Shipwrights are sealing part of the deck on the Ship Hector replica in Pictou, N.S.
“We’re tearing the old deck out and we’re fixing it all up,” said shipwright Ralph Anderson. “Plugging it to pull the spikes out, plugging the holes and then we’re putting new plank back and chalk them up.”
The replica Ship Hector brought the first wave of Scottish settlers to Nova Scotia more than two centuries ago.
The Hector was launched back in 2000. Over the years, the elements have taken their toll on the vessel.
Taking it out of the water for repairs is not an option for the Volunteer Hector Quay Society.
“Very, very expensive project to move the ship, to take it out, to put it into a dry-dock or up in a cradle, to have a look at the hull, to do any necessary repairs and the painting.” said society member Anne Emmett. “I guess this is what you would have done in the 17or 1800s.”
The ship has been moved closer to the shore so that during low tide, caulking and painting can be done to the bow.
The internal parts of the ship are in good shape, including the ribs and keel. Damage is concentrated near the water line where it constantly expands and contracts from exposure to the elements.
“Fresh water is awful for wood,” said volunteer Keith Matheson. “Fresh water is wood's natural enemy. Salt water tends to pickle the wood and preserve it.”
Parts of each mast lay waiting for work to finish on the deck of the Hector.
Society members say the site is good for tourism and they’re glad to have taken the wheel on the vessel when they did.
“There's no question. If we hadn't done this, we don't think the ship would be sitting here right now,” said Emmett.
The ship is closed to visitors, but it’s expected they’ll be able to get back on board sometime this week.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Dan MacIntosh.
