Wyche and Coppock Rocket ribs

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Garry R
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Post by Garry R »

Having started the stripping work on Gannet 252 it is clear that a couple (well 8 ribs will need attention). Has anyone out there any idea what wood was used by Wyche and Coppock in their ribbed boats (talking 1951 here!). It is a pale yellow colour now, although it is possible that it was different when they were put in although Robin Steavenson's wonderful book "When Dinghies Delight" show a number of examples of W&C built boats - Merlins and National 12's with pale ribs so it may be that the colour was that from the start. Any help gratefully appreciated.
Jools
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Post by Jools »

Gary I'd be very surprised if the ribs are anything other than oak, steamed to make it pliable while bent to shape, but you can check easily. You should be able to see medullary rays (darker brown flecks) that are very distinctive of oak. Oak would also go the 'honey' colour you describe as it ages. Without seeing the damage it's hard to know if repair or replacement is required. If I can help with any specific questions drop me a mail.
Garry R
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Post by Garry R »

Not oak as far as I can see. I replaced the ribs with oak on 111 but this is a different timber altogether (no flecks) and someone who knew Dick Wyche's work has told me that it could be either Canadian Rock elm or ash.
Jools
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Post by Jools »

Gary Ash is pretty distinctive too and if the varnish ever failed it will have discoloured/blackened very quickly. If you can mail me a close/macro up photo I'd be happy to have a look.
Garry R
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Post by Garry R »

Must be ash !! Black bits where the varnish has gone!! The cockpit area low down is where the rot/damage is worst as usual but if I cut back the rubbish and scarf a new piece in I should be fine. For photo I'll need your email address - I don't think I can email direct through the site!
Jools
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Post by Jools »

Gary If you click on Jools, you can send me a mail. It might be worth using an alternative timber for the repairs as Ash rots really fast when it gets wet. It's a pretty poor choice of timber in the bottom of a boat.
chris
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Post by chris »

Ash would bend easily but is unlikely to be used for this sort of marine use.
I suspect they are elm.
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Ed
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Post by Ed »

Yup, my vote would go for elm or rock elm as well.

heavily used in 50s especially by Fairey.

Looks just clean pale yellow - no rays much, goes black but does not rot as quickly or badly as Ash.

Also bends well when steamed.

Although lots of real american rock elm was available in 50s, my attempts more recently were not nearly so fruitful when lookign for some long lengths for 14 gunwhale....in the end I gave up and changed look completely - going for Mahogany with a agba inlayed strip. Looks fine....but in the end I wish that I had found a bit of elm....or used something similar.

cheers

eib
Ed Bremner
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chris
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Post by chris »

This firm specialises in english timbers and is near Bristol. They list elm.
http://www.interestingtimbers.co.uk/
Yandles in Martock sometimes have it.
Charltons near Radstock sometimes have it.
and I saw some in a timber yard recently but can't where .
much elm is quite wavy so choose a straight piece!
Don't know if the above have english (or european) or canadian rock elm.
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Ed
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Post by Ed »

My problem was finding american rock elm. I didn't really look too hard for english elm. English elm just didn't seem as straight or clear grained as the american rock elm. I also wasn't sure how well english elm steamed.....but knew (had been told) that the American rock elm steamed really well. Remember this was going to be for a 14 gunwhale and inwhale....so I was being a bit fussy. Not sure I would worry so much for a few ribs as long as they matched and bent into place without cracking.

cheers

eib
Ed Bremner
CVRDA


Jollyboat J3
Firefly F2942
IC GBR314 ex S51 - 1970 Slurp
MR 638 - Please come and take it away
Phelps Scull
Bathurst Whiff - looking for someone to love it
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