Damages

Conservation Status of Wooden Elements

Right and left side

The starboard and port sides of the ship are defined according to an observer on board facing the bow and referring to the starboard and port sides of the ship in relation to the longitudinal plane of symmetry.

General picture of the wood and the wooden structures of the ship

1. Externally

The overall picture of the vessel's state of preservation contained elements of deterioration of varying extent, on the one hand due to its disuse in recent decades and on the other hand due to the long stay in an external environment. The wooden elements of the ship showed extensive corrosion, especially on the exterior, decay, fragmentation, discolouration, flaking, exfoliation, and large losses of parts. Such sections were observed on the planking of the hull and the hull itself, as their properties have led to the most severe deterioration and degradation of the material. A similar situation, with moderate and large extent, was observed in the other elements of the ship, which were external wooden elements. The starboard side had collapsed, causing significant damage to the load-bearing wooden elements that supported the ship. More recent interventions with modern materials had replaced parts of the external wooden elements, resulting in a deterioration of the original appearance (e.g. parts of the port side of the counter keel board had been laminated with polyester sheeting). In the part of the ship still preserved at the time, localised cracks and splits could be observed in the horizontal and vertical direction of the ship's axis. Due to the ageing of the wood, warping, surface roughness and shrinkage had occurred.

2. Internally

The interior wooden elements of the vessel that were preserved had suffered deterioration and damage due to mechanical stress, moisture and natural ageing. Poor conservation, especially in recent years, has led to a considerable loss of material and a deterioration in the state of preservation. Most of the interior of the hanging knees (bratsolia) in particular showed strong signs of white and soft rot primarily, and there was severe chemical discolouration ranging from cyan to cyan-black in colour. The floorboards were in a very poor condition. Repeated mechanical stresses led to deterioration of the wood, both structurally and superficially, mainly due to the effect of frictional forces caused by loads and man-made factors. The ceiling planking (fodro) showed severe cracking and splitting. Other elements such as the upper keel (akrapi), breast hooks (fournistes), distaffs (doufekia), the deck beams along the axis (pikeries), stanchions (sadarolia) and clamps/lower-thick-stuffs (stragalies) showed severe cracking and chemical discolouration due to chemical reactions of wood tannins with nails and screws at relatively high humidity (at the joint with the floating base) and white rot caused by fungi. The bedding boards showed severe cracking, splitting and loss of colour on the surface, and warping was observed, either due to sudden changes in temperature and relative humidity or due to heavy loading. The keelson (sotropi), the lower and the centre stringers/middle-thick-stuffs (louroi) had now followed the curvature of the keel and the rest of the boat, resulting in a distorted shape. All the individual parts of the wooden ladders showed exfoliation, shrinkage of the paint coats and micro-cracks. There were cracks, while the layers of paint showed exfoliation, and shrinking, reaching down to the substrate of the paint where the wood was revealed. The colour of the wood surface changed, streaks, warping, surface roughness and general surface corrosion of the wood occurred due to abiotic factors. In some places there was also chemical discolouration due to chemical reactions of the wood with the iron fasteners. Around the centre of the vessel, most of the frames (nomeis) (layer and rowlock) showed a decayed surface, fractures and cracks, so that their structural strength was damaged to an unknown, but certainly great extent. The extensive presence of various septic fungi was noticeable.

Macroscopic Testing - Deformation Testing

Documentation of the wooden carrier and its parts
In the context of grouping the structural parts of the vessel for the purpose of describing their state of preservation in this preservation study, the external parts of the hull are referred to as external elements of the keel (keel frame), the counter keel board, the bow/stem and stern posts, the hull, the outer skin of the planking of the hull, the gunwale (parapeto), the rudder and the tiller (lagoudera).

