MV Signa labor of love powers ahead

Back in July, we reported on the MV Signa being craned out of Kiama Harbour for a passion project restoration. Here, owners John Hansen provides an update to what has become a community project.

A number of interested people have enquired about the whereabouts and progress on the MV SIGNA since her removal from Kiama Harbour on 19 July. She was relocated to dry stand at Albion Park and has undergone many changes since then. It was clear on initial inspection that there was a lot of work ahead to restore her to her former glory. The aim is to restore her as authenti- cally as possible. A strategic plan of attack was undertaken starting with the clean out and removal from the harbour. Further preparation was carried out on site over many weeks.

It was obvious from the start that both the main and top decks were beyond repair, both motors needed replacing, the entire electrical wiring and plumbing needed redoing, restoration and or replacement of timbers, repainting, replacing kitchen, shower, toilet, bunks etc.

In collaboration with Rex Jones initially, and now boasting a team of seven dedicated volunteers, the refurbishment is way ahead of the predicted schedule. Progress to date:

• cleaned out and gutted throughout

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• both motors removed – to be repowered by Catepillar 3056 diesel motors that have been marinized, making them fit for purpose. The gearboxes are currently being overhauled in Sydney.

• the propellors and shafts are being repitched in Parramatta to give a cruising speed of 12.5 knots at 1800 RPM resulting in massive fuel savings

• the portholes, air scoops and lettering along with all other brass fittings are being rechromed in Sydney

• a shipwright was sourced to repair some timbers damaged in the move and has offered invaluable advice along the way

• the main deck was removed in November and replaced in December with 12 millimetre marine grade ply. New noggings replaced those rotted out. Fibre glassing of the deck will be carried out in January and February with composite teak decking applied prior to being returned to the water.

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• the top deck will hopefully be rebuilt by mid-February following the replacement of roof spars due to excessive water damage. The fly deck has been removed and will be restored.

• the sanding of the teak and the coating of the boat timbers is ongoing. The livery will be exactly as the original colour scheme. In its lifetime, the hull has been painted blue, black and red. It will be the original white. Both Rex and I are truly thankful to our group of volunteers – there is no way this boat would have seen the water in coming years without them. We have a cabinet maker, a carpenter, electrician, spray painter, fitter and turner and three allrounders.

If there is a retired, active plumber looking for a project we would be happy to hear from you as we are at the plumbing design stage now.

The support of Craig Duren in offering and operating his crane truck to remove the motors and fly deck at no cost was greatly appreciated. Thank you to the people of Kiama for your interest – it has been enormous.

To clarify, the MV SIGNA will not return as a charter boat. It will be used by those who restored her, family and friends. The ultimate reward will be a return trip to Hobart, Tasmania for the International Timber Boat Show in 2025.

I look forward to providing another update as we move forward.