A Restored Classic Lives: 1938 Mathis/Trumpy Sea Tabby
Article Page 5: Restoration

About Sea Tabby

In 1999 the present owners, (since 1982), embarked on an ambitious restoration project.

Restoration of a classic yacht is a sentimental, expensive venture. Certainly not an investment with an economic return. It is a labor of love the keeps growing as you uncover more areas that need to be restored and rebuilt.

The work was done by an independent shipwright, Louie Saudezze, with a lot of work done by the owners to save on costs. The boat required a lot of work... the stern was shot due to electrolysis, the ribs were as well as the stem were unusable. The keel was good, but everything under the waterline had to be completely rebuilt. Floor timbers, all the ribs to a foot above the waterline, it was a big undertaking.

The earlier Mathis/Trumpys like this one were single planked pine on oak with iron nails. That was before bronze fastenings were used.

Unlike a museum restoration that would have been done in the original manner, Sea Tabby was restored with more modern materials to ensure a long life and for use by yachtsman.

All the ribs were replaced with 2 inch x 2 inch polyethylene which is incredible. One inch and a half African mahogany planking was etch grooved and encapsulated in epoxy, silicon bronzed fastened to seal the wood and ensure a long life. Over 14,000 screws were used to put her back together. In a way she is a new boat. Perhaps the restoration was not done exactly like the original, but the result is like the original. And, will prove to be long lasting. An epoxied bottom will protect her from worms and further deterioration.

New fuel tanks, new systems, stabilizers, air condoning and central heat and a new double planked stern. Obviously, stabilizers and air conditioning were not on the original. She is a boat you can really cruise in. A true restoration for a modern yachtsman while maintaining the classic boat intact. She is used, active and continues to live.

Replaced all the decks were rebuilt. Replaced all the exterior trim except for around the wheelhouse. All the brightwork is all new South America in Mahogany.

The galley was reconfigured and improved. The heads were completely redone. All the ports were restored with new thru hull funnels cast and machined. They are not conventional but sliding ports. A Trumpy exclusive. The boat should now last a hundred years.