1. External elements on the hull

Keel - Counter keel board - Hull

All parts of the vessel are covered with debris, everywhere on the vessel. On the accessible port side of the vessel, there are generally extensive effects of wood-eating insects, which are not currently active, and recent paint treatments, mainly oil paint, throughout the vessel, exfoliated over large areas. Typical are extensive flaking of all coatings down to the wood substrate, oxidation and discolouration of the original and newer coatings as well as the original protective finish. The exterior of the vessel shows extensive recent interventions that have altered its original appearance. The counter keel board was laminated with polyester film in the same area as the keel. The hull has also been laminated in the same way, approximately from frame number 6 to the bow and up to the height of the sail mast. The laminated surface is bordered at the upper point by a batten nailed (to the planking of the hull) to hold the edges of the polyester film. On the external elements of the hull (keel, counter keel board) up to the height of the mast line, there is a clear change in the shape of the vessel with a curvature in the longitudinal direction. This change is most pronounced in the area of the engine, where the only significant and permanent weight was located inside the vessel. In connection with this deformation, it can be observed that the planking of the hull at frame number 4 is broken and worn down to the stern. Strong activity of various septic fungi is observed on the exposed and visible wood surfaces, leading to loss of material in various parts of the keel and the presence of marine organisms in the lower parts of the keel. At the cleaning test sites from newer coating treatments, there is extensive wood ageing, oxidation and discolouration of the wood surface and deposits of debris likely to extend over the entire area of the wood substrate, which will be fully revealed after the removal of coatings and general cleaning treatments. From the latest photographic documentation of the state of preservation of the outer and inner starboard side of the vessel, towards which it is currently collapsed and not visible and accessible, the state of preservation is similar to that of the port side, and this is confirmed for the entire starboard side. Furthermore, it is unlikely that the collapse of the vessel has allowed the salvage of intact parts of the vessel on the port side, which will be selected for conservation.

Figure 1.General view of the preservation status of the starboard side of the hull (Personal archive, 2015)

Figure 2. General view of the preservation status of the starboard side of the hull (Personal archive, 2015)

External Hull Planking

Due to the long-term effects of abiotic factors, the planking of the hull shows extensive signs of ageing of the wooden surface, which are visible due to paint exfoliation and newer coating treatments. There are colour changes, the appearance of cracks, warping, surface roughness and surface decay of the wood. In many areas of the planking of the hull, the wood is chemically discoloured (black - cyan) due to reactions between the wood and the iron joints, and there is detachment of parts, cracks, fractures and loss of material. On the exposed and visible wooden surfaces, extensive activity of various septic fungi can also be observed, resulting in the surface being particularly brittle in contact and material loss in various places.

Figure 3.General view of the preservation status of the hull of the vessel (Personal archive, 2015)

The bow/stem post

The outer part of the bow/stem post is laminated up to the line of the sail mast. The main damage is a break in the upper part, probably caused by the earlier collision of the vessel. This collision also led to a slight deformation of the overall shape of the bow, which is now completely deformed.

Figure 4,5.Post of bow/stem and stern. Drawing illustration

The stern post

The greatest damage to the stern post is on the underside, at the connection to the keel, where there has been a loss of material due to the heavy infestation with various septic fungi. In addition, rotting and ageing of the surface of the wooden substrate is widespread, as are cracks, holes and tunnels caused by wood-eating insects and marine organisms. Decay due to extensive infestation by septic fungi is also evident along the rabbets (asoi) formed on the sides of the stern post. Exfoliation of the colour is observed on both posts.

Rudder / Tiller (Lagoudera)

The rudder was also laminated with polyester from the waterline downwards. The lower part is broken and the tiller is not preserved.

Figure 6.State of preservation of the rudder (Personal archive, 2022)

Deck

Most of the deck is laminated with a polyester film. Schematically, it has a pronounced longitudinal and bow axis deceleration, and its transverse shape is also distorted due to severe decay and deformation.
The exposed and tested deck planks were found to be deteriorating due to the influence of frictional forces caused by human activity during operation of the vessel, as well as the appearance of cracks, warping, roughness and extensive general ageing of the wooden surface due to abiotic factors and various forms of rot. The elements holding the deck together (deck beams, deck beams along the axis) show similar deterioration.

