@@AuroraRestorationProject Do you guys plan to put her into service when you're finished? like do sailings and stuff? Is it just sitting at anchor some where or is it docked some where? What's the ETA for her restoration completion a few years? Is it already done and this is outdated? Half way done?
A little woodworking tip......save any sanding dust from the rails and get some "Duco Cement" and by mixing small amounts of the dust and cement you can make your own wood putty that will perfectly match the rails for filling small imperfections. Duco Cement drys quick (like airplane glue) so working fast in small batches using a putty knife works best and when dry it can take stain & finish like the wood and will blend perfectly. *My HS shop teacher taught me this, he was ex green beret and hand built beautiful Kentucky long rifles using all kinds of exotic hardwoods that were truly works of art!
Don't even need Duco Cement. You already got waterproof wood glue. [edit: Docu Cement is probably an excellent product. Why not? Do not get me wrong. All I note here is, for filling small gaps, you could also mix saw dust with a proper wood glue. But it is a free world, this video gives us good advise. I never said that wood glue would be any better. I said it is an alternative. Please read my words. Thanks.] All these Harry Potters buying expensive pots of this and that... Bet he polishes it, using his computer learning controlled 7-joints-robot-arm, huh? [Edit: and that was a joke. You see people using CNC machines at home, doing jobs that require a chissel only. Again, it is a free world, machines are perfect, but I do have an opinion about them. I like hand tools better.]
@@voornaam3191 it's not about expense it's about the knowledge of results... No need to run a guy down that's giving sound advice just because a brand they mentioned is above your pay grade
@@voornaam3191 his comment was spot on I don't even know why you would come in with an smug reply to such a sensible comment also your suggesting water proof glue on a wood that is to be stained? That makes zero sense at all that will cause blotchy uneven spots in the stain. No stick with the original posters comment he and his shop teacher are 100% correct I've even used wood glue and even elmers white glue in a pinch but the original post is the way to go. SMH some people just have to put others down to feel good about their self.
Can we please shut off this discussion? Dave gave a great tip. He knows this product and it is very good. Remember this and buy it yourself, when you need it. Is that clear? I totally agree on that. I now say sorry for my jokes, those were a bit cynical and in discussions like this, those jokes are sketchy, it's a culture thing. We Dutch are blunt, and in fact these jokes are nothing personal. Yes, I am bloody jealous of this man buying such a great ship. But no hard feelings, good on him, I wish him good luck. Why not? Still, how many people in this world are not so lucky? That hurts, does it? And that does not mean this project would be wrong. Do it! Restore it! It is his life, doing this project. Great. Here the discussion went wrong. I am sorry for these cynical words, I should have known better. So now, I wish Aurora restoration project good luck. That's what it's all about, is it?
@@timwegman5776 Sorry, I forgot the staining later part. That means, sorry, you are right and I was wrong. Except for your last sentence, but I guess I deserved it. Sorry for the commotion. By the way, I am Dutch, and wegman sounds familiar.
Just an idea, you should get half a dozen cabins liveable then offer working holidays, basically people came and stay for a week and get free bed and board and in return give you guys a weeks free labour, I think you would be very surprised how many would take you up on it.
@@marcryvon Registering it in Germany or another foreign country might be able to avoid U.S. litigation. I'm sure he has already consulted Maritime Lawyers.
When I was a child I drove to the northsee-island „Helgoland“ with this ship. There was a sistership of the former „Wappen von Hamburg“ it was called „Alte Liebe“ with this ship I had my first trip to Helgoland. I‘m so happy to see, that you now care for this ship! Good luck for your project!🍀👏👏👏
I was a seaman on the Great Lakes from 1980 to 2019. I have worked with a lot of air gun tools in order to maintain steel parts on dozens of ships I have been on. This is a big project that will keep my interest in the future. 👍👏⚓🚢
Hi there from Germany. I was born and raised on Helgoland Island and used to travel on the „newer“ -Wappen von Hamburg 2- quite a few time. My parents and grandparents however used this very ship to travel to an from the island. Good to see that it will be restored to new glory!
LOVE the woodworking on the Teak Rails - It's too bad that the decking was so badly gone, but I hope you can use what's left to repair and replace the rest of the teak on board! Amazing to think that all that Teak was probably harvested using Elephants back in the day....
