ARIEL II
LOA
46ft 10in
(14.3m)BEAM
10ft 6in
(3.2m)DRAUGHT
3ft (92cm)DISP
22 tonnesAMY BALLENTINE STEVENSARIEL II
than originally believed; which in projects such as this,
is more often the rule than the exception.
The Baker family decided to approach Ariel II’s
restoration in a similar method to their previous
project, Teaser. The work would be done with an eye
towards renewing Ariel II to her original integrity and
appearance, instead of attempting to save and repair her
original materials, much of which were beyond saving.
Over the ensuing four-year restoration, no piece
of Ariel II was left untouched. The restoration crew,
led by Steve Schaefer, worked from the building and
detail plans obtained from the MIT Museum’s Hart
Nautical Collections List. The restoration was
completed with close attention paid to reproducing
her original look while utilising material and method
upgrades where prudent. This allowed Ariel II to remain
true to her period aesthetics while enhancing her usable
lifespan. When possible, areas of her interior were
saved, refinished and reused – primarily raised panel
cabinetry for its patina. However, even these salvaged
areas were fortified, as in the main saloon bulkheads.
Before re-fitting these panels, high-quality marine
plywood was fitted as a core to increase their overall
rigidity and strength.
Her backbone was found to be beyond repair, and
the structure required complete replacement. Her new
keel, stem and forefoot were built of angelique, a South
American hardwood, as were her garboards and first
broad planks. The bilge stringers and sheer clamps are
of Douglas fir. The transom was layered and glued
in cedar and mahogany, with a framework of black
locust. Her new floor frames and engine beds are
also of locust. The original hull frames were replaced
throughout with steamed white oak. Unfortunately,
less than half of her hull’s planking was deemed reusable.
The damaged planks were removed and replaced with
South American silverballi, with an adhesive layer of
Sikaflex in between layers of the double-planked
construction. Ariel II’s decks and housetops are of two
layers of sapele mahogany plywood covered in fibreglass
and painted with Awlgrip. Finally, her cabin structureand exterior trim were reconstructed following the
original the Herreshoff plans for teak.
Throughout the restoration process, the compromise
between traditional styling and modern features was
addressed thoughtfully. The Bakers wanted to retain,
as much as reasonable, Ariel II’s original feel, while
incorporating modern technology like navigation
electronics, safety gear, climate control, and
entertainment systems. Working closely with the team
at NorEast Marine of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, this
was done discreetly, with all traces of modern gadgets
being hidden within the interior panels and Ballentine’s
Boat Shop’s custom cast bronze accents.
True to classic Herreshoff styling, her interior is of
high-gloss and satin varnished brightwork mixed with
a slightly warmer tone of white painted panelling and
cabinetry. The finish work was tackled by Peter Matoian,
finish department manager, and a team of skilled men
and women over a number of weeks.
As you step aboard Ariel II, you are introduced
to her warm and bright pilothouse. Large windows
are incorporated into the varnished raised panel teak
cabin, affording a clear 360º view from the helm.
Aft of the sliding doors is comfortable bench seating
on both sides of the cabin.
From the helm station, you have all controls and
navigational equipment comfortably within reach.
Excluding the well-used compass visible forward
of the helm and the period searchlight control
overhead – the original searchlight was installed atop
the pilothouse during the restoration – the navigation
electronics are artfully concealed beneath hinged teak
cabinetry to port.
The need for future maintenance or replacement
of mechanical, plumbing and wiring features was also
a major concern in re-establishing her interior layout.
All of these systems require easy access without
causing damage to existing cabinetry or structure.
No piece of equipment or system was exempt from
this requirement. Overhead wiring has been tastefully
hidden in a bronze conduit serving as a handrail withA quick glance
might create a
sense of the
traditional, but
closer inspection
would reveal
technology and
systems at home
in a modern
powerboat