Sampson Boat Co · video

What this video covers

The crew of the 1911 gaff cutter Tally Ho installs a new Douglas Fir bowsprit, reclaimed from a historic Seattle building.6:56 The spar, crafted by Bruce Tipton, receives nine coats of Awlgrip Allwood varnish to provide high-tech protection against abrasion and compression, a necessity for a component prone to impact during racing.3:02 During the initial installation, the team encounters clearance issues where the bowsprit contacts the deck hatch and cap rail.6:22 Crew member Bob performs iterative, strategic removals of timber from the bulwarks and cap rail to achieve a precise fit.8:16 The process requires multiple attempts to balance the spar using halyards and lines while navigating tight tolerances around the deck layout.5:03 The team eventually secures the bowsprit in place, planning to refine the procedure for future housing and deployment.15:17 Fitting critical components often requires repeated, incremental adjustments to ensure structural integrity while maintaining tight tolerances.

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