@@AuroraRestorationProject: The only thing I miss about California is the Delta. Lived on the Delta Loop (Brannon Is. Rd) for 11 years...mostly on my sailboat. When I wasn't delivering yachts, I did electrical work on boats with High Rigger Marine based at Spindrift Resort & Marina. In the Air Force I was trained as an Electrical Power Production Specialist, and spent many years as an expat working at remote locations in Diesel Powered Electrical Generating Facilities. Retired as Electrical Supervisor for the Sacramento/Yolo Port District & donated time on the old Liberty Ship... USS Jeremiah O'Brien based in San Francisco. If I didn't live 1,800 miles away now, I'd be more than happy to donate my 40 years of experience with Diesel Generators/Switchgear or any other electrical you might require. Following your restoration of the beautiful vessel Aurora with great interest.
I'm already invested with my time on watching another channel with a guy restoring a airplane. I now see I will be investing my time on a ship restoration also.
I noticed you guys fighting the garbage bags, using wire 3’ fencing make a round frame to hold the bag, when it’s full, lift the frame. Works like a dream! Good job Mr. Willson
Hi, greetings from Germany. As I scrolled through my TH-cam I saw the shape of the ship in the minipictures and thought: I know this ship! I wass absolutly Sure. Watching the History it became clear: Wappen von Hamburg. I was born in Cuxhaven and raised up Here and a Lot Of people know the ship Great to See this ship again.
Much respect to you and your dad! You're literally going to do this restoration inch by painful inch! I've always wanted to buy a cruise ship myself, and what you did was prove to me it can be done. I've subscribed. You keep restoring--we'll keep with you on each inch.
I don't know how I end up here watching this but im not complaining , so cool. They say anything worth doing has gotta he hard so keep chipping away at it 👍
The company I work for is currently 4 months into replacing the bottom and rotten deck, structure, and upgrades on a 64ft 14’10” wide full metal hulled cruiser. It’s our main charter boat. Not nearly as big as this ole girl, but same concept in the dept of restoration. Island Girl has a very similar shape. We use her for things like dinner cruises, lake tours, lake days, special events, etc. I know the struggles my guy. I’m the lead fabricator on the project. This is also my first real project management job. I’m 29 and finally got my break to prove I’m worth this level of responsibility. Been a hell of a challenge. Luckily my bosses have a lot of money to finish this project. I hope you have deep pockets. Especially with current material and labor costs. We’re over 200k in to what pre Covid would be half that. Good stuff and if you ever need to bounce some ideas let’s link up.
I suspect I will pay out the nose when she comes out of the water. But when this time comes she will get the right treatment. As of now she is in fresh and shallow water and has not taken on any water on my watch. We have time to raise the right funds to make this happen. Thanks for watching and good luck on your fabrication job. Sounds like fun to me..
You should coat that bare teak with some Smith's penetrating epoxy before you starting putting on varnish. Helps stabilize and strengthen the wood fibers and leads to better adherence for your varnish. Anyway, that's my two cents worth from 25 years of wooden boat ownership.
That's actually even a technique used in archaeology to stabilise and preserve wood from thousands of years ago (albeit in lab conditions). It works wonders! Get a good epoxy and soak the wood in it. It may take some finesse, the right materials and patience, but it makes the stuff stay just as it is for the eternity.
That's what I was thinking if you don't want it to be a rail I personally would turn it into a shelf or shape it as a oar to hang it inside to at least preserve it since it is original wood
Put those fittings in a bucket of some rustillo dwx 30 - the stuffs amazing to rip off rust and give a layer of protection, be interesting to see what you could save! Given the history selling the fittings in bulk might just fund some for the project. Gorgeous job on the wood, the plugs will give it character!
This is a very romantic kind of project but the scale requires more like 100 people working at the same time. You're doing beautiful craftsman type of work on a hutch or desk that's hundreds of feet long. Then you have all of the steel work and then the mechanical work. The job is monumental. Best of luck with it.
I've grown up on the water and have much respect for anyone saving the old boats. Its not easy and it's never ending. For this video what strikes me more and is almost as rare as a vintage boat like this. A functional family working together and getting goals accomplished. I can only hope my kids continue on their best path and appreciate some of these same things. One job at a time, keep checking off that long list and you will get there. That boat in the proper condition goes for tens of millions. You shouldn't lose either way.
I appreciate your kind words. We certainly try and keep this project a family project however we do have a nice host of volunteers that have become much like family over the years. This ship really deserves what we are doing for her. It’s important for everyone to know that this project is not a selfish endeavor. We are doing this to give back to the people. Allow them to see a valuable piece of maritime history far after I am gone. I am only the voice of the ship at the time. Thanks for watching…
Nice to see that there are still people around that's not afraid to roll upp their sleeves and get dirty. I had to subscribe and will follow your videos with interest.
Safety first. You should be using vibration gloves when using electric vibration tools. You could end up destroying the blood vessels in your hand, making it difficult for blood to flow and will result in a "dead" hand. not getting enough oxygen.
