Ferry Plantation House - A Historic Site in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Ferryboat Report
Prepared for Friends of Ferry Plantation House (FoFPH) by:
Dean Giangregorio, Ferryboat Captain

Part 1: Boat Arrival and Inspection

The boat arrived at Ferry Plantation House in the evening on Thursday, February 14th. It came with 8 oars and associated hardware, rudder and tiller, and boat trailer with lights and connections.

The boat is a basic skiff constructed of what looks like pine and plywood. No fiberglass, epoxy resins, etc., appear to have been used. Exact measurements of length, breadth, etc., have to be made, but it is approximately 20 feet long and five feet wide. Rough guess of its weight is 700 lbs.

The boat’s interior was cleaned out on Saturday morning (February 16th) to remove all debris (leaves, pine needles, dirt, etc.). Once the debris was removed the boat was swept to remove additional fine dirt and the drain was cleared.

Most of the paint is badly peeling. All hardware used to construct the boat appears to be galvanized metal and in good repair. No rust was found during initial inspection, with the exception of the rudder’s gudgeons and pintles, which have some light rust.

The sides and forecastle deck are constructed of individual planks. The transom looks like it was constructed of layered wood, but further inspection is needed to determine exactly how. The wood on the sides and that of the stem and transom is solid. The seats also appear to be in good shape with good paint. All wood in general is structurally sound with the exception of the bottom.

The wood gunwale has two sections of its trim experiencing rot. This trim is separate from the main gunwale and constructed from 1x2 strips.

The keel and keelson look like one piece each running bow to stern. Both appear to be sturdy. Further inspection is needed due to boat being on the trailer.

The bottom was constructed of two layers of plywood sheet and has developed some rot, notably in the area just forward of the stern seat, and to the starboard side of the keel. Other areas of the bottom have some soft spots, but as yet are still structurally sound. It should be noted that constructed as it was the bottom is not period correct for a historical representation of the Ferry Plantation House ferryboat.

The rudder is constructed of same material as hull. Attachment at transom is with two iron gudgeons bolted to the transom, and two iron pintles strapped to the rudder. As mentioned above there is some light rust on both parts, which should be easily removed with a small wire brush.

 
Part 2: Restoration Plan

This is an initial Plan of Restoration for the Ferry Plantation House ferryboat and is in no way intended for it to be “carved in stone.” Flexibility will be maintained so adjustments to the Plan can be made when necessary to accomplish the tasks. The Ferryboat Captain is to take charge of the restoration efforts and ensure that all work accomplished results in full restoration of the ferryboat giving no compromise to safety of the ferryboat, its crew, or any of the restoration team members. A logbook will be kept of all ferryboat events.

Restoration will be accomplished for the most part on Ferry Plantation grounds. Most work will be accomplished on Saturdays with the intention of displaying the work as “Living History.” Visitors to Ferry House will be able to see the work performed as it progresses. The Ferryboat Captain will be dressed in appropriate attire for the period and use hand tools for the work. (Note: Should some work require the use of power tools to accomplish it shall be done outside of public view.) Additional help with restoration will be provided by Tidewater Maritime Living History Association (TMLHA) members when available, as well as from volunteers from FoFPH. Should it become necessary for certain repairs to be accomplished at another location, arrangements will be made to transport the boat to and from the repair location. This, however, will be done only if no other option is available.

Projected Tasks:
• All loose paint will be scraped off and the boat sanded.
• Any rusted fittings or fastenings will be cleaned and oiled or painted as appropriate.
• The plywood bottom will be completely removed and replaced with new wood; this new wood will be laid on in planks in a fashion consistent with 19th Century small boat construction.
• All oars will be cleaned, sanded, and repainted.
• All seats will be thoroughly inspected and replaced as needed.
• Rudder will be given stops and a pin on its post to prevent its tiller from slipping.
• Tiller will be painted and have its fancywork renewed.
• All seams will be cleared and re-caulked in as close to period-correct fashion as practicable; period tools will be used for public view if available.
• The hull will be painted inside and out. The undersides will be given extra coatings to protect it from sea water. (Painting scheme will be determined by research and provided at a later date.)

Additional work may be necessary once the initial work begins. As always a job like this may encounter additional attention in areas not yet realized. Detailed inspections carried out as the work progresses will dictate which corrective action is needed.

Goal: The goal is to have the ferryboat ready to “get her feet wet” on or about July 1st. Ultimate goal is to have her fitted out and ready for the Grace Sherwood event July 10th.

Progress reports will be given at each FoFPH Board meeting.