SAVE THE GOVERNOR STONE

 

Presented by Captain Bill HamiltonFriends of the Governor Stone, Inc.

Division Of Historical Resources2014 Viva Florida 500 Small Matching Historical Preservation Grant

Restoring the Governor StoneA National Historic Landmark Vessel

The Governor Stone is displayed, owned, maintained and preserved by the Friends of the Governor Stone, Inc.

Preserving the vessel has unique challenges because it is a working, sailing, on-the water historical artifact. The Governor Stone is continuously exposed to the elements; wind, sun, rain and corrosive salt water and requires continuous maintenance to preserve the condition of the vessel.

In spite of the best efforts of the organization some aspects of the vessel have deteriorated to the point where immediate repairs are necessary

THE 1877 NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK VESSEL,

1. REPAIR WEAKENED ORIGINAL KEEL

The keel, laid 135 years ago is original to the Governor Stone.

Inspections have revealed areas of deterioration and damage from ship worms in the interior wet surface of the centerboard slot.

The vessel has a significant leak when the vessel is underway where it was bored for the engine shaft.

Restoring the Governor StoneA National Historic Landmark Vessel

If deterioration continues the keel could weaken to the point where it is broken by loads generated by the engine, driveshaft, masts or lateral forces on the large centerboard. Should this happen it would be unlikely the vessel could be made seaworthy again.

2. REPAIR DETERIORATING HULL PLANKING

Restoring the Governor StoneA National Historic Landmark Vessel

Planks covered by the rub rails and at the water line on both sides of the vessel show significant deterioration.

Temporary repairs have been made to the chain plates that mount the bowsprit. All four chain-plates are at risk of failure and need to repaired when the rub-rails and planking are replaced.

3. REPLACE DETERIORATED RIGGING WITH NEW HAVING HISTORICAL APPEARANCE

The rigging installed in early 90’s is reaching the end of its useful life and metal shackles and other fittings detract from the appearance and historical accuracy of the vessel.Modern materials of historically accurate appearance are available and will be used for the restoration. Restoring the Governor StoneA National Historic Landmark Vessel

4. REPLACE DETERIORATED SAILS WITH THOSE OF HISTORICAL APPEARANCE AND DESIGN

The current sails, sail covers and protective hatch covers are badly deteriorated. They are stained, have been patched and there are numerous worn areas where pin hole light shows through

The forward sails, the club foot staysail and the jib, are not the proper size or design for the vessel

Restoring the Governor StoneA National Historic Landmark Vessel

New materials make it possible to acquire sails that are strong, long wearing, stain and mould resistant modern material that will look and feel in every respect to be vintage material.

5. RESTORE DECK COMPONENTS TO HISTORIC APPEARANCE

The cabin, steering box and freight hatch covers of the vessel are deteriorated and in immediate need of replacement. These structures leak, allowing a significant amount of fresh water to accumulate in the bilge. Fresh water contributes to the growth of organisms that are damaging the keel (rot).

Restoring the Governor StoneA National Historic Landmark Vessel

5. RESTORE DECK COMPONENTS TO HISTORIC APPEARANCE

The cabin, and to a lesser extent the steering box and freight hatch covers are not of original design and do not accurately portray details of period shallow draft coastal freighters.

Since the structures need to be replaced our objective is to replace them with period appropriate structures built to restoration standards.

Restoring the Governor StoneA National Historic Landmark Vessel

ADDITIONAL THREATS NOT FUNDED

Replacement of lifelines with USCG approved, removable lifelines and stanchions which would improve safety while sailing and when removed would not detract from the historical appearance of the vessel. Estimate $6,000

Restoring the Governor StoneA National Historic Landmark Vessel

Replace the engine with a modern diesel equivalent that would meet emission standards, be quieter, more compact and a longer term solution. Estimate $20,000.

Restoring the Governor StoneA National Historic Landmark Vessel

BUDGET

Grant Cash In-Kind Total

1 Repair Weakened Original Keel $12,360 $14,470 $26,830

2 Repair Deteriorating Hull Planking $8,550 $2,767 $11,317

3 Replace Deteriorated Rigging with Historical $13,910 $2,420 $16,330

4 Replace Deteriorated Sails with Historical $14,000 $1,100 $15,100

5 Restore Deck Components to Historic Appearance $1,180 $8,372 $3,612 $13,164

6 Project Management and Administration $4,137 $13,503 $17,640

Total $50,000 $12,509 $37,872 $100,381

Restoring the Governor StoneA National Historic Landmark Vessel

2013 FUNDRAISING GOAL

Grant

Removable Stanchions $6,000

Engine Replacement $20,000

Replacement of Funds to Operating Budget $12,500

Total $38,500

Friends of the Governor Stone, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The Friends of the Governor Stone, Inc. is a non-profit organization that serves as a steward of the public’s interest in the schooner Governor Stone . Our mission is to present, protect, preserve and restore the

Governor Stone.

www.GovStone.com www.facebook.com/

GovernorStone