Figure 7.General view of the preservation status of the deck (Personal archive, 2015)

Figure 8.General view of the preservation status of the deck (Personal archive, 2022)

Waterway timber (Tripiti or Kourzeto)

Where visible, the outer part of the waterway timber shows mainly cracks and transparent fissures as well as various infestations of septic fungi. The inner part of the surface of the waterway timber, especially the areas in contact with the hull planking of the deck, is chemically discoloured (black – cyan-black) due to chemical reactions between the wood and the iron joints. There is also some detachment of parts, cracks, fractures and loss of material.

Figure 9.The section of the waterway timber (drawing illustration)

Skylights on deck (kouvousia)

The horizontal boards of the skylights on the deck, as well as most of the wood exposed to abiotic factors, show severe ageing, which includes colour changes, cracks, warping, surface roughness and surface decay of the wood. Externally, the frames of the skylights (bow, centre and stern) show focal infestation with various septic fungi, locally. At their points of contact with the hull planking of the deck, chemical discolouration is visible both externally and internally, which can be attributed to the corrosion of the iron joints.

Figure 10. Skylight (kouvousi) on deck (Damianidis, 2015)

Figure 11.Skylight (kouvousi) on deck (Damianidis, 2015)

Katsoulas of the bow

Due to an earlier collision with the bow of the ship, the katsoulas of the bow shows material losses and severe cracks.

Figure 12. Drawing illustration of a plan view showing the katsoulas (number 26) in the bow

Abacus (Avakas - Papadia) on bow

The abacus consists of four horizontal boards with loose connections to the gunwales, and there is chemical discolouration due to corrosion of the iron connections.

Wooden Davits (Kaponia)

There are two wooden davits in the bow, which show signs of ageing and pronounced cracking and discolouration of the wooden surface due to long-term exposure to abiotic factors. Paint coats show extensive exfoliation and shrinkage, which in some cases extends to the wooden substrate.

Figure 13. Detail of the state of preservation of the davit for the anchor, bitts/bollards (Personal archive, 2015)

Bitts/Bollards (Babades - Vertical/Horizontal bindings)

The bitts/bollards are connected with rowlocks and the planking of the hull with iron javettes. These timbers show localised corrosion, discolouration and cracks, and the iron fittings supporting them are oxidised and have caused discolouration of the wooden surface

Figure 14. Drawing illustration of a binder (bitt/bollard)

Figure 15. Drawing illustration: skylight, bitts/bollards, katsoulas

Thwart (Pragatsa) and horizontal bow Hanging Knees (Bratsolia)

The thwart and the horizontal bow hanging knees supporting it were moved out of position, probably after the collision caused earlier in the bow of the ship. As a result, the hanging knees are badly cracked and broken, while the thwart is now completely out of position due to the collapse of the vessel.

Figure 16.Top view of a section of the bow plan with bitts/bollards, katsoulas, thwart (37)

Figure 17. Cross - sectional drawing, hanging knee (18), deck beam, skylight, upper gunwale timber, hoe

Figure 18. Drawing of a hanging knee (bratsoli) on the keel (Damianidis, 2015)

Bowsprit in the bow

The bowsprit is now completely displaced and broken in several places. Due to abiotic factors, the wood shows a general ageing pattern with several deteriorations such as colour change, appearance of cracks, warping, roughness of the wood surface and exposure to various septic fungi.

Figure 19. Bowsprit on the bow (Damianidis, 2015)

Figure 20.Detail of a bowsprit on the bow (Damianidis, 2015)

Belfry of the bow

The belfry had shifted slightly backwards due to the collision caused by the vessel and is now completely out of place. Due to abiotic factors, the wood shows a general ageing pattern with various deteriorations such as colour changes, the appearance of cracks, distortions, roughness of the wood surface and exposure to various septic fungi.

