Hooked On Wooden Boats!

HOWB 087 – Interview | Doug Hylan, Wooden Boat Designer & Builder, Brooklin, ME

by admin on May 16, 2013

PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Today’s interview is with Doug Hylan, owner of D.N. Hylan & Associates in Brooklin, Maine. Doug grew up north of Boston with the allure of a small lake in his neighborhood. He was fascinated by boats and at an early age finished building a skiff that his dad and brother had only partially completed. Being on a small budget Doug got creative and made sails out of fabric he found at the local dump. With that small skiff he learned to sail on the local lake (even though he couldn’t swim and there were no life jackets).

As an adolescent, Hylan spotted catamaran plans in a Popular Mechanics magazine and built her in the family’s cellar. This boat was a disappointing design for Doug, but he used her anyway and enhanced his boatbuilding skills. After attending college to study bio chemistry while dabbling in hippie homesteading, he moved to Maine and took a job with Jimmy Steele. Jim was a residential contractor who built peapod boats on the side. Doug was intrigued by the peapod design, and Jim allowed him to make the sailing rigs as the orders came in.

Next Doug took a job with Joel White (founder of Brookin Boat Yard) for a couple winters, then became a partner at Benjamin River Marine, where he worked on restoration and construction of wooden vessels. In 1998 started D.N. Hylan & Associates where he specializes in the construction, restoration, and design of wooden boats. Check out his website – his boats are beautiful!

Doug has studied the designs of, and has refurbished boats by the late Herreshoffs (N.G. and his son L. Francis). Doug incorporates Herreshoff principles into the designs of his own boats.

Click on the green player button above to listen to the full interview.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

1923 N.G. Herreshoff 15′ Watch Hill restored by Doug. Photo courtesy of Doug Hylan.

Doug’s cold molded reproduction of a classic Beals Island Lobsterboat. Photo courtesy of Doug Hylan.

Traditional plank on frame boat being built at Doug’s shop. Photo courtesy of Doug Hylan.

Thanks Doug for taking time out of you busy schedule to do the interview. Best to you and everyone at your boatshop!

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

Click HERE to subscribe to my email news list for the latest and greatest fun stuff and click on one of the buttons below to subscribe to my show. Keep the bright side up and the barnacled side down – Wooden Boat Dan “over and out”!

Subscribe to the Hooked On Wooden Boats Podcast here:

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HOWB 086 – Interview | Andy Stewart of Emerald Marine Carpentry – Wooden Boat Shop

by admin on May 9, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Today’s interview is with Andy Stewart, one of the owners of Emerald Marine Carpentry in Anacortes, WA. Growing up, Andy’s dad was in the foreign service so the family lived overseas and moved frequently. As a youth, Andy enjoyed woodworking and a limited amount of boating with family and friends. He also remembers visiting his Great Great Uncle’s boat shop in Ilwaco WA. In his teen years, Andy landed at Bellevue (WA) high school and then attended the University of WA and Evergreen State College in Olympia WA.

During Andy’s 18 years in Olympia, WA, he and his wife owned a T-Bird sailboat, a 36′ Yawl (Windsong – see pic below), and spent a lot of time sailing between south Puget Sound and Canada. He also worked for the Rights of Man Boat Shop in Shelton, WA building large wooden craft under Carl Brownstein.

In the late 1990′s Andy and his family moved to Anacortes, WA to get to some “bigger water”. And in 1999 Andy started Emerald Marine Carpentry to focus on his passion for wooden boats.

Click on the green player button above to listen to the full interview with Andy.

Check out this awesome video done at Andy’s shop:

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

Andy on the 36" band saw which is over 100 years old.

Andy on the 100+ year old 36″ band saw. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

1968 Grand Banks 36' cruiser in for work. She is a beaut!

1968 Grand Banks 36′ cruiser – Moondance – in for work. She is a beaut! Photo by Wooden Boat Dan

Andy's 36' Yawl "Windsong". Andy and his wife have owned her multiple times.

Andy’s 36′ Yawl “Windsong” in for new rudder. This is the second time Andy and his wife have owned her. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Thanks Andy for taking time out of you busy schedule to do the interview. Best to you and everyone at Emerald Marine!

