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When the motor yacht Canim steamed into Philbrook's Boatyard on her return from an Alaskan cruise, the owner had an irresistible proposition for the Philbrook's craftsmen: restore the classic masterpiece to its original splendor.
Built in 1930, the Canim was an immediate head turner. She was one of four 96 footers built by Lake Union Drydock to an L.E. (Ted) Geary design. Geary was already a seasoned Naval Architect when he was commissioned to draw Canim for Seattle Times publisher, Col. C. B. Blethen. Blethen wanted to go yachting in style and Geary's design would be the toast of the Seattle Yacht Club. After all, in those days 96' yachts were rare.
Her impressive length aside, Canim presented a unique challenge for the Philbrook's team. Their job was essentially to reverse the clock, with a goal no less ambitious than to restore the yacht's very soul. Much of her original charm had been smothered by numerous piecemeal refits, none of which complimented the others. The task for project manager Charlie Afford and his team was to strip away the existing facade and restore Canim's original Geary inspired elegance, while also equipping her with 21st century technology.
The work, subject to a tight time frame, began on all fronts simultaneously. On deck, the canvas was stripped so problem areas could be identified and addressed prior to applying cored composite sheathing. The top deck was widened where it flanked the wheelhouse, and the wheelhouse roof was also extended in width to improve her proportions and comfort (the existing wheelhouse itself was added on in the sixties). Philbrook's technicians removed the original upper deck perimeter mouldings, accurately reproducing them in fiberglass. Deck structures were fabricated and installed to form part of an integral envelope, designed to ensure the longevity of Canim's original cedar decking. Once this work was completed, Philbrook's paint technicians descended on the project.
Although leading manufacturers of yacht finishes stress the desirability of high gloss, Canim's finishers were challenged to tone down the gloss for a more authentic look. Rising to the challenge, paint department head Jim Sullivan developed a mix that gave Canim maximum protection while achieving a look reminiscent of 70 years ago.
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