I've been following your story since before this channel. I'm thrilled that we'll be able to see how it's going. I hope that this channel helps you with the inevitable costs ahead.
Thanks for fallowing all these years. It’s been an adventure. TH-cam will certainly help with some of the costs and the more entertained people are by what we are doing the more revenue rolls in. But will keep everything down to earth and real.
This is the first time I hit subscribe button in years. Now this is a channel deserves to go viral, not the what happens when you microwave an iPod crap.
Only one episode was needed to realize that this is a channel for me to subscribe. In 54 years on this planet I always loved to make something new out of something old. Starting with my 1st go kart, 1st motorbike in the age of 14. Biked went bigger and cars were add. Two classic boats were kept alive. An American old timer RV, some pick ups. But NOTHING compared to your guys project. I knew I need to follow that project. Hopefully I will be still alive when it is done I hope you guys do not run out of power, time & money. Wish you all the best. Regards from Germany.
I'm a retired Master Craftsman and Carpenter and when I lived on the coast I did some work on some sailboats. My trusty levels never left my truck and the one think I learned is nothing is straight on a boat! I learned that Mahogany may be a nice substitute for Teak, but it's hard on saw blades. I learned there are two grades of stainless fasteners. One for use on boats that travel along the shore and the other for ocean going vessels. Buy ONLY stainless nails for your nail guns! They are a little more expensive, but regular galvanized nails will rust out after a year or so in the salt air. Get a bench drill press for drilling stainless fittings. If you don't, when you drill them they'll get hot and temper the stainless and you'll never drill a hole in it then! Cool the drill bit with water or oil while drilling! That drill press is great for making those plugs for your railings if you get one with the same size chuck as the shaft on the hole saw.
I learned from my dad that if you put your head down and get stuck into a project without ever considering the number of steps to the end, you will get there eventually. But most people count the steps and they seem insurmountable, so they do not start. You remind me of my dad and that is not a bad thing at all. I look forward to the rest of the story.
Thank you Martin, You dad was correct. The only way to get anything done is to just keep at it until it’s finished. A lesson learned many times over on this old ship. I have also learned that one cannot look at this project as one single restoration. It’s more like a bunch of small projects and a few very big projects.. thanks for watching and yes more of my crazy story will surface very soon. I’m just looking for the best way to tell it..
What a beautiful boat. I'm so glad you are saving her. Definitely looks like a massive amount of work. That rust repair is going to take a lot of time and money.
Of course she was the most advanced of the age...the Gerries really know how to do it! The project of a lifetime, God bless you for taking her on. Please restore her to her very original glory...and I really hope that will include her proud name: WAFFEN VON HAMBURG.
When I was a kid my class stayed on the C.A. Thayer. We performed ships duties, cooked, cleaned, fished over the rails, we even held firewatch and sewed canvas sail. Just an idea, but if you could secure a few areas for something like that, I’m sure there are groups who’d love to come aboard and help.
OMG I am a 25 year carpenter in the housing industry, also a boat owner, and I can tell you have a MASSIVE amount of work in front of you. Time and money. You need lots of both. Good Luck. It will be nice when you get it done.
This project reminds me of when I worked on a 130' yacht built in 1930, the MY Northwind. It started in similar condition and after *many* years and even more dollars, it ended up looking fantastic. It also had quite the story: connections to Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth, Aristotle Onassis and drug runners! I wish you well. The end result should be fantastic.
This guy just browsed thru Craiglist and choose this rather than 12000 other things that could potentially mess up his life... For this reason i salute you sir....
Come on out anything. We have people in all age groups but find the people with the most knowledge and skill have earned it over the long years. Your welcome here anytime…
I would love for this ship to be renamed "Wappen von Hamburg" again. It was the first ship of this name, and it's the last one that remains. The second one was wrecked somewhere in turkey, the last one was wrecked in Esbjerg, Denmark, both in the 2000s/2010s.
OH WHAT A VIEW!! Thank you for showing us the history of the beautiful boat MAN you have your work cut out there with all that rust ! I'm betting that if you had 1$ for every time someone said your MAD to take on this project you would be a VERY rich man !! Lol That teak woodwork is going to look AMAZING when it's finished!!
Surprisingly enough I have far more people that see the vision then think I’m crazy. But I myself have to wonder. The most important part is that if I had to do it all over again would I…..? Absolutely
Very nice project! very nice to see those old ships will continue sailing after restoration! Just from a seamans point of view, the parts what you have been welding there needs to be a water drainage
Just a wonderful project. Thank you for preserving the world's history and having the foresight in understanding that historically valuable objects (in this case a very large object :) ) are sometimes lost before people even realise they are endangered.