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

Subscribe to the Hooked On Wooden Boats Podcast here:

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HOWB 085 – Interview | Randy Roberts – Student at NW School of Wooden Boatbuilding

by admin on May 2, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

I thought it would be fun to interview a few students at the NW School of Wooden Boatbuilding in Port Hadlock, WA to get their perspective of Getting In The Wooden Boat Game. This week’s student interview is with Randy Roberts of Colorado. Randy is a retired Air Force officer where he worked as a navigator and as an intelligence officer for nearly 30 years.

After retiring, Randy decided to use the education benefits provided him under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. He also wanted to work with his hands, and loves sailing – all of which led him to the boat school at Port Hadlock. Randy and his wife sold their home in Colorado to move to Puget Sound to attend the boat school starting in October 2012.

Prior to attending the school Randy had no woodworking experience and by his own account, he has already learned a ton of skills which will be useful in many facets of his own life.

Click on the green player button above to listen to the full interview with Randy.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

Randy straking a skiff in the shop. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan

Randy planking a lapstrake skiff in the shop – PURE ARTWORK. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan

Truant class daysailor in for a new keel. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Cedar stripped, cold moulded sloop under construction at NW School of Wooden Boat Building. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Cedar stripped, cold moulded Sentinel 24 under construction at NW School of Wooden Boat Building. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Thanks Randy for taking time out of you busy schedule to do the interview. Best to you and everyone at the boat school!

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

Subscribe to the Hooked On Wooden Boats Podcast here:

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HOWB 084 – Interview | Capt Joshua Berger of Wooden Schooner Adventuress

by admin on April 25, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Todays featured spot is an interview with Captain Joshua Berger of the schooner Adventuress of Sound Experience. Sound Experience is the caretaker of the 1913 BB Crowninshield designed 2 masted gaff rigged topsail 101′ schooner.

Joshua grew up in New York sailing on Manhassett Bay with his father. He competitively raced Bluejays, 420′s, 505′s, and Lasers during college and high school. As a youth he sailed on the Clearwater – a Pete Seeger replica of a Hudson River sloop – and became intrigued by science-based environmental education aboard a sailing ship.

After several sailings to the West Indies and working on charter boats – including an Alden Schooner – Joshua moved to the west coast and attended the Evergreen State College studying experiential education while living on a 1930′s John Thomas Taylor designed ’28 ketch. Soon after he captained the Clearwater and eventually became one of the Captains of Adventuress.

Click on the green player button above to listen to the full interview with Captain Joshua.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

Adventuress after a fresh planking of the port side. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Adventuress dwarfs the other boats at Boat Haven Marina – and she is a beaut. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Adventuress is ominous and gorgeous at the same time. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Captain Joshua Berger. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Thanks Joshua for taking time out of you busy schedule to do the interview. Best to you and Sound Experience!

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

I would REALLY appreciate you sending me wooden boats pics, stories, or projects you are working on. You can also write comments on this blog, email me at Dan@Hookedonwoodenboats.com, or call my feedback hotline at 424 261-2360. Click HERE to subscribe to my email news list for the latest and greatest fun stuff and click on one of the buttons below to subscribe to my show. Keep the bright side up and the barnacled side down – Wooden Boat Dan “over and out”! Subscribe to the Hooked On Wooden Boats Podcast here:

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HOWB 083 – Interview | Schooner Zodiac’s Chris Wallace and Jeff Carson – Part 2

by admin on April 18, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Todays featured spot is Part 2 of an interview with Chris Wallace and Jeff Carson. Chris and Jeff live aboard their vintage 65′ wooden double ender Kwaietek, and both work on the schooner Zodiac. Today’s podcast is focused on the Zodiac.

Zodiac is a 160′ (sparred length) two masted gaff topsail wooden schooner designed by William H. Hand Jr. She was built by Hodgdon Brothers Shipyard and launched in 1924 at East Boothbay, Maine. Originally she was built for the heirs to the Johnson & Johnson family, then became a bar pilot boat in San Francisco, retiring in 1972.

In the mid 1970′s, the Vessel Zodiac Corporation was formed and she was restored over a 13 year period. She is now home ported in Bellingham, WA and available for charter trips in the Puget Sound and Gulf Islands of Canada.

In 2010, Zodiac was dismasted while cruising in Puget Sound. Fortunately there were only a couple minor injuries and a new tree was found to replace the broken mast (128′ length). Chris and Jeff give more details of this event during the interview.

