Preservation and Maintenance

The work under way is designed to ensure that the MAY QUEEN remains afloat for many years to come, so that future generations may appreciate the important role that she, and other similar vessels, played in the history of European development of the state. The vessel was extensively restored following the completion of her working life, by the Hobart Marine Board.
The motor and propeller were removed and the masts and bowsprit replaced to the pre 1954 condition.

A steel beam was placed under the keel to give the vessel stability. Disintegration of the hull structure over the past decade has largely been caused by progressive deck deterioration allowing penetration of rain water. This, in combination with a lack of ventilation in the hull has allowed rot to develop in the framing and beams. Ongoing maintenance will be required to ensure that future deterioration is minimised.

The current project is to replace only the minimum amount of timbers and materials to ensure that she remains stable and afloat and at the same time retains all the essential components of the sail trading ketch. Some planking and internal ribs will be replaced in addition to the deck timbers.
Beam ends and deck supports will need to be reinforced and replaced.

To ensure that rain water does not continue to enter the vessel and worsen the rotting of the timber, a temporary plywood deck has been fitted. The deck supports have been lifted by props to regain the original deck slope and to shed water over the sides. Planks have been removed at deck level to assist this process and most of the fittings on the deck have been measured and removed. The temporary plywood deck is supported on a series of beams to lift the cover above the former deck level and to allow air to circulate and provide ventilation to the lower cargo hold.

Currently the masts have been removed for scraping, repair and maintenance, and the mast steps checked for rot. Sections of the deck at the bow and stern have been removed to allow access to the deck supports.
The deck planks, which consisted of kauri and celery top pine, were badly rotted and will be replaced with air dried timber as part of the final vessel strengthening process.

The objective is to have the MAY QUEEN ready to celebrate the bicentenary of Tasmanian European settlement in November 2003. The encouragement and support of the public, the Commonwealth Government through the Federation Community Projects Funding Program, and local businesses is gratefully acknowledged.

Update July 2003 ...
Update November 2002 ...
Update August 2001 ...