Just stumbled across this. To restore such ship is a huge project in itself. To document it to where its presentable is another huge project in and of itself.
Teak is a fantastic wood, really hardy stuff which is why it's used a lot in marine applications. If you take it inside for the final coat you wont get as many bits and nibs in the finish, maybe even string up a plastic sheet room. If you do go down the road of stabilizing the wood try and make sure its dry first. I'm loving this series so far, keep up the good work
Thanks for the advice and tips. The teak is certainly fun working with and watching it come back to life after looking so bad for so long. I guess it’s kind of the same with the rest of the ship as well.
Love the channel so far and your passion for this restoration. My favorite TH-cam subject matter is restorations and yours is big. I can appreciate your desire to do it correctly and thoroughly and only wish I lived closer because I would be volunteering.
Congrats on 11k subscribers, don't be surprised on how fast you get too 1million!! I've read your story on this and I feel that this format will work out better than Pier 38. Thank you for not giving up on Her and you!!
Thanks so much for the kind words. I plan on continuing the story soon. It was a rough ride and a tough story to want to bring back up but needs to be done. I’m just glad the Aurora is starting to get the recognition she deserves…
Here I am restoring a little Bayliner thinking I’m special. I’m not but you definitely are! What a very cool project! I’m excited to see what you can do!
Restoring a boat is basically building a new boat with an existing boat in the way
I have never heard anyone put it so perfectly 😂
Maybe worse ,gotta deal with the bad even b4 doing new,ouch! Hope he's rich cuz omg,good luck u gonna need it I'll 🙏 4u
Dude so right lol boats are crazy
I build fishing boats for F&S and they've killed my childhood dream of restoring an old boat...shattered it!
Hilarious fcking absolutely hilarious
Best comment I've heard for simply ages 🤠
This is utterly bonkers I've barely got enough patience to restore a 6 foot dinghy - you and your dad are doing an amazing job hats off to you!
There are many more people involved then just myself and my dad but that doesn’t make this vessel any small task. Keep watching. It gets better :).
@@AuroraRestorationProject Do you guys plan to put her into service when you're finished? like do sailings and stuff? Is it just sitting at anchor some where or is it docked some where? What's the ETA for her restoration completion a few years? Is it already done and this is outdated? Half way done?
Thinking the same shit
A little woodworking tip......save any sanding dust from the rails and get some "Duco Cement" and by mixing small amounts of the dust and cement you can make your own wood putty that will perfectly match the rails for filling small imperfections. Duco Cement drys quick (like airplane glue) so working fast in small batches using a putty knife works best and when dry it can take stain & finish like the wood and will blend perfectly.
*My HS shop teacher taught me this, he was ex green beret and hand built beautiful Kentucky long rifles using all kinds of exotic hardwoods that were truly works of art!
Don't even need Duco Cement. You already got waterproof wood glue.
[edit: Docu Cement is probably an excellent product. Why not? Do not get me wrong. All I note here is, for filling small gaps, you could also mix saw dust with a proper wood glue. But it is a free world, this video gives us good advise. I never said that wood glue would be any better. I said it is an alternative. Please read my words. Thanks.]
All these Harry Potters buying expensive pots of this and that... Bet he polishes it, using his computer learning controlled 7-joints-robot-arm, huh?
[Edit: and that was a joke. You see people using CNC machines at home, doing jobs that require a chissel only. Again, it is a free world, machines are perfect, but I do have an opinion about them. I like hand tools better.]
@@voornaam3191 it's not about expense it's about the knowledge of results... No need to run a guy down that's giving sound advice just because a brand they mentioned is above your pay grade
@@voornaam3191 his comment was spot on I don't even know why you would come in with an smug reply to such a sensible comment also your suggesting water proof glue on a wood that is to be stained? That makes zero sense at all that will cause blotchy uneven spots in the stain. No stick with the original posters comment he and his shop teacher are 100% correct I've even used wood glue and even elmers white glue in a pinch but the original post is the way to go. SMH some people just have to put others down to feel good about their self.
Can we please shut off this discussion? Dave gave a great tip. He knows this product and it is very good. Remember this and buy it yourself, when you need it. Is that clear? I totally agree on that.
I now say sorry for my jokes, those were a bit cynical and in discussions like this, those jokes are sketchy, it's a culture thing. We Dutch are blunt, and in fact these jokes are nothing personal. Yes, I am bloody jealous of this man buying such a great ship. But no hard feelings, good on him, I wish him good luck. Why not? Still, how many people in this world are not so lucky? That hurts, does it? And that does not mean this project would be wrong. Do it! Restore it! It is his life, doing this project. Great.
