Custom Boat Building
…(above)….16 ft dayboat MEREBELLA - The launch and delivery were delayed by Covid-19; MEREBELLA was eventually launched for testing and a trial sail in 2021, and then put away again for the winter. In 2022, with delivery still not achieved, the owner’s circumstances changed such that he reluctantly decided to part with the boat.I’m pleased to say that this April 2024 Merebella has found a new home, based on the Blackwater in Essex. More news in due course.
**My work encompassed both traditional boatbuilding and modern boatbuilding using wood. The majority of craft I have worked on are traditional-style clinker boats built using both traditional methods - solid timber and metal fastenings - and modern methods - plywood planking with glue.
This site shows the variety of work I have undertaken over the years - and indicates my aptitudes and interests. Craft built over the years include canoes and yacht tenders, rowing boats and sailing dayboats, and the occasional classic “replica”. I’ve handled a few larger projects for restoration like the West Solent OD “HALLOWEEN, finished new boatssuch as as YARA (which I also designed). The biggest build in Rowhedge was CONSTANCE, and at Osea Island the 30 ft launch ZEINA II (now known as MEANDER II). I also help people with their own projects, demonstrating and undertaking some of the work if wished; this may involve providing advice on projects at the outset, condition reports and assessment of work entailed. One notable example was my role as portrayed in the book “How to Build a Boat” by Jonathan Gornall (Simon & Schuster 2018)
I ran the Traditional Boatbuilding course at the Nottage Institute, Wivenhoe, from 1988 - 1923.
Now, in 2024, I am trying to avoid further large commitments. I’ve fallen into the role of editing the Wooden Boatbuilders Trade Association newsletter “Soundings” so I’d be interested in receiving any material or comments which might be of interest to the trade…. I’m keen to stay “in the swim”, as it were, and I am open to any enquiries - if I cannot undertake the work myself I would hope to be able to point you in the right direction. I have some design plan for sale. I have also been involved with RCD (Recreational Craft Directive) certification of my own boats and although I am not fully an expert I might be able to help boat builders with how to approach this subject.**