Outlines problems associated with the restoration and conservation of wooden ships in Hamburg, Germany. The problems are described by means of two examples: 1) a dugout boat found near Hamburg, and 2) objects used in shipbuilding (including rudder blades, deck timbers, and strong frames) considered to be the remains of two shipwrecks salvaged in the Elbe. Both examples are believed to be between 350 and 400 years old. Problems included the carbon-14 dating of the objects; the fragmentation of the finds deterioration; warping; a cracked hull; and splitting and cracking of the wood owing to temperature and humidity fluctuation in the museum. Restoration measures included restoring the cracked hull using an epoxy resin (Araldite D, hardener HY 956); reinforcing the seams; stiffening the frames; protective treatment of the dugout with wood tar; and using braces to protect the seriously endangered parts.