Here the discussion went wrong. I am sorry for these cynical words, I should have known better. So now, I wish Aurora restoration project good luck. That's what it's all about, is it?
@@timwegman5776 Sorry, I forgot the staining later part. That means, sorry, you are right and I was wrong. Except for your last sentence, but I guess I deserved it. Sorry for the commotion. By the way, I am Dutch, and wegman sounds familiar.
Your dad is a wonderful asset. He's working magic on that teak!
Just an idea, you should get half a dozen cabins liveable then offer working holidays, basically people came and stay for a week and get free bed and board and in return give you guys a weeks free labour, I think you would be very surprised how many would take you up on it.
Thanks for the advice. We actually have a few cabins for just that reason. But plan on doing more in the near future..
Great minds think alike 😅, fantastic job you guys are doing.
I would be worried about potential lawsuits. Looks like a lot of ways someone can make up an injury. Would definitely require expensive insurance.
@@marcryvon Registering it in Germany or another foreign country might be able to avoid U.S. litigation. I'm sure he has already consulted Maritime Lawyers.
I would come help if that was a option..
You're rebuilding a Cruze ship!!! How could we not be into this!?!? Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for saving this beautiful ship.
I’m proud to do so. Thanks for the kind words..
The grain in that restored rail is gorgeous!!
When I was a child I drove to the northsee-island „Helgoland“ with this ship. There was a sistership of the former „Wappen von Hamburg“ it was called „Alte Liebe“ with this ship I had my first trip to Helgoland. I‘m so happy to see, that you now care for this ship! Good luck for your project!🍀👏👏👏
What monumental project can't even imagine the total number of hours you'll have in it you need like 50-100 retired guys that would join in for "fun"
I wanted to say this exact comment.
Your dad is havin a good time and doing a great job. it’s nice to see someone enjoying what their doing and doing it to last.
He does a great job. Lucky to have him helping out now and again…
I'm blown away. you're dad is amazing
As a guy from near Hamburg, it is an honor to see that the ship is in caring hands. I wish you all the best for the project!
Thank you..
I was a seaman on the Great Lakes from 1980 to 2019.
I have worked with a lot of air gun tools in order to maintain steel parts on dozens of ships I have been on. This is a big project that will keep my interest in the future. 👍👏⚓🚢
Looking forward to watching the project complete. Love the history lesson too.
The history lesson just started. So much more but coming soon…. Thank for watching..
That's ok Basil, I have the time. ✌
So nice to see restoration rather than scrapping.
Hi there from Germany. I was born and raised on Helgoland Island and used to travel on the „newer“ -Wappen von Hamburg 2- quite a few time. My parents and grandparents however used this very ship to travel to an from the island. Good to see that it will be restored to new glory!
I can't believe how great that teak rail cleaned up! Looks fantastic.
They are turning out fantastic. Can’t wait to finish them and then stand back and just admire..
LOVE the woodworking on the Teak Rails - It's too bad that the decking was so badly gone, but I hope you can use what's left to repair and replace the rest of the teak on board! Amazing to think that all that Teak was probably harvested using Elephants back in the day....
Never really thought about.. Had no idea that’s part of how they would have harvested back in the 50s
@@AuroraRestorationProject: The only thing I miss about California is the Delta. Lived on the Delta Loop (Brannon Is. Rd) for 11 years...mostly on my sailboat. When I wasn't delivering yachts, I did electrical work on boats with High Rigger Marine based at Spindrift Resort & Marina. In the Air Force I was trained as an Electrical Power Production Specialist, and spent many years as an expat working at remote locations in Diesel Powered Electrical Generating Facilities. Retired as Electrical Supervisor for the Sacramento/Yolo Port District & donated time on the old Liberty Ship... USS Jeremiah O'Brien based in San Francisco. If I didn't live 1,800 miles away now, I'd be more than happy to donate my 40 years of experience with Diesel Generators/Switchgear or any other electrical you might require. Following your restoration of the beautiful vessel Aurora with great interest.
Nice, I am from Hamburg. Nice to see this ship being restored!
Thanks for watching. I am glad to see a proper German audience beginning to form.
This is gonna be a great series. Can you imagine the amount of work this is going to take!! I’m excited to see the process
I'm already invested with my time on watching another channel with a guy restoring a airplane. I now see I will be investing my time on a ship restoration also.
I noticed you guys fighting the garbage bags, using wire 3’ fencing make a round frame to hold the bag, when it’s full, lift the frame. Works like a dream! Good job Mr. Willson
As a Navy man this old boat is a true beauty!!! Can’t wait to see her finished and sailing again!!!!
After spending the last 2 years working on a 50 year old ship I salute your efforts and determination to preserve this vessel.