Click on the green player button above to listen to the full interview with Chris and Jeff.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

Zodiac "on the hook". Photo courtesy of Zodiac.

Zodiac “on the hook” in Puget Sound. Photo courtesy of Zodiac.

Zodiac underway in fair winds. Photo courtesy of Zodiac.

Check out the mainmast of Zodiac – 12 stories high! Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Thanks Jeff & Chris for taking time out of you busy schedule to do the interview. Best to you and your family!

Wooden Boat Hack of the Week – #21 | Put up some decent lighting in your shop!

If you want to enjoy your workshop area and end up with a decent boat at the end of the day, you will need a good lighting system. Fluorescent shop lights are economical to buy and use, and put out a lot of light. So here is what I recommend:

Mount one 8′ dual bulb fluorescent fixture to the ceiling for each space of approximately 12′x20′ (one garage bay). For small spaces use the 4′ dual bulb fixtures
Mount the fixture approximately 3/4″ from the ceiling (use spacer) so air can circulate around the fixture to help keep it cool (your ballast may last longer this way).
Use T-8 fixtures (vs T-12). They use less energy, put out more lumens, and will work in lower temperatures.
Use fixtures that are high output and will start in cold temperatures (unless you live in a climate where it is always above 60 degrees F.)
Buy fixtures with electronic ballasts – they last longer.
Use bulbs with a CRI (color rendering index) of 85 or higher for truer colors.

Now you will actually be able to see what you are doing when working on your boat project!

Shoot an email to ole Dan@Hookedonwoodenboats.com if you have other tips.

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

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HOWB 082 – Interview | Schooner Zodiac’s Chris Wallace & Jeff Carson – Part 1

by admin on April 11, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Todays featured spot is an interview with Chris Wallace and Jeff Carson. Chris and Jeff live aboard their vintage 65′ wooden double ender - Kwaietek. Kwaietek is an ex British Columbia, Canada Forest Service boat that is built stout and beautiful. Chris is also the Port Captain for the wooden schooner Zodiac.

Jeff was born in California, the son of a career Navy man. The family moved frequently and eventually his dad retired in West Virginia where Jeff attended High School and then college at Western Virginia University. Jeff studied and graduated with a degree in Design and Technical Theater and went on to travel with theater companies building complex sets for their plays. Eventually Carson ended up working at the Seattle Repertory Theater building sets. During this stint, he met wife Chris Wallace.

Chris hailed from Corvallis, OR and her father was a well know professional set designer for theater. Chris learned the old school techniques from her father for painting theater sets and went on to study costume design and art history in college. Chris eventually moved to Seattle and joined the production side of the Seattle Repertory Theater. Chris first learned to sail on the 160′ wooden schooner Zodiac, and earned her 200 ton Captains license. She is now the Port Captain for the Zodiac.

Jeff and Chris first lived on a 36′ sloop in Seattle and eventually bought a ’40 ketch. Then in 2010 they purchased Kwaietek, which they live aboard with their youngest daughter Juliet. Kwaietek was built in 1923 and used by the BC Forest Service to take survey and inventory crews and top brass to the forests along the west coast of British Columbia. She is plank on frame constructed with a 100 hp Gardner diesel which has powered the boat since 1936.

Click on the green player button above to listen to the full interview with Chris and Jeff.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

Jeff & Chris live aboard this 65′ wooden vessel Kwaietek – a double ended ex B.C. Forester boat. Photo courtesy of Jeff & Chris.

Jeff Carson and Chris Wallace on Zodiac deck. Photo courtesy of Wooden Boat Dan.

Thanks Jeff & Chris for taking time out of you busy schedule to do the interview. Best to you and your family!

Wooden Boat Hack of the Week – #20 | Build a 4 Hour Clean Room

Need a space in your garage or shop that is free of dust and debris – someplace you can use for varnishing your boat or occasionally parking your car? Look no further – build your Wooden Boat Dan style “clean room” in 4 hours for less than $100.