Horizontal bitts/bollards at the stern

These woods show local signs of corrosion, such as changes in colour, the appearance of cracks due to solar radiation and the javets that support them have been oxidised by the humidity in the air.

Thwart and horizontal hanging knees of the stern

The entire structure shows several signs of damage and breakage, with both the thwart and the horizontal hanging knee on the left side having been detached from the gunwale.

Figure 21.Drawing from the thwart on the deck (Damianidis, 2015)

Gunwale (Upper gunwale timber) - Toerail (Bastigagio)

The state of preservation of the gunwale boards is characterised by distortions, the loss of parts, exfoliation of overlapping layers of paint and the chemical discolouration of the wood due to the corrosion of the iron joints. The wood of the toerail of the upper gunwale timber has decayed and there is a loss of material in some parts of the wood of the upper gunwale timber.

Figure 22.Drawing illustration of parts that make up the gunwale (Damianidis, 2015)

Figure 23.Detail of the gunwale, the bindings, the toerail

Figure 24.Part of the gunwale and deck (Personal archive, 2015)

Figure 25.General view of the state of preservation of the gunwale (Personal archive, 2022)

Internal strakes of the gunwale (Bakalari) - A horizontal piece of wood under the bakalari with rings for tying the ropes

The wood of the upper gunwale timber and the internal strakes of the gunwale show severe colour exfoliation, warping, cracks, loss of material, slight infestation by various septic fungi and chemical discolouration due to chemical reactions between the wood and the iron fastenings.
The horizontal wood, which protrudes from under the internal strakes of the gunwale, begins at the point where the deck overhang is created at the stern and ends at the point where the horizontal fastenings at the bow end, and shows a similar preservation pattern.

Figure 26.Drawing illustration (Damianidis 2015)

Figure 27.General view of the preservation status of the gunwale and part of the deck (Personal archive, 2022)

Poles of tarpaulin over the gunwale

The poles show cracking, exfoliation of overlapping layers of colour and chemical discolouration due to the corrosion of the iron nails.

2. Superstructures

The deck houses on the bow and stern no longer exist.

Figure 28.Superstructure (Damianidis, 2015)

Figure 29.General view of superstructure preservation status, deck (Personal archive, 2022)

Mast

The mast shows several cracks, exfoliation of the overlapping layers of paint and chemical discolouration due to the corrosion of the iron nails. It fell during the collapse of the vessel and broke into three large pieces.

Figure 30. General view of the mast (Personal archive, 2015)

Figure 31.Part of the mast (Personal archive 2022)

Derrick (Biga)

The wood of derrick shows cracking, heavy infestation with various septic fungi, shrinkage and exfoliation of the colour surface, which in some cases extends to the wood substrate. There is also localised chemical discolouration due to chemical reactions between the wood and the iron joints.

Figure 32.General view of the stern end of the derrick (Damianidis, 2015)

Results of Tests - Analyses

Sampling

After the controlled dismantling of the ship and after the consolidation of the wood cuttings, samples were taken from selected areas of the wooden sections, following the requirements for the identification of the forest species and to apply destructive analysis techniques so that an initial assessment of the preventive consolidation measures could be made.
The positions and results of the sampling were recorded in the ship's plans and submitted to the competent authorities in a technical report.

Identification of forest species

The forest species were identified macroscopically in order to distinguish between conifers and broadleaves. The specimens were identified in situ after clean cuts. The initial assessment was supported by the use of a magnifying glass where necessary. In cases of doubt, sample material was taken and analysed in the laboratory under a stereoscope or microscope. Pine wood was used for most of the wooden parts of the vessel (> 95%).

Test sample moisture measurement

The measurements were carried out on site using a portable moisture meter after the wood species had been calibrated. They were carried out at selected points of the timber sections after a controlled dismantling of the ship to support the assessment of their preservation condition.

