What started as a fairly straightforward refit of a Pelin 50 turned into something a little more involved when we discovered some unwelcome visitors had been quietly enjoying the boat's timberwork.
The owner had brought the boat to Brin Wilson Boatbuilders for a series of upgrades, including new windows, an updated flybridge instrument panel, a flybridge repaint and the installation of new Zipwake trim tabs. There was also some soft timber around the window mullions that needed attention.
But once the boat was lifted out of the water, we found a problem nobody had anticipated.
Marine borers had been making themselves at home in the keel batten and part of the keel, eating away at the timber and leaving some fairly significant damage behind.
Unfortunately, these little creatures aren't known for their restraint. By the time the damage becomes visible, they can have done a remarkable amount of work.
Our boatbuilding team removed the affected keel batten, cut out the compromised timber and scarfed in new sections to restore the structure.
It's a good reminder that some of the most important maintenance work happens below the waterline. Damage like this can remain completely hidden while a boat is afloat, which is one reason regular haul-outs and inspections are so valuable.
