A Son de Marvideo
119. Justin Kusevic, or the art of restoring a 19th-century boat
January 23, 2026 · 1h 2m · 45 views · Lanzarote
What this video covers
Justin Kusevic restored the *Ora et Labora*, a 19th-century German-built wooden vessel, after acquiring the boat at auction in Lanzarote.4:56 The restoration focused on preserving original structural elements, including the keel, frames, and gunwales, while replacing rotted planks and critical structural components like the garboard strakes.15:05 To address hull integrity, Kusevic hydrated the wood with saltwater to close gaps before recaulking with cotton and a 30% flexible epoxy sealant.15:06 The mechanical refit included servicing the 170-horsepower Sole Diesel engine and the generator.16:37 Kusevic transitioned the vessel from a neglected state to a charter-ready condition under his company, Lanzarote Traditional Sailing.22:30 Maintenance now relies on natural teak oils rather than traditional varnishes to simplify upkeep, requiring quarterly oil applications and annual haul-outs for hull painting.21:42 The project demonstrates that using traditional materials like oak and morera, combined with modern flexible sealants, can preserve the structural authenticity of historic wooden vessels while ensuring seaworthiness.17:56
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