Well, it's been a fairly productive summer in the world of bottom restoration. If anyone's interested, I've posted an update on my blog: http://www.1964constellation.blogspot.com/ The highlight (or lowlight, depending on your point of view) was removing a 14 foot section of keel in order to replace ...

Thanks for the tip: I just ordered a #8 extractor. I'll report back how it goes. It may take a while, apparently there's one guy making these things.

Does anyone have the secret to removing brass hull screws. Those things seem to cam out when you look at them, forget about touching them. I posted about this back in the memberclicks days, then claimed to have found a solution that has turned out to be a bit of a bust: a reverse drill bit/screw ext...

Got a look at the ugly bow-end section of the port chine today. I knew it was going to have to go, but wow: how did this thing hold together? Something has stumped me and I'm hoping someone has the answer. At the very edge, the chine is parallel to the BOTTOM of the plank, as if it has had a rabbet ...

I need to replace a whack of chrome trim around the windows of my Constellation. It's decorative, about 1 inch, and shaped like a J. Anyone know of a source for this?

Paul, It sounds like you are at the point I was a couple of years ago. I've done a lot of research and question-asking about how to undertake a bottom restoration. I have an article in the next Brass Bell that outlines what I've learned. I also have some postings on my blog that cover some of the sa...

Bill, as a small contributor, all I can say is thanks. Can't wait to see it.

I've been doing a lot of experimenting with matching the look of new wood with the original Philipine mahogany on my Constellation. I've done some detailed testing with wood bleach and Cordova filler stain. The results have been informative and positive. Anyone interested can check out the post on m...