Restoration 1997-2001

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In 1997, Donald “Buzz” Dana purchased the tugboat Chippewa, renamed it the “Donald Robert”, and began a multi-year project of restoration.  

In the first year, the wheelhouse was extended and initial hull work began.

Over the next several years, it underwent major refit and rebuild by the Bakketun & Thomas Boat Company in Ballard including:

· New Aft deck beams and decking from main house aft 

· Entire deck recalked and decking replaced as needed 

· All new covering boards stem to stern 

· Replaced entire horse shoe combinations 

· Complete new bulwarks manufactured out of aluminum plate

· All new sponsons and guards 

· All new bulwark caps 

· Rebuild deck houses

Also completed at FVO in Ballard:

· Removal of all ironbank sheathing and repair/recalk planks

· New gumwood bow steam and steam iron and fastenings

· New planking near and around stern

· Recalk entire hull as needed

· Installation of new stainless-steel hawse pipe

· All new zincs

· New stern bearing and tail shaft (inspection and reglass)

· Straighten and pitch propeller

· New keel cooler

· Repaint hull and topside

· Complete rebuild of new engine

· Clean and inspect fuel tanks

· New steering chain aft

· New 8 KW and 16 KW gen sets

· New bilge pumps and aft midship and forward compartments

· Clean and flush bilges and limbers

· 600 feet of new galvanized chain and re-galvanized navy anchor (600 pounds)

The Donald R was then launched in 2001 and Buzz continued the refit project at his home on Lake Washington, where it was moored.  Continued refit included new interiors, wiring/electronics, and final safety aspects.