Firstly, thank you all for all the information.
As far as age goes, my sister can remember it in the same state as you see it now as far back as the early 70's. It sat on a shelf on the back wall of his shed for as long as we can remember. It then spent some time in our garage until a few years back when I brought it into the house with the idea of restoring it. We think that it could be early 60's though because my Grandad made it for my uncle (could even be late 50's).
The planking seems to be in real good condition, however I guess it could have dried out with it being in our house for the last few years.
The inside of the hull looks really rough, as though he's had a go at making it water tight in the past (I just hope I've not damaged it by bringing it inside the house). Will I have to take the inside down to bare wood also?
This is probably a daft question, but how can I re-dampen the planks? Is it a case of floating it in some hot water
I was going to restore a traction engine, but the wife won't let me bring one in the house.
Thank you all again.
Geoff.
Forgot to say sorry for my delay in replying. I don't have the internet at home so I've been using the connection at work.