Measurement of mechanical properties

Engraving test

Engraving tests were carried out on selected areas of wooden structural elements with a sharp knife.

Hardness measurement

The hardness measurements were carried out on selected locations of the wooden parts after the controlled disassembly of the vessel to assess the state of preservation of the parts and support their selection or rejection, and after their consolidation to evaluate the preventive consolidation and immersion consolidation measures. The locations and results of the hardness measurements were recorded on the vessel plans, with annotations and straight curves where possible, and any new findings on deterioration will be submitted in a new technical report to the relevant authorities.

Perforation with pegging of nail

Perforation with a Pilodyn penetrometer, after calibration of the device, was carried out at selected points of the wooden parts, after controlled disassembly of the vessel, to support their selection or rejection, as well as after their consolidation to evaluate preventive consolidating operation. The locations and results of the hardness measurements were noted on the vessel drawings, with annotations and straight curves where possible, and will be submitted in a new technical report to the relevant authorities.

Measurement of bending resistance

The measurement of the bending resistance was carried out on selected samples of the wooden parts on testing machines under controlled loading, according to certain norms and standards after the ship had been dismantled in a controlled manner. Due to the destructive nature of the tests, samples of wooden parts destined for disposal were selected. Bending resistance was measured to assess the overall strength of the construction material and structural sections, and also after consolidation to assess preventive consolidation and immersion consolidation intervention. The locations and results of the tests were recorded on the ship plans, with annotations and presentation of straight curves where possible, and will be submitted in a new technical report to the relevant authorities.

Low-destructive methods

Measurement of physical properties: density calculation

To calculate the weight, the samples were weighed on a precision balance. A mercury volumeter device was used to calculate the liquid volume of the samples. The measurements were carried out on selected samples of the wooden parts after controlled disassembly of the vessel. Due to the destructive nature of the tests, samples of wooden parts destined for disposal were selected. The density calculation was carried out to estimate the overall strength of the construction material and the structural components, but also after their fixing to evaluate the preventive and immersive consolidation measures. The locations and results of the tests were noted on the ship's drawings with a memorandum and will be submitted in a new technical report to the relevant authorities.

Chemical Analyses

Solubility method in 1% NaOH

The method of solubility in 1% NaOH was carried out according to ASTM D1109 - 56.

Method % ash quantity

The % in ash method was carried out in accordance with ASTM 1102-56. Assessment of the effectiveness of interventions The methods for measuring the mechanical properties were also used for the comparative evaluation of the results of preventive and immersive consolidation measures.

Chromatometry

The chromatometry was carried out with the cielab.xyz platform to compare the RGB values of specific points of the wooden parts before and after the consolidation interventions.

Conclusions on the state of preservation of internal elements

Documentation of the wooden carrier and its parts

In the context of the grouping of the structural parts of the vessel, for the purpose of describing their state of preservation in this conservation study, the internal surface of the planking of the hull skin, the internal surface of the keel, the frames, the keelson, the deck beams, the inner side of the planking of the planking of the hull, the floors and partitions of the accommodation areas, the ladders and the stanchions, the clamps and the stringers, the distaffs, the stemson and the hanging knees and the inner part of the bow and stern post are referred to as internal elements.

Inner Surface of the Planking of the hull

The inner surface of the hull planking can be seen in some places, as the boat has an internal ceiling planking. Where they are visible, the interior of the boards of the planking of the hull show extensive infestation with various septic fungi, surface weathering, detachment of parts, cracking and loss of material.

Frames (Nomeis)

Around the centre of the boat, most of the frames (layer and rowlock) show a decomposed surface, fractures and cracks, so that their static durability is damaged to an unknown, but certainly great extent. The widespread presence of various septic fungi leads to a whole series of decay phenomena on the surface of the wood, whether in action or inertia. At the bow and stern of the ship there are individual frames that are almost completely covered by the stringers, clamps and ceiling planking. Where they are visible, they have the same appearance as the other frames, with varying degrees of prominence.

