Acorn To Arabella · video

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

More from Acorn To Arabella

We Stripped Our Wooden Sailboat Back to Bare Wood... AgainOct 2026Saying Goodbye to Newfoundland—and the Man Who Inspired ArabellaSep 2026Upgrading the Rudder and Another Trek To The CliffAug 2026We're Climbing a Wall No One Has Ever Climbed Before | Rock Climbing on Newfoundland's South CoastJul 2026

From Acorn To Arabella — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.