DaySailer.org Forum

Just wanted to share my progress on The Blue Heron, a late 60s DSI. I found it at the end of last summer using the classifieds on daysailer.org and have been chipping away at the work since then.

There is still plenty to do, but shes finally starting to look ship-shape.

Anywho, here are some before and after pictures:

Looking in to the cuddy




Thwarts and CB trunk




Aftcastle




All three flotation tanks have inspection ports now, well worth the trouble. The cockpit was painted with Interlux Bilgekote (3 coats, rolled) and blue "sponged".

Questions and comments are welcome, thanks for looking.

Your refurb is looking great. Seems to be in pretty good shape to start. I haven’t seen painted floorboards but I do like the results. Is the hull blue ? Brad

Ya, I would prefer stained floorboards to match the other woodwork, but they had a few thick coats of awful white paint on them and I didn't want to bother scraping, so i painted them brown as a temporary solution.

The hull is blue, unfortunately I don't have any good pictures of the exterior

Paint or not, I think this is looking really nice! It's so cool to take something someone has left for dead and make it look good as new.

Your floor board under the aft deck is inserted backwards. That's the way mine was when the PO showed me how to put them in. Later, someone pointed it out to me. If you turn it around you will have a nice little shelf that keeps things from rolling around. I usually put my tool box, gas can and shoes in there. It will look a lot nicer too.

Good luck as you proceed!!

Thanks for posting pictures it looks like you're about ready to launch! It's looking good.

I noticed that you do not have the bulkhead above the bow tank. I don't know how much difference that makes. I know it's necessary for racing a boat (rules wise) but I don't know if it has structural necessity.

Nice job. I get you on the floor boards. I tried to take mine to the bare wood and gave up - I since learned that 36, better 24, grit on an orbital sander is magic (when it comes to lacquer). Probably would gum up on paint. A painter friend showed me how to keep scrapers sharp - makes all the difference.

Definitely would add back a panel above the flotation - it's a major support for the deck and overall stiffener.

If you don't have one lying around, 4-6mm (or 1/4") marine plywood would do, I suppose - doubled up around the edges, if you want to cut openings into it for access.

Your floor board under the aft deck is inserted backwards.

The previous owner had it backwards (the before pictures are from the first time I saw the boat in his yard) and I guess i never gave it much thought. It makes so much sense the other way 'round, it becomes much more functional.

I noticed that you do not have the bulkhead above the bow tank.

Definitely would add back a panel above the flotation - it's a major support for the deck and overall stiffener

Ya, I'm looking into a replacement as the boat didn't come with one. I sailed it all last summer before I realized it was missing and it wasn't until a few months ago until I found out it was load bearing.

Whatever the solution is I like the added stowage above the bow tank, so I'd hate to lose that.

From the factory, these came with two rather large openings. Should be some pictures in the Gallerysection of this site (look also under individual users' galleries).

Here's one:


If I remember correctly from when I took mine out the last time, the bulkhead is basically a flat piece, but with a bit of a foot where it connects to the flotation (like a slightly down curved foot on an L), and possibly something similar where it meets deck and sides.

If you can mock up a cardboard template, it shouldn't be too hard to replicate that in plywood, or you can see first whether there's someone who has an extra.

We don't have the forward bulkhead in, either- not having it there really improves access to the storage (it's where the life jackets and seat cushions live).

The Heron's looking good- nice work so far.

Regarding the bulkhead, it is required to be class legal, or you can substitute another form of vertical support for the deck. It is strongly recommended something be there to support the deck or you may find you have really great access from the hole in the top of the deck that your foot goes through after standing on that area. I believe there was a post on other items for sale from an owner that has a bulkhead. Repairs look nice though, good luck!