UNCLE ROY: A Stephens 'Thirty-Four' power cruiser

摘要

Pick up a copy of WoodenBoat No. 232, check out the boat, MAKOTO, on the cover, then read more about her inside (beginning on page 54), and you'll soon see why we're featuring her twin here. UNCLE ROY and MAKOTO are survivors of the seven identical Stephens "Thirty-Fours" built in 1928 and '29 as high-quality stock boats having teak cabin sides, decks, and trim; full-length Port Orford cedar planking; and bronze fastenings and hardware. MAKOTO shows what UNCLE ROY could become if one were so inclined. But short of a full restoration, I believe enough life remains for this boat to keep her going more or less as is, short-term. You'd have to deal with the opened-up bottom planking (she's dried out after being stored ashore) and the peeled-away sheathing on top of her wheelhouse. Overall, she'll need to recover from the few years of idleness with a thorough cleaning, painting, and varnishing. But eventually you'd have to face up to her age and give her the same kind of major overhaul that MAKOTO received.