boatbuilders prefer the longer lengths for planking material to reduce the number of butt (or end-to-end) joints. Fewer joints help create a stronger hull.
We also have clear yellow cedar in a variety of heavier dimensions, to be used for replacing structural members like deck beams, stringers (longitudinal hull framing), bulwarks and bulkheads.
Yellow cedar is preferred for structural work over red cedar since it has a greater density.
All the lumber comes from Vancouver Island, and each log is harvested with the blessing of the local First Nation. The materials are sourced from a small mill that specializes in boat lumber, and the vast majority of their log supply comes through salvage (fire, landslide, avalanche).
Our storage container has be retrofitted with vents and a fan to maintain constant, gentle air flow. As you can see in the photos below, the lumber is stacked using spacers (‘stickers’) to promote air circulation for drying, and painted the ends of each piece to reduce checking (splitting) throughout the drying process.
For more updates on this project, visit the Crystal S Restoration Project page.
