2007 was a milestone year for Dolphin. In June Naval Architect Iver Franzen (who was Mate and Relief Captain on Dolphin in the British Virgin Islands in the 1970's as his first command) was hired to consult and help formulate a completion plan. Immediately crew was hired and work began removing the bulwarks and covering board to access the rotten and rusted away shear plates and clamp. Removing all of the bulwarks, covering board and rusted away steel of the sheer plates and clamps was a huge job lasting many weeks. The scaffolding needed to be extended and reinforced to allow the deckhouse and shed roof covers over the boat to be supported on the scaffolding instead of the bulwarks. The anchor windlass and bow pulpit were removed. The rudder was cut apart and completely restored with new steel plates and foils. The engine room deck beams, braces, ceiling and companionway walls down from above were completely rebuilt. The steel bulkheads were finished being repaired. A new aluminum mast was purchased to replace the heavy steel fore mast. Longleaf Southern Yellow Pine planking was ordered, cut, milled and set to air dry for use in 2008. All in all 2007 was a very successful year.