Initial Inspection

The scope of the varnish work widened upon my initial inspection of Rhino's brightwork.  I quickly determined that some repair work would be required prior to applying varnish to the surfaces.  The subsurface damage is limited to Rhino's bow region, and with good reason.  The picture below provides explanation for why a few significant dutchman repairs are on order:  her bow dock lines have, through patient attenuation of the toerail's protective varnish, allowed water ingress and subsequent wood rot.  The repair will be one of marking damaged wood, removal, and then patching (dutchman) with new wood.  The species is mahogany (originally Philippine mahogany). I will propose an alternative chock to prevent further damage.

The forward port toerail near the port bow chock; damaged section approximately 30" in length.

The forward starboard toerail near the starboard bow chock; damaged section approximately 30" in length.

Port bow showing severe checking in the wood's surface.

Starboard bow showing sever checking in the wood's surface.