Needle gunning, deck grinding, and painting was my life for a few years as a deck hand
Gosh that teak is gorgeous.
Hi, greetings from Germany. As I scrolled through my TH-cam I saw the shape of the ship in the minipictures and thought: I know this ship!
I wass absolutly Sure. Watching the History it became clear: Wappen von Hamburg.
I was born in Cuxhaven and raised up Here and a Lot Of people know the ship
Great to See this ship again.
I cannot imagine a pile of money big enough to fix this boat. This is absolutely bonkers. All the best.
We are putting obscene amounts into this restoration but all worth it. She will be spectacular when finished. Thanks for watching…
Much respect to you and your dad! You're literally going to do this restoration inch by painful inch! I've always wanted to buy a cruise ship myself, and what you did was prove to me it can be done. I've subscribed. You keep restoring--we'll keep with you on each inch.
I don't know how I end up here watching this but im not complaining , so cool. They say anything worth doing has gotta he hard so keep chipping away at it 👍
The company I work for is currently 4 months into replacing the bottom and rotten deck, structure, and upgrades on a 64ft 14’10” wide full metal hulled cruiser. It’s our main charter boat. Not nearly as big as this ole girl, but same concept in the dept of restoration. Island Girl has a very similar shape. We use her for things like dinner cruises, lake tours, lake days, special events, etc. I know the struggles my guy. I’m the lead fabricator on the project. This is also my first real project management job. I’m 29 and finally got my break to prove I’m worth this level of responsibility. Been a hell of a challenge. Luckily my bosses have a lot of money to finish this project. I hope you have deep pockets. Especially with current material and labor costs. We’re over 200k in to what pre Covid would be half that. Good stuff and if you ever need to bounce some ideas let’s link up.
I suspect I will pay out the nose when she comes out of the water. But when this time comes she will get the right treatment. As of now she is in fresh and shallow water and has not taken on any water on my watch. We have time to raise the right funds to make this happen. Thanks for watching and good luck on your fabrication job. Sounds like fun to me..
G day from Australia great to see the old ship being restored it will look magnificent when it is finished
You should coat that bare teak with some Smith's penetrating epoxy before you starting putting on varnish. Helps stabilize and strengthen the wood fibers and leads to better adherence for your varnish. Anyway, that's my two cents worth from 25 years of wooden boat ownership.
I think that’s a fantastic idea. I have tons of penetrating epoxy so you know what I will be experimenting with today. Thanks for the tip..
That's actually even a technique used in archaeology to stabilise and preserve wood from thousands of years ago (albeit in lab conditions). It works wonders! Get a good epoxy and soak the wood in it. It may take some finesse, the right materials and patience, but it makes the stuff stay just as it is for the eternity.
So nice that people offer their experience and talent to contribute to the project
That's what I was thinking if you don't want it to be a rail I personally would turn it into a shelf or shape it as a oar to hang it inside to at least preserve it since it is original wood
Washing teak with acetone or lacquer thinner before finishing itwill help the finish to adhere . Teak is very oily
Put those fittings in a bucket of some rustillo dwx 30 - the stuffs amazing to rip off rust and give a layer of protection, be interesting to see what you could save! Given the history selling the fittings in bulk might just fund some for the project. Gorgeous job on the wood, the plugs will give it character!
This has to be the funniest headline I've ever read on youtube. My goodness. I'm sure you will do well. She is a beautiful ship.
This is a very romantic kind of project but the scale requires more like 100 people working at the same time. You're doing beautiful craftsman type of work on a hutch or desk that's hundreds of feet long. Then you have all of the steel work and then the mechanical work. The job is monumental. Best of luck with it.
I've grown up on the water and have much respect for anyone saving the old boats. Its not easy and it's never ending. For this video what strikes me more and is almost as rare as a vintage boat like this. A functional family working together and getting goals accomplished. I can only hope my kids continue on their best path and appreciate some of these same things. One job at a time, keep checking off that long list and you will get there. That boat in the proper condition goes for tens of millions. You shouldn't lose either way.
I appreciate your kind words. We certainly try and keep this project a family project however we do have a nice host of volunteers that have become much like family over the years. This ship really deserves what we are doing for her. It’s important for everyone to know that this project is not a selfish endeavor. We are doing this to give back to the people. Allow them to see a valuable piece of maritime history far after I am gone. I am only the voice of the ship at the time.
Thanks for watching…
Nice to see that there are still people around that's not afraid to roll upp their sleeves and get dirty. I had to subscribe and will follow your videos with interest.
Safety first. You should be using vibration gloves when using electric vibration tools. You could end up destroying the blood vessels in your hand, making it difficult for blood to flow and will result in a "dead" hand. not getting enough oxygen.
