Restoring a 45ft Dream Boat

Located in Pittwater in NSW, “Virgo” the 45.2ft Mobjack Ketch, of a L. Francis Herreshoff design from 1936, immediately stole her heart and Caroline knew that she had to move quick or it would pass her by.

After being contacted in 2023 for some information and advice about our products, we caught up with Caroline and her team again in September 2024, to see the progress that has been made using Bote-Cote, Aquacote and Cop-R-Bote to repair, restore and relaunch “Virgo” and discover the trials and tribulations of the past 14 months since we first made contact.

Originally built in Whangarei, New Zealand, by Marsden Sea Glass Vessels in 1976, “Virgo” was constructed as a 1 of 20 from cold moulded fibreglass, with a teak strip planked deck and a mix of kauri and teak and ash interior. It’s clear the amount of care that has gone into the cabin shows off the power of tasteful ornamentation and simple yet precise joinery.

However, much like any older boat, there was more work than initially expected, Going off photographs from the “For Sale” ad and what they were able to briefly view on collection, the real scope of issues didn’t present themselves until shortly after leaving harbour to head for the warmer waters of Southeast Queensland.

Along the way, the weather turned foul, leaks and osmosis points became apparent, the plumbing had issues, and the engine driveshaft up and quit at one point. These would need to be resolved before “Virgo” spent too much more time in the water.

Although the journey north was tough at times, and there were points that she questioned her choice, it also gave her the chance to enjoy the beauty of the east coast of Australia, where in Trial Bay, the vessel was guided to anchorage by a school of dolphins.

Even then it wasn’t until they were able to get the boat out of the water at the Boatworks on the Gold Coast, that the full extent of repairs would be understood, the more troubling aspects were the numerous leaks, drive shaft, plumbing and osmosis over nearly the entirety of the hull which would require significant work and love to restore.

It was at this point that Boatcraft we received the call from Caroline here at Boatcraft Pacific to inquire about her options, receive some technical support and guidance as to how she could use Bote-Cote, Epox-E-Glue, Aquacote and Cop-R- Bote products to help recover this dream vessel of hers.

THE REPAIR / RESTORATION PROCESS

Up on the hardstand, it was possible to grind away the osmosis, this was then filled with our Bote-Cote Epox-E-Glue and E-Z-Fair, both Thixotropic Premixed Epoxy Pastes. The Epox-E-Glue is used for Glueing or bogging where strength is needed, and the E-Z-Fair can be used where a more stable paste is required for fairing on vertical or even overhead surfaces.

Once these patches were filled, Aquacote Undercoat Hi-Build Epoxy Primer was applied over the entirety of the hull to be faired back to a consistent and smooth surface. This was then keyed to allow application of the final top-coats of White Aquacote above the waterline, and Cop-R-Bote Ultra Long-Life Epoxy Foul Release below the waterline.

When Caroline initially contacted us , she was actually searching for an Anti-foul product, as she had received some information from our competitors and wanted to do her own homework. From our discussions, Cop-R-Bote was chosen as the
below waterline Foul Release surface coating, as in Carolines words with all of our products, “It’s just easier to work with”.

Cop-R-Bote is a 2:1 ratio, fine particle Copper Rich Epoxy surface coating that applies easily and has great coverage. With an effective life up to 5 years or more in ideal conditions, it’s the next best
thing to traditional copper plating. Unlike ablative coatings, it won’t rub off or need renewal every year, saving hundreds if not thousands of dollars over the life of the boat. Our Cop-R-Bote comes with the copper already added to the Resin, saving you time and effort to mix, as well as giving a generous working time.

Cop-R-Bote is applied in several thin coats to prevent runs and has great coverage and once the Cop-R-Bote has cured, it must be lightly sanded and burnished to bring the copper particles to the surface, making sure to make the surface shimmer without imperfections, as there is nothing that foul loved more, than a rough surface.

After many months and several visits, standing on the docks at the Boatworks in Coomera and seeing the results of the hard work that has been done, it’s clear that it was all worth it.

After nearly a year of work, Caroline was able to float “Virgo” in October, and the repairs are holding well. From then it was down to the more detail-oriented aesthetic, interior and fastenings and fittings restoration and replacement are taking place.

Caroline is using more Boatcraft products like our Aquacote clear system on both external and internal wood fittings to provide an ultra-long hardwearing finish.

As with most passion projects, there really is no completion date, just a point where you become satisfied, especially with ocean-going yachts, the work is never complete.

Caroline hopes that the next stage of work will allow greater time to enjoy the best part of owning a yacht…. Sailing.

We hope that by the time we next meet, we’ll get to take a tour and see how it’s holding up.

In the meantime, fair winds and following seas.