Restoration of a Port Carling Sea Bird

In the summer of 2024, we relaunched this gorgeous Port Carling Sea Bird after a complete structural rebuild and restoration. We stick with tried and true traditional methods and materials, as our experience shows that’s the most durable option there is, and we employ a strategy we call the ‘True Process’ to return the boat to her original shape and feel. We replaced the keel, stem, and transom, and then rolled the boat over to give her a new lapstrake bottom. We rolled her back upright, and bent in all new steam-bent frames, riveted and clench tacked to the planking. After several side and deck plank repairs and replacements as well as other structural fixes, we stained the hull, stacked on many coats of varnish, and then reassembled the boat.  We made repairs to the engine and drive, and installed new systems. After sea trials and some fettling in, she’s going strong.