Die gute alte "" Wappen von Hamburg "" . Schönes Schiff 🙋♂️👍🚢
Enjoy watching you. That is gonna be one sharp ship when done
She’s slowly getting there. Thanks….
I've been following your story since before this channel. I'm thrilled that we'll be able to see how it's going. I hope that this channel helps you with the inevitable costs ahead.
Thanks for fallowing all these years. It’s been an adventure. TH-cam will certainly help with some of the costs and the more entertained people are by what we are doing the more revenue rolls in. But will keep everything down to earth and real.
This is the first time I hit subscribe button in years.
Now this is a channel deserves to go viral, not the what happens when you microwave an iPod crap.
Thank you for your vlog I to am looking forward to seeing more vlog of the ship’s rejuvenation. You are doing a great job.
Thank you, We’re working hard to make great things happen for the Aurora. Keep watching. It gets much better…
Only one episode was needed to realize that this is a channel for me to subscribe. In 54 years on this planet I always loved to make something new out of something old. Starting with my 1st go kart, 1st motorbike in the age of 14. Biked went bigger and cars were add. Two classic boats were kept alive. An American old timer RV, some pick ups. But NOTHING compared to your guys project. I knew I need to follow that project. Hopefully I will be still alive when it is done I hope you guys do not run out of power, time & money. Wish you all the best. Regards from Germany.
I'm a retired Master Craftsman and Carpenter and when I lived on the coast I did some work on some sailboats. My trusty levels never left my truck and the one think I learned is nothing is straight on a boat! I learned that Mahogany may be a nice substitute for Teak, but it's hard on saw blades. I learned there are two grades of stainless fasteners. One for use on boats that travel along the shore and the other for ocean going vessels. Buy ONLY stainless nails for your nail guns! They are a little more expensive, but regular galvanized nails will rust out after a year or so in the salt air. Get a bench drill press for drilling stainless fittings. If you don't, when you drill them they'll get hot and temper the stainless and you'll never drill a hole in it then! Cool the drill bit with water or oil while drilling! That drill press is great for making those plugs for your railings if you get one with the same size chuck as the shaft on the hole saw.
I learned from my dad that if you put your head down and get stuck into a project without ever considering the number of steps to the end, you will get there eventually. But most people count the steps and they seem insurmountable, so they do not start. You remind me of my dad and that is not a bad thing at all. I look forward to the rest of the story.
Thank you Martin, You dad was correct. The only way to get anything done is to just keep at it until it’s finished. A lesson learned many times over on this old ship. I have also learned that one cannot look at this project as one single restoration. It’s more like a bunch of small projects and a few very big projects.. thanks for watching and yes more of my crazy story will surface very soon. I’m just looking for the best way to tell it..
Your dad is doing a very rewarding and fulfilling job.
Well done
my dad was a oiler on a liberty ship during ww2 and cunard lines after until he got drafted into the army in korea. thats a big job you got there
What a beautiful boat. I'm so glad you are saving her. Definitely looks like a massive amount of work. That rust repair is going to take a lot of time and money.
Of course she was the most advanced of the age...the Gerries really know how to do it!
The project of a lifetime, God bless you for taking her on. Please restore her to her very original glory...and I really hope that will include her proud name: WAFFEN VON HAMBURG.
Beautiful work, beautiful wood. Great project 🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thank you, It’s been a great journey…
Not something I’ve ever watched before, but the whole history aspect to this project has me intrigued to see it finished ✅ excellent watch sir
just a comment to make this project even more featured
Thank you…
Now a true Phoenix.. the scale of this project.. tip of the hat to you sir.
This is seriously the coolest thing I have stumbled across on TH-cam !!
When I was a kid my class stayed on the C.A. Thayer. We performed ships duties, cooked, cleaned, fished over the rails, we even held firewatch and sewed canvas sail.
Just an idea, but if you could secure a few areas for something like that, I’m sure there are groups who’d love to come aboard and help.
that's a hell of a project
Thank you.
Absolutely amazing project. This is a very historic treasure.
What a project!
She’s definitely that. Thanks for watching…
OMG I am a 25 year carpenter in the housing industry, also a boat owner, and I can tell you have a MASSIVE amount of work in front of you. Time and money. You need lots of both. Good Luck. It will be nice when you get it done.
This project reminds me of when I worked on a 130' yacht built in 1930, the MY Northwind. It started in similar condition and after *many* years and even more dollars, it ended up looking fantastic. It also had quite the story: connections to Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth, Aristotle Onassis and drug runners!
I wish you well. The end result should be fantastic.
well at least that vessel positively progressed in ownership ... from psychopathic criminal parasites up to aggressive entrepreneurs.
