Repair and Maintenance of a Drascombe Lugger
(How To Keep Your Lugger Alive!)


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I wanted to test a theory! You often read accounts of people salvaging and renovating old wooden boats, but rarely do you hear of old GRP (fibreglass) boats being successfully restored. Convinced that GRP restoration should not present major problems, I wanted to find a classic GRP boat, in sound but neglected condition (scratched, cracked and faded gelcoat, weathered spars and wooden trim etc.). Having acquired the boat I wanted to set myself the task of restoring it to near pristine condition.

My chance came when we acquired an elderly Drascombe Lugger. These pages tell the ongoing story of how the boat was gradually renovated, repaired and improved (in between being enthusiastically sailed!). All the work was undertaken on a DIY basis, seeking professional advice when necessary and keeping detailed notes on techniques and materials. The site attempts to share some of the accumulated experience in the hope that it may help other GRP boat owners needing to carry out essential maintenance and repair but not sure how to go about it.

Web site first published 22nd November 2001.
Last updated 28th June 2017.


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