Acorn To Arabellavideo

Pitching, Scraping and Oiling the Deck | Preparing Arabella for Sea Again

5 June 2026 · 30 min · 33K views · Corner Brook, Canada

What this video covers

Steve maintains the pine deck of the 38-ft schooner *Arabella* in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, by repairing pitch seams and scraping wood surfaces.Watch To address leaking seams caused by heat-induced bubbling during southern passages, he cleans debris from gaps using a vacuum and reefing hook before melting and pouring fresh pitch.3:33 He uses a hot plate and two small cast-iron pots to manage the pitch, applying it in thin layers and scraping the excess once cooled.7:56 For deck maintenance, he employs a scalloped-blade scraper for initial passes and a handmade scraper for finishing, frequently sharpening the blades with a file to maintain efficiency.12:27

Additionally, Steve reinforces the chafe protection on the boat's anchor pennant.15:09 He installs a section of fire hose over the nylon line at the shackle wear point, securing it with heavy-duty whipping and stitching using a sewing palm.16:03 He notes that the anchor pennant attaches to a master point on the stem to prevent fouling the bobstay.15:12 These tasks serve as interim projects while awaiting warmer weather for major painting and rigging work.0:20

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