Yacht fit-out and
ship restoration
Different rules apply on board than in a house: everything moves, nothing may rattle, and every centimetre counts twice.
Expertise at first hand
As the owner of historic vessels, Mr Gerlinger has built up the necessary knowledge over decades - not from a textbook but on his own boats. That is why we approach this differently from a joinery coming aboard for the first time: we know the places where moisture creeps up, and what a fit-out has to feel like to survive a seaway.
We restore historic ships and take on the complete interior design of high-end yachts.
What is different on board
A ship is in constant motion, and the hull is nowhere straight. Components therefore have to follow the run of the hull rather than sit square, joints have to withstand permanent movement, and everything that moves needs a fastening that holds even when heeled. Add to that the moisture load: high humidity, salt, temperature swings and little ventilation with the boat closed up.
The second point is weight. Whatever is built in has to be carried - solid timber everywhere would be neither sensible nor seaworthy. The answer is a combination of load-bearing components, veneer on a light substrate and intelligent construction.
Historic vessels
With old boats the same applies as with old houses: whatever still carries, stays. We overhaul existing fit-outs, make good missing parts to match and reproduce where nothing can be saved. The attention to detail we bring from heritage work is the same way of working on a moving surface.
Interiors to measure
Complete interiors: berths, galley, chart table, panelling and stowage, following the run of the hull.
Restoration
Overhaul of historic vessels - keeping, making good and faithfully reproducing existing fit-outs.
Individual components
Single items too: companionway, tables, coamings, panelling and replacement parts to pattern.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The scope runs from individual components made to pattern through to a complete interior. Send us photographs and dimensions and we will assess what makes sense.
That depends on the location and the loading. For exposed and moisture-loaded areas naturally durable timbers such as teak come into consideration; in the sheltered interior the choice is wider and weight becomes the more important criterion. We match the timber to the vessel, its use and what is already there.
Survey and installation take place at the vessel; manufacture happens in our workshop in Kirrweiler. For individual parts it is often enough to bring us the old piece as a pattern.
Get in touch
Have a project in mind? We look forward to hearing from you.
Restoration & heritage Furniture & fitted joinery Complete interiors Services