Recently our company received the very exciting order to refurbish a 52 year old Folkeboat built in England.
Since the owner Dénes Kövendi – who is widely known in boating circles as the owner of Marina Yacht Sport and a boating professional – cooperation was easy during work. The project at fist seemed to be a bit more than a serious maintenance job and the rebuilding of the interior furniture. As we proceeded further it became obvious that a more serious renovation was needed. The boat deserved every attention and – as it was not the first boat of this type for the owner – he respected its attributes and we accepted the challenge. We litteraly cut into the midle of it. In a good sense I always was jealous of the professionals like Lajos Cittel – and closely followed their accomplishments with great respect – whose work meant saving wonderful old wooden boats. It was our turn to do the same.
The whole boat was built of mahogany timber, structuraly sound but in many parts ill conditioned. We removed almost every fitting from deck and all the furniture from inside. Only a few parts remained in place like keel, fuel tank and cockpit seats. Reconstuction begun with sanding the whole boat to bare wood and rebuilding the engine bed. We rebuilt the whole interior according to the owner’s wishes and keeping the original style. The boat was to have used by a pair of people.
The owner Dénes also an experienced cruiser and former racer exactly knew what he wanted in the boat. With our contribution and a few good ideas the interior turned out to be classical and comfortable space.
With all the necessary deck fittings installed the boat can be even raced. No expenses have been spared on deck. After thorough sanding epoxi filler was applied and new hatches and companionway door intsalled. All brass fittings are showing their original shine. The deck characterized by the cork coverage called Marine Deck. This was the first time we used this material although its use is straightforward, the result is aesthetic and also acts as thermal insulation against the sun’s heat.
In the meantime the old spar got new fittings, standing and running rigging. The final result is as nice as possible. The slider system used on mast is unusual on this size and type of boat and the Elvström sail wardrobe the choice of the owner’s daughter Zsófi is also well above average.
The hull got an epoxy barrier coat, a base coat and antifouling under the waterline from the owner’s shop. Epifanes varnish coats were applied to the rest of the boat, inside and outside.
The owner was highly satisfied with the end result and it was an important professional experience for us. Subsequent sail trials also provided joy and satisfaction for the owner.