NINE weeks and eight truckloads of rotten lumber into the refurbishment of the 17th-century replica ship, Deliverance, things are shaping up quite nicely.

The replica, located in St. George's, was originally built in 1967 by the Junior Service League of Bermuda. Over the past few years, the wooden vessel had fallen into a state of disrepair with rotted planks, structural damage from the elements and a missing mast that was destroyed during Hurricane Fabian in 2003.

As the renovation got under way, it was clear that project was sorely needed, as the structure required almost complete gutting.

Carpenter and St. George resident Michael Hooper, who is heading up the construction, estimates that 50 per cent of the structure's wood had to be replaced. The project has also become quite the engineering challenge.

"We needed to take things out and replace them piece by piece," explained Mr. Hooper.

"Otherwise, the structure would have fallen apart. So we have started on the interior and will move to the exterior once it is completed."

Things have been made easier, however, since the discovery of the original drawings for the ship that were missing for several years up until two weeks ago. The sketches were found in The Royal Gazette archives.

Before construction began, Mr. Hooper and his crew had to landscape the area to clear away debris and trash. People had been living inside the vessel so piles of clothing and beverage containers also had to be removed. To their surprise, they also found that water had collected in the bottom of the ship where fish managed to survive quite happily.

The 33-foot main upper deck was replaced with wolmanised (treated water-proof protectorate) pitched pine. The crew reformatted the deck so that it was cambered or pitched allowing rainwater to run off the sides of the deck instead of collecting and damaging the surface. Rotted beams, which support the deck, were replaced, a new beam shelf was added and new "ribs", side structures that give the ship its shape, were installed.

Inside the structure all of the floor beams have been replaced, the electrical wiring redone and a new middle deck will be built.

According to Mr. Hooper, the rotting wood was a result of the galvanized nails that were used to build the original. The six- to 12-inch nails that were used, relics compared to today's standards, began to rust and leak, which ultimately caused the damage. The majority of the nails have been replaced with removable bolts and screws so that if any beams or wood panels need to be changed, it can be done so easily.

The remnants of the destroyed mizzenmast have been taken down and will be remodeled from the original 800-pound boom. The crew will also build a replicate boom, which will be hollow so that it is much lighter and easier to move.

While Mr. Hooper has been presented with some structural difficulties along the way, he is happy to be involved in the project.

"It's an ideal job for me," he said.

"I love old boats and build replica boats. It's a great challenge to put the Deliverance back together."

Mr. Hooper estimates that the project is 40 per cent completed and even though they lost seven or eight days due to rain, he says he is on schedule for completion by January.

Financial backers Bank of Bermuda and the St. George's Foundation are satisfied to see the project progressing.

"The project is right on schedule. The work that Michael is doing is first-class. I think everyone connected with the project is very pleased," said Henry Hayward, chairman of the St. George's Foundation.

Towards the end of the structural work, Brimstone Media Ltd. will begin installing the interactive educational exhibits. The goal is to have the entire vessel completed in time for the 400th anniversary festivities planned for July.

To find out more information or to donate to the Deliverance, visit The St. George's Foundation web site www.stgeorgesfoundation.com.