Frame (on the ground) a wall of 2×4′s, 32″ on center that is 2″ shorter and 2″ narrower then the space you will be placing it in. The studs should be nailed inside the top and bottom plates same as traditional house framing.
Set the wall in place, block it several places at the ceiling and at each end wall and secure to studs/ceiling joists with screws or nails (I prefer screws since it is easier to take down that way).
Frame a 30″ door into one of the openings between the studs.
Take a blue tarp (heavier duty is better) and stretch over the wall. Place screws into studs where tarp grommets are. Trim excess tarp with utility knife.
Staple tarp to wall every 12″-18″ between grommets and along floor and ceiling plates.
If you like, frame in a window, staple tarp to window framing, cut tarp for window opening, install window.
Use recycled materials as much as possible and you can build this for just a few bucks

Now you will have a clean space for varnishing, and an extra wall for hanging shelving, racks, etc. on.

Shoot an email to ole Dan@Hookedonwoodenboats.com if you have other tips.

Upcoming Nordic Lapstrake Construction Workshop by Expert Builder Jay Smith

Jay Smith is putting on 2 One Day Workshops at his shop in Anacortes, WA on April 13 and 20th, 2013. The workshops will run from 8-5, cost $140 and include lunch. You can call 360 293-2034 or email AspoyaBoats@Hughes.net to register. Jay is the go to guy for Nordic boat building. Check out HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/007 for an interview I did with Jay about the Viking Ship he is building.

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

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HOWB 081 – Interview | Scott Jones of NW Maritime Center on SCAMP & Other Wooden Boat Fun

by admin on April 4, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Today’s featured segment is an interview with Scott Jones of the NW Maritime Center in Port Townsend, WA. I recorded the interview during SCAMP Camp #3, which is put on by the NW School of Wooden Boatbuilding in Port Hadlock, WA. For more information about the next SCAMP Camp, click on HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/SCAMPCamp or call 360-385-4948.

Scott and I had a great time talking about the SCAMP boat and Camp, other projects at the NW Maritime Center and upcoming cool wooden boat events. Plus he gave me a few boatbuilding tips. Scott is an easy going guy who loves his job and really excels at what he does. Keep up the great work Scott!

To listen to the interview I did with Scott last year about his personal and boating history, click on HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/049.

Click on the green player button above to listen to the full interview.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

Scott Jones (left) bending carlins on SCAMP. Photo courtesy of Wooden Boat Dan.

Wooden paddle board in construction at NWMC. Photo courtesy of Wooden Boat Dan.

This SCAMP is having her carlins clamped in place. Photo courtesy of Wooden Boat Dan.

Thanks Scott for taking time out of you busy schedule to do the interview. Best to you and your family!

Wooden Boat Hack of the Week – #19 | Varnishing Tips From One Amateur to Another.

Getting ready to varnish your boat or brightwork? Here’s a couple tips from WBD:

Buy a quality marine varnish such as Captains Spar varnish, Z-Spar varnish, Interlux Schooner varnish, or Epiphanes varnish.
NEVER shake the can of varnish. Instead mix slowly with a clean stir stick
Once carefully mixed, slowly pour your varnish into a clean and smooth plastic container for application. Do not wipe your brush on the edge of the container (use a separate discard container)
Properly prepare the wood surface (per manufacturer instructions). If the wood has been epoxy coated, sand with 220 grit paper until smooth. Next wipe down the boat with a clean cloth, then wipe with lacquer thinner on another clean cloth (let dry for 1 hour before applying varnish)
Properly prepare the varnishing space – correct temperature (per manufacturer), ensure it is dust and wind free, good lighting, plenty of room to move around, and make sure your clothes are super clean (if there is one speck of dust around, it will find its way into the varnish)
Apply varnish with a 3″-4″ foam brush in 4-5 one way strokes (18″ long) side by side. Next tip off the just varnished area with strokes 90 degrees from original. Move on to next area and keep a wet edge working toward last coated area.
Wet sand with 400 grit wet/dry paper and apply another 2-6 coats (total of 3-7 coats) after letting dry 24 hours.
Stand back and admire your work!

Shoot an email to ole Dan@Hookedonwoodenboats.com if you have other tips.

Upcoming Nordic Lapstrake Construction Workshop by Expert Builder Jay Smith

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

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HOWB 080 – Interview | Howard Rice on SCAMP Camp, Online Boatbuilding, & Other Fun!

by admin on March 28, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

This Episode of HOWB is an interview with Howard Rice of small boat adventure fame, and founder of SmallCraftAcademy.com. We met up a couple weeks ago during SCAMP Camp #3 at the NW Maritime Center in Port Townsend, WA . The SCAMP Camp is run by the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building (Port Hadlock, WA) and employs Howard Rice as one of the lead instructors. The Camp is an awesome 2 week event where you complete approximately 50% of the SCAMP boat. For more info, call the Boat School at 360 385-4948 or click this link: SCAMP Camp. If you’re gonna build a SCAMP, this is a great way to do it!