This guy just browsed thru Craiglist and choose this rather than 12000 other things that could potentially mess up his life... For this reason i salute you sir....
That rust in the gutters looks like slate, amazing!
It’s absolutely awesome what you are doing for this ship
The correct tool for the job would be a forstner bit to make the holes then the hole saw to make the plugs. The forstner bit makes a cleaner hole
Wow great job your dad did on that piece of handrail.
Just a tip for the future, forstner bits work great for cutting holes to plug
Those railings look amazing !!!
I am a 75-year-old engineer I wish I could come and help I love watching it good luck with everything👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Come on out anything. We have people in all age groups but find the people with the most knowledge and skill have earned it over the long years. Your welcome here anytime…
I would love for this ship to be renamed "Wappen von Hamburg" again. It was the first ship of this name, and it's the last one that remains. The second one was wrecked somewhere in turkey, the last one was wrecked in Esbjerg, Denmark, both in the 2000s/2010s.
Preserving history is always a good idea !
So cool! I’ve seen this ship while commuting to work!
Don't feel as overwhelmed now decluttering my 3 bedroom house.
Rub the teak oil after it dries with piece of folded brown paper bag between each coat after it dries, it makes for an amazing finish.
Just joining your journey! So excited to follow along. Absolutely amazing project.
Awesome project! I've had the pipe dream of doing something similar, so many really cool old ships get scrapped. Can't wait to see the progress!
I admire the incredible ambition, I do not admire the task ahead. Good luck, I'll follow along.
Again great attention to detail on that teak railing. Would be awesome to see the ship in another 007 movie.
OH WHAT A VIEW!!
Thank you for showing us the history of the beautiful boat
MAN you have your work cut out there with all that rust !
I'm betting that if you had 1$ for every time someone said your MAD to take on this project you would be a VERY rich man !! Lol
That teak woodwork is going to look AMAZING when it's finished!!
Surprisingly enough I have far more people that see the vision then think I’m crazy. But I myself have to wonder. The most important part is that if I had to do it all over again would I…..? Absolutely
A needle descaler would do you wonders against all that rust. Subbed this has me so intrigued.
Very nice project! very nice to see those old ships will continue sailing after restoration!
Just from a seamans point of view, the parts what you have been welding there needs to be a water drainage
Just a wonderful project. Thank you for preserving the world's history and having the foresight in understanding that historically valuable objects (in this case a very large object :) ) are sometimes lost before people even realise they are endangered.
Cool vid, very relaxing with a fine result!
Thank you…
Cool project, wish you luck. Please wear proper PPE, especially when picking rust.
Just stumbled across this. To restore such ship is a huge project in itself. To document it to where its presentable is another huge project in and of itself.
Look for a tapered plug cutter to correspond with your drill bit….you are a bigger optimist than I and that is saying something. Best wishes
glad i found this
Thanks for watching..
Wow the varnished teak rail looked beautiful.
Thank you…
This is absolutely insane. I mean that in the best way possible. I whish you all the best luck with this.
Teak is a fantastic wood, really hardy stuff which is why it's used a lot in marine applications. If you take it inside for the final coat you wont get as many bits and nibs in the finish, maybe even string up a plastic sheet room. If you do go down the road of stabilizing the wood try and make sure its dry first. I'm loving this series so far, keep up the good work
Thanks for the advice and tips. The teak is certainly fun working with and watching it come back to life after looking so bad for so long. I guess it’s kind of the same with the rest of the ship as well.
Love the channel so far and your passion for this restoration. My favorite TH-cam subject matter is restorations and yours is big. I can appreciate your desire to do it correctly and thoroughly and only wish I lived closer because I would be volunteering.
Thanks Drew, It’s definitely even a difficult journey and with a little hard work and luck we will bring her back to the public in some capacity.
Congrats on 11k subscribers, don't be surprised on how fast you get too 1million!! I've read your story on this and I feel that this format will work out better than Pier 38. Thank you for not giving up on Her and you!!
Thanks so much for the kind words. I plan on continuing the story soon. It was a rough ride and a tough story to want to bring back up but needs to be done. I’m just glad the Aurora is starting to get the recognition she deserves…
🧡👏👏 Y'all are amazing 💖. Thank you.
This is really amazing, thanks for sharing this content!
Here I am restoring a little Bayliner thinking I’m special. I’m not but you definitely are! What a very cool project! I’m excited to see what you can do!
That is the Yacht equivalent of a Kit Car to a Lambo.
#respect
I love it.
its a beutiful ship ! i rly hope more pepole do what u doing now
If you like the power hammer, and haven't tried it yet, try a needle gun. Those are great for all kinds of rust