Despite the appearance of some rust, the metal chains and pins we've extracted from the old channels remain strong and sturdy. Before we can place them in the new channels, however, we'll need to treat them to bring them back to ship-shape condition.

This means our crew needs to scrape off all the rust. Some of the job we can do with a power grinder; some must be done by hand.

Keith Maurer devotes his Memorial Day weekend to work on the ship, patiently grinding one pin, chain, or deadeye frame after another.

Sometimes, however, he does have company.

Once all the rust has been removed, the metal is treated and painted. The chains are now ready to be installed when the new channels arrive.