During the last month in drydock, the bow and stern were replanked, refastened and recaulked along with the bottom planks of the Barge. The bare wood is first painted with Bulldog Asphalt Primer. Each kydex sheet and subsequent strips at the butt ends are embedded in a coating of Bulldog Roofing cement The kydex was first used on the completed port side. Use of the NY State Canal Break enabled the crew to get a clean 90 degree break to fit the square corners where the sides meet the barge bottom. Pettit’s KopCoat Brand Underwater Seam Compound made out any voids so that the kydex had a smooth solid backing. One foot strips covered the seams with 1 ½” bronze-silicone ring nails every 3”.

The kydex sheathing looks great! The stuff is very impact resistant. A sledge hammer bounces off the surface. It is also chemical resistance and worm damage will not be a factor if the fasteners continue their grip. The kydex is then painted with Bulldog Fibered Roof Coating. For more information on this wonderful material, visit Kleerdex Company, LLC - Kydex®.

I expected 2” electric Gorman-Rupp Pumps and 4 canister pumps to be enough. Another 2” electric pump did not prime because of damage caused after demolition debris had broke the suction pipe earlier.

The scramble was on. A 3” gas pump was put into action. A 2” gas pump was added. Another 3” gas pump failed due to what was later determined a clogged jet. Pumps were not set up and ready to go. Water rose in the bilges. Floorboards below began to float.

The gate valves for the drydock were closed and the wicket was opened to drain the drydock but not before water reached 4 feet in the bildges. Files, carpets, boilers, etc got flooded. One crew member wet from working in waist deep water slipped on a wooden plank being used as a gangway to shore and had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance to get 22 stitches in his shin. Luckily there was no muscle damage and he returned to work after 2 weeks at home.

Canal Section Supervisor, Tony Ferris arranged for a 4” NY State Canal Corporation Pump to be used. Using better communication and caution, the water was brought back into the drydock to the bottom of the ways and slowly raised. The procedure looked like a salvage operation. Three 3” gas pumps, One 2” gas pump, Two 2” electric pumps were hardly keeping ahead of the water spilling into the barge by way of the dried out seams of the old planking and the substantial gaps where the new planks met the old planks. The 4” electric pump put into service by the NY State Canal Corporation made all the difference.

The barge floated with water spurting out of the barge’s pumps in all directions. The barge was led seven feet astern and settled nicely down upon her marks. 14’ oak shores were erected to keep the bow and stern from settling any further since each end now had about a 4’ overhang plus the additional 4’ of the deck.

Opening day of PICTURE RED HOOK, a site specific performance in Red Hook, conceived and directed by Joanna Haigood, I returned to our home port to participate in the performance (that's me walking up the silos on stilts). I discover that the Pier which had served as our home for many years had collapsed into the bay. Without the barge protecting the pier, the ancient pier already in need of repair and also effected by worm and ice damage had given way to the tremendous forces of nature’s high water. Four of the six piles that fended off the barge had been pushed into the water. Fortunately the Museum Barge was not at its home port at the time of its collapse.

At the drydock, stern seams were paved with compound. The crew was frantically nailing the kydex to the barge. Nails and oakum were again needed. Express packages delivered materials overnight. The long Labor Day Weekend meant delivery delays. Several crew members had already left for other commitments. Several local youth were hired bang nails, to help paint the bottom, to recover from previous flooding, properly prepare for floating again, and to prepare for the Tugboat Round-up. Corner Fenders were fastened into place with lag screws so they could easily be replaced. Bumper wood was installed at the water line and under the four tugboat tire fenders at each corner. All remaining rubbing strips and planking needing replacement will be done while afloat.

NY State Canal Corporation Crane Operators helped clear the drydock of tools and debris while extra wood was loaded on the deckhouse and roof. Having such difficulties previously, all pumps and hoses were tested and set up ready to go on the off chance that the barge may encounter any serious leaks. When the drydock was flooded, the barge proved sound and experienced no leaks. Her former list to starboard has disappeared. The refit was successful.

The trip back to Brooklyn after a heavy rainfall was completed eight hours ahead of schedule due to the extra flood tides. The Red Hook Garden Pier collapsed on August 23rd so new docking arrangements had to be made. Thanks to John Quadrozzi, Jr. the Museum is temporarily docked at the Gowanus Industrial Park in Red Hook. School groups by appointment will begin shortly after the construction of a waterfront barrier and a new gangway system is installed. The Barge has returned to Brooklyn!

As of today, November 1st, after almost two months in our home port, the pumps have hardly come on. The bottom is intact and sound. The project is complete. The $263,000 preservation project was completed in four months. $191,000 was raised from 9 grants, 10 corporations, 140 individuals and 4 special events. In-kind donations of materials and services totaled $60,000. A $12,000 funding shortfall remains.

Great thanks go to the New York State Canal Corporation, North Atlantic Shipbuilding & Repair and all our sponsors and supporters for helping to preserve the last surviving wooden railroad barge afloat. I have met and enjoyed many great people and am touched at the kindness and generosity afforded our preservation efforts.