Restoration of a Nexus Marine Wood and Epoxy Boat
Every classic wooden boat has a story, and this 26' Nexus Marine was ready for its next chapter.
Our goal was not simply to repair the vessel, but to preserve its character while upgrading it for modern cruising. Through custom woodworking, structural repairs, refinishing, and complete system upgrades, we transformed this classic boat into a vessel that honors its heritage while providing the reliability, comfort, and functionality today's owners expect.
The result is a beautifully restored wooden boat that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern marine technology.
Structural Repairs and Fresh Paint
Like many aging wooden boats, this Nexus Marine required structural attention before cosmetic work could begin. Our team repaired delaminated chines and addressed areas requiring reinforcement to restore the integrity of the hull.
Once the repairs were completed, the boat underwent extensive preparation before receiving a complete repaint. Proper surface preparation is the foundation of a lasting finish, and the result is a clean, durable paint system that protects the vessel while highlighting its timeless lines.
Custom-Built Oak Cockpit Deck
One of the most dramatic transformations on this project was the fabrication and installation of a completely new oak cockpit deck.
Built from the ground up, the deck features custom-fit removable hatches, precise joinery, and a rich oil finish that highlights the natural beauty of the wood. The warm tones of the oak create an elegant contrast against the freshly restored vessel while maintaining the classic appearance expected of a wooden boat.
More than just a visual upgrade, the new deck provides a durable, functional surface designed to withstand years of use on the water.
Custom Hardwood Radar Mast
A key objective of this restoration was blending modern functionality with classic craftsmanship. To accomplish that, we designed and fabricated a custom hardwood radar mast specifically for this vessel.
Built to complement the boat's traditional profile, the mast provides a secure mounting platform for modern electronics while maintaining the timeless appearance of the original design. The completed installation supports a modern Garmin radar system while integrating seamlessly with the surrounding brightwork.
The result is modern navigation capability without sacrificing the character that makes this vessel so unique.
Brightwork Restoration and Custom Woodworking
Woodwork is often what attracts people to classic boats in the first place, and this project provided numerous opportunities to showcase traditional craftsmanship.
Throughout the restoration we:
Refinished and revarnished existing brightwork
Built and installed new cabin doors
Re-wooded an existing hatch
Fabricated custom trim and finish pieces
Restored numerous wood details throughout the vessel
Every component was carefully fitted, finished, and detailed to complement the original character of the boat while improving durability and appearance.
New Bow Pulpit and Railings
The bow area received a significant upgrade with the installation of a new bow pulpit and railing system.
Designed to improve both safety and appearance, these additions provide a strong and dependable platform while maintaining the classic aesthetic of the vessel. The new woodwork integrates naturally with the rest of the restoration and enhances the boat's overall profile.
Custom-Built Swim Platform
To enhance both functionality and appearance, we designed, fabricated, and installed a brand-new custom swim platform.
Constructed from hardwood and finished to complement the rest of the vessel's woodwork, the platform provides easy access to the water while adding another handcrafted feature to the boat. Careful attention to detail ensured that the platform feels like an original part of the vessel rather than an aftermarket addition.
The finished result is both practical and visually striking.
Modern Electrical and Mechanical Upgrades
While preserving the boat's classic appearance was important, reliability was equally critical.
To ensure dependable operation for years to come, we installed a completely new 110-volt electrical system along with several key upgrades, including:
New battery bank
New battery charger
Updated electrical wiring
New shore power components
New anchor windlass system
These upgrades provide modern convenience and reliability while allowing the owner to enjoy the boat with confidence.
Preserving the Past, Preparing for the Future
Classic wooden boats require a unique combination of traditional craftsmanship, technical expertise, and attention to detail. This 26' Nexus Marine restoration brought together all three.
From repairing the hull structure to building a custom oak cockpit deck, fabricating a hardwood radar mast, constructing a new swim platform, restoring brightwork, and upgrading onboard systems, every aspect of this project was completed with the goal of creating a boat that will be enjoyed for decades to come.
Projects like this are why we love working on classic boats. They allow us to combine fine woodworking, marine systems expertise, and traditional boatbuilding skills to preserve vessels that deserve another generation on the water.
Considering a Restoration Project?
Whether your boat needs structural repairs, custom woodworking, paint, varnish, electrical upgrades, or a complete restoration, our team has the experience and craftsmanship to bring your vision to life.
Contact us today to discuss your project and discover what's possible for your boat.