The initial work consisted of stripping the ship: all rigging, guns, copper, caulking, ballast, and non-structural material was removed. In order to keep her hull from drying out while she was drydocked, about 4 inches of water was kept in the dock at all times, and her hull below the waterline was draped with huge sheets of canvas to keep out the sun and keep in the moisture. This effort was quite effective--her keel was moist to the touch two years after she was docked.

All deteriorated wood was replaced with new material. Much of the new live oak was 'hurricane kill' from hurricane Hugo; teams were sent into the field after that storm, templates in hand. Pieces that fit the templates were shipped to Boston, where they were stored (some under water in the drydock). Extra live oak has been laid in for future requirements. A couple feet of hog was taken out of her keel, using specialized variable-thickness keel blocks. All internal braces, knees, etc. were replaced, including many knees and other structural members left out or improperly replaced during previous rebuilds. This will do a lot to prevent future hogging.

All the metal rods/bolts/etc. in the hull have been inspected with sonar, and the few defective rods have been replaced. Most of these 200 year old rods, some up to 6 feet long, are in excellent shape. Most of the metal fittings are original.

She received all new spars, many made of glue-laminated boards instead of the 4 piece "built" spars used previously. This will prevent cracking and checking of the spars. She also received get new rigging, new caulking, new copper, etc. All bulkheads, fancy work, etc. were be replaced or repaired as needed. New lighting and fire protection systems were installed; they will be less ugly than the previous systems.

Constitution was floated out of the dock in late 1995; rigging and fitting out work went on well into 1996. Sailmaking started in 1996 and stretched well into 1997, with the final sails going aboard just prior to her historic sail.