Canadian Yachting June 2021 - 26

The saloon with the spacious and very original galley in the
background

The saloon with the original Trojan table now adjusted to coffee table
height

of the maintenance that the Gamblins
do religiously includes oil changes and
filters, done once a season or after 80 to
90 running hours. Fluids are checked at
regular intervals and the impressive, carpeted engine room allows easy access to
check belts, pumps and such. Another
major part of the maintenance plan is that
every season, an oil sample is sent away
to get Spectra Tested. This analyzes the
engine oil for trace wear metals, water,
coolant, or other foreign entities, providing an early warning for signs of premature engine wear. The dependable Velvet
Drive transmissions are original. Dave
describes them as " old but doing great "
with clean oil and maintenance to seals.
Interior-wise the Gamblins take a balanced approach to upgrades for convenience, comfort, and efficiency, but they
are very careful not to take away from
the original look of the boat. One major
upgrade five years in the making were
the new headliners. As many boat owners
know, even newer headliners tend to fade,
sag, and look dated with age. Finding the
proper white vinyl with small, perforated
holes was a difficult task, but necessary

The aft master stateroom that was converted to a double berth

to keep the factory look. Finally, a local
company, Flyer Products, sourced just the
product they needed; one without the foam
backing so it could be attached to a wood
structure. There was no fast way to do
this daunting job, which required hidden
seams and special fittings. But, the added
time allowed for proper cleaning, resealing, vacuuming, and the addition of new
LED lighting that is vintage in appearance
but much more efficient. Beacon Marine
in the United States specializes in old
Timber Trojans and was able to source fittings, and other items including a new/old
Trojan flag that proudly adorns the boat.
The roomy galley still has the original
Princess Stove that gives it that retro look.
An upgraded 2-way fridge four years ago
was necessary, but is complimented by
custom wood trim that makes it look like
it was always there. The cupboard area
has a versatile set-up with a lazy susan
and pull-out banquet table. The saloon has
a stock Trojan table that was built especially for this boat, which converts from
a coffee table size to a complete dining
room table in a few easy steps.
The electrical panel is another project

CANADIAN YACHTING | JUNE 2021

that Dave took on himself. Using his own
design, he upgraded to a new Blue Sea
panel that swings out 90 degrees. Discreet
in its placement but affording easy access,
it rivals that of most newer boats on the
market today. Much the same can be said
for the addition of air conditioning: a
new MarinAire 16,000 BTU system that
will run off a 15-amp breaker, which is
what many clubs in the area are limited
to. Even the venting system panels that
were sourced or constructed keep the
vintage look consistent throughout the
boat. Everything in this boat works as it
should, right down to the original autopilot. During the Gamblin's travels, people
commonly approach the boat to run their
hands down her hull. They are usually in
awe of the condition and finish and find
it incredible that she is a wooden boat -
let alone from the 1960s. A lot of credit
goes to maintenance, especially storage.
VIA-MARA is stored in her own boathouse. Years ago, the couple purchased
old railway tracks from another club.
Dave designed a custom cradle not unlike
the factory shipping cradle, to move her
onto the tracks which lead from the boat

Canadian Yachting June 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting June 2021