I always enjoy speaking with Howard as he is a very articulate, knowledgeable and enthusiastic seaman who has, and continues to do amazing and fun stuff with small boats and to promote the benefits of small vessels to folks worldwide.

During the interview we had a great time talking about the SCAMP boat, the SCAMP Camp (next one is in August in Port Townsend) and the new adventures of SmallCraftAcademy.com. The Academy is getting into online boat training and building classes among other things, in a new and cool way. So check it out at their website and listen to the interview with Howard for all the details.

Also, if you have not listened to the interview I did with Howard last year about his personal adventures and a portion of his life history, check out HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/039. And if you want to hear an interview with the SCAMP designer – John Welsford – check out HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/048. And last but not least, the brainchild of the SCAMP – Josh Colvin - at HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/040.

As you can tell I REALLY LIKE THE SCAMP! I plan to start building mine this year

Click on the green player button above to listen to the interview with Howard.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

SCAMP CAMP #3. This was the place to be in March! Photo by Wooden Boat Dan

SCAMP CAMP #3. Six SCAMPs being assembled! Photo by Wooden Boat Dan

Howard Rice hard at work installing SCAMP carlins. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

A SCAMP is like a big jigsaw puzzle that fits neatly together and functions amazingly! Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

A SCAMP is like a big jigsaw puzzle that fits neatly together and functions amazingly! Who wouldn’t want to build or at least own one of these? Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Thanks Howard for doing the interview. Best to you with your wooden boat adventures and SmallCraftAcademy.com!

LISTENER FEEDBACK!
Steve Sikma sent me a very kind email this week (in response to my March 15th eNewsletter) talking about how he is in the “Wooden Boat Game”. He is building his second boat – a strip planked kayak. It is gorgeous and here is a pic.

Steve Sikma’s second build – and she’s a beaut! Photo courtesy of Steve.

Nice job Steve – keep up the great work and send more pics when you get further along!

QUICK ACCESS TO ALL HOWB EPISODES
Want to QUICKLY browse all episodes of HOWB and select one to listen to? Go to HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/index.

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

I would REALLY appreciate you sending me wooden boats pics, stories, or projects you are working on. You can also write comments on this blog, email me at Dan@Hookedonwoodenboats.com, call my feedback hotline at 424 261-2360, or click on HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/voicemail and left a message directly from your computer.

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HOWB 079 – Interview | Korie & Tupper Griffith, Wooden Boat Lovers, Owners of Sharon L

by admin on March 21, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Today’s featured segment is an interview with Korie and Tupper Griffith and their son Owen, of Port Townsend, WA. The Griffiths have a rich history of sailing and wooden boats.

Tupper grew up in Eugene, OR and learned to surf in CA while visiting relatives. After high school, he moved to San Diego, CA and became heavily involved in surfing. He also started cutting his teeth at sailing as crew on the 1928 Alden Schooner Kelpie . Next was a stint in the USCG at Tillamook Bay, OR where he served as crewman on ’44 motor life boats. In 2003, Tupper was invited to crew on the Schooner Martha by his sister Holly (wife to Captain Robert d’Arcy of the schooner Martha). Shortly thereafter he moved to Port Townsend and met his now wife, Korie, who was Captain of the Adventuress.

Korie was raised in Wisconsin and did very little boating as a kid. However she dreamed of moving to the coast and experiencing the ocean someday. During her college days, she spent one summer in the Florida Keys working at a Boy Scout adventure training (thru boats) camp. And then later, went back for a full year of work at the Camp – and loved it! Next it was on to grad school in chemical oceanography during which time she learned about the Tall Ship programs.

In Long Beach, CA, Korie became involved with the Spirit of Dana Point schooner directing educational programs and experienced her first blue water cruise. While earning her Captains license, her sailing destinations included the east coast, the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas. In 2003 she Met Wayne Chimenti (Captain of Adventuress) at Long Beach who called on her to be a relief mate for Adventuress. Then