She's Just Old

Think of all the wonderful things that you know of that are old. This list may change through the years so I will start at the beginning. When you're a kid, it's your dad. When you're a teenager it's that senior that you wish you had the guts to talk to. When you get a little older it's the finer things in life, cheese, although I don't drink, wine. I also understand a good double malt is always better when it has aged. For those of us who love the Nation's past time a particular ball park may be loved, for me that would be Wrigley Field.

And so it is begining to be with my boat. I have toiled and toiled this past winter in an effort to spruce the old gal up a bit; in other words restore her youth. This past weekend I was able to oil the interior on my boat, and alas she is just old. That's it old, no cosmetic face lifts of new wood and fresh paint are going to change that. I have recently learned that oil is great at highlighting the features that show her age. Water stains on the floor and chine battens, checks on the side walls and the over all color of 30 year old fir. Well, she is what she is so there is nothing to do now but embrace her like all the other wonderful old things in my life. Maybe I should look at her as wise.

The oil on the floor and floor boards is Teak and the rest of the boat is Deeks Olje #1 (Thanks Sandy). I hope to get the #2 coat on on Wednesday as the instructions state that it is best to allow #1 to cure for 3 days.

Cheers,

Jesse



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Comment by Jesse Ronnow on May 21, 2009 at 9:17pm
Craig,

You're right about letting some things go. I had the same thought process on the gunwales. I will have some more pics this weekend after get everything back in and the final coats of oil on the boat. Anyway, thanks for the post. I know you have been on the river at least once, how was the fishing? I am hoping that next weekend everything will be all ready for the first float/fishing trip of the season. Anyway, I am now rambling.

Jesse
Comment by Craig on May 21, 2009 at 7:20pm
Hey Jesse!
Long time no hear my friend. First of all thanks for the 'thumbs up' on my boat. I have to tell you that one of things I think is really cool about my restore is the gunwales. I didnt want to fight the old gunwales off so I left them thinking I could just clean them up. Well there is some dark staining around most of the bolts and some deep dark graining. Some thoughts were to try to raise the grain with a refinisher. I am so glad I did not. I tell you those dark lines contrast the light lines well and I love the 'look'. Its a restore with age. I had to get over the fact that my boat would never be perfect. I had to let some things go. Anyway, Im rambling and I Ill send more in a message. I think it looks dam cool!!! Nicely done. Hard work is always rewarded!
-Tight Lines My Friend
Comment by Jason Knight on May 19, 2009 at 8:04am
agreed - the fir grain is awesome looking.
Comment by Greg Hatten on May 19, 2009 at 6:33am
Jesse... the boat has "character" and great grain!!! Well done.
Can't wait to see the finished product out on the water.
GH

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