Figure 33. Drawing illustration of the elements that make up the frames (Damianidis 2015)

Keelson

The keelson shows the same pattern of decay as the rest of the wooden parts of the hull interior. Structurally, it has adapted to the curvature of the keel and the rest of the ship, resulting in a distorted shape.

Figure 34. Drawing illustration, keelson (Danianidis, 2015)

Lower Stringers and Engine Bases

The lower stringers are important reinforcements in the lower part, inside the ship. Their condition shows the same pattern of deterioration as the other wooden parts inside the hull. As full-scale corrosion is found in the ironwork and the engine mounts, following the weakening of the coatings, the wood in this area has also suffered severe chemical discolouration due to the chemical reactions of the wood with the numerous metal elements and fasteners present in this area (engine, mounts, nails, screws, etc.).

Middle - Upper Stringers

The stringers show micro-cracks and small losses of material, while the presence of septic fungi results in the manifestation of all the phenomena of putrefaction. Areas affected by brown rot appear as a brown striped mass that is particularly brittle to the touch. At the same time, a chemical discolouration of the wood is observed locally, which is due to the corrosion of the iron nails in the joints of the stringers.

Figure 35.Drawing illustration of stringers (Damianidis, 2015)

Clamps

Clamps show cracking, while the presence of septic fungi results in the development of various actions and their effects. The affected areas are particularly brittle on contact. Cracking and chemical discolouration of the wood is observed, due to the corrosion of the iron nails at the joints between the clamps and the stringers.

Figure 36.Drawing illustration of a clamps (Damianidis, 2015)

Figure 37.Detail of the lower part of the hold where 2 clamps, the keelson and the ribs can be seen (Damianidis 2015)

Hanging knees

Most of the inside of the hanging knees shows a strong presence of septic fungi, resulting in extensive appearances of mainly white and soft rot, while there is a strong chemical discolouration of cyan – cyan-black colour, as a result of chemical reactions of the wood with the iron nails that connect it to the deck beams and the inside of the ceiling planking.

Figure 38.Hanging knees inside the boat (Damianidis 2015)

Ceiling planking/Quickwork (Fodro)

The ceiling planking/quickwork shows severe cracks and fractures. The result of the infestation of the wood by septic fungi is mainly characterised by white and soft rot effects, while there is a strong chemical discolouration of cyan – cyan-black colour, as a result of chemical reactions of the wood with the iron nails that connect it to the deck beams and the interior of the ceiling planking. The areas affected by brown rot appear as a brown striped mass that is particularly brittle to the touch. The areas of wood affected by white rot are spongy, with white pockets leading to large areas of discolouration towards a white surface colour.

Figure 39.Broken board of the ceiling planking/quickwork under the hanging knees (Damianidis 2015)

Deck beams / Half-deck beams

The deck beams are badly cracked. There are also half deck beams on the sides of the boxes, which are also cracked.

Figure 40.Drawing illustration of the deck beams (Damianidis 2015)

Figure 41.Drawing of the deck beams (Damianidis, 2015)

Stanchions - Vertical Ladders

All elements are in a relatively moderate state. They appear to have been subjected to a stern drift by all the elements of the deck. The paint coatings show exfoliation and shrinkage that extends to the wooden substrate.

Figure 42. Internal ladders, stanchion (Damianidis, 2015)

Figure 43. Stanchions and ladders inside (Damianidis, 2015)

Deck beams along the axis (Pikergies)

All the timbers of the deck beams along the axis have moved and show extensive surface weathering. Extensive presence with various septic fungi can be observed, making the surface of the wood particularly brittle.

Figure 44.Drawing illustration of the deck beam along the axis. Transverse section

Mast step seat of the deck

The boat has a particularly well-maintained mast step for the mast which shows no significant structural damage. There is extensive presence of various septic fungi.

Crutches on the stern

There are two crutches at the lower end of the stern behind the fuel tank, which cannot be examined more closely due to their position.

Figure 45.Drawing illustration of a crutch (Damianidis, 2015)

Distaffs (Doufekia) at the stern

There is a change in the colour of the wood surface due to heavy infestation with various septic fungi, the appearance of stretch marks, distortions, surface roughness and general surface corrosion of the wood due to abiotic factors. In some cases, chemical discolouration also occurs due to chemical reactions between the wood and the iron joints.

Figure 46.Drawing illustration of distaffs (Damianidis, 2015)

Stemson - Postson (Skorpios on the bow - Skorpios on the stern)

This element cannot be recognised because cement was applied in this area and all the wooden elements were covered.

Figure 47.Drawing illustration of a stemson - postson (Damianidis, 2015)

Figure 48.Drawing illustration of the stemson - postson, vathika, the arkas, the stern post (www.boatplans.gr)

Accommodation space floor - Accommodation space

The boards of the accommodation space have severe cracks, fractures and a loss of the coloured surface, while distortion is observed either due to sudden changes in temperature and relative humidity or due to heavy loads. The effects of the attack of septic fungi on the wood can be recognised by the appearance of various forms of decay. The areas of the surface affected by brown and soft rot appear as a brown, streaky mass, that is particularly brittle to the touch. The areas of wood affected by white rot appear fibrous and streaky. In addition, a strong chemical discolouration of cyan – cyan-black colour occurs locally, which is caused by reactions of the wood with iron fastening elements (nails, screws) or other metal objects.

Figure 49 Detail of the aft part of the stern accommodation space (Damianidis, 2015)

Breast Hooks at the bow

The breast hook in the waterline is the only one that is visible and can be examined for its condition. In the centre is a large, transverse crack that essentially divides it in two sections along its length.

Distaffs at the bow

The distaffs, like most parts of the interior of the vessel, show severe cracks and fractures, and distortion is observed that are due either to sudden changes in temperature and relative humidity or to intense stresses. The effects of infestation of the attack of septic fungi on the wood can be recognised by the appearance of various forms of rot. The areas of the surface affected by brown and soft rot appear as a brown, streaky mass that is particularly brittle to the touch. The areas of wood affected by white rot appear fibrous and streaky. There is also a strong local chemical discolouration of a cyan-black colour caused by reactions of the wood with iron fasteners (nails, screws) or other metal objects.

Figure 50 Drawing illustration of the bow's distaffs (www.boatplans.gr)

Stanchions in the bow

There are cracks, while the paint coatings show exfoliation and shrinkage that extend to the substrate where the wood appears.

Bow floor

The floorboards are in a very poor condition. Repeated mechanical stresses have led to deterioration of the wood, both structurally and superficially, mainly due to the effect of frictional forces caused by loads and man-made factors. The wood shows severe cracking, fractures and loss of colour as well as deformation due to either sudden changes in temperature and relative humidity or heavy loads. The result of infestation of wood by septic fungi is distinguished by the occurrence of various forms of rot. The areas of the surface affected by brown and soft rot appear as a brown, streaky mass that is particularly brittle to the touch. The areas of wood affected by white rot appear fibrous and streaky. There is also a strong local chemical discolouration of a cyan – cyan-black colour caused by reactions of the wood with iron fasteners (nails, screws) or other metal objects.

Upper keel (akrapi) of the stem post

The apron shows the following characteristics: severe cracking, chemical discolouration due to chemical reactions of the wood's tanning agents with nails and screws in conditions of relatively high humidity (at the joint with the stem post) and white rot caused by fungi.

Figure 51Drawing illustration of the upper keel (Damianidis, 2015)

Figure 52Drawing illustration, upper keel of the stem post (www.boatplans.gr)

Upper - Lower Ladders at the bow and the stern

All individual parts of the wooden ladders show exfoliation, shrinkage of the colour coatings and micro-cracks

Figure 53 Part of an internal ladder (Damianidis, 2015)