Last week I took delivery of a 1958 Wooden Lightning, hull number 6997. Double planked cedar hull skin with Mahogany keel and interior. Traditional painted canvas deck.
The major issues with the boat will be worked out in the next year. Deck separation from hull near the port bow but not to the stem. The stem is chewed up from docking abuse. The canvas will need to be pulled off and replaced. I am contemplating removing the plywood deck and replacing it with cedar planking, but the plywood is not in bad shape. I am looking for a nice wooden mast and do not wish to bastardize her by going with an aluminum rig. The more I get her dissected the better idea I will have of her racing capabilities, otherwise she will be a very nice day sailer.
I will be working on the boat in my spare time. After this winter I realized that I needed a challenging project to keep myself busy. I have yet to start taking her apart and will begin this odyssey tomorrow.
The picture below captures the allure of this machine. Taken at White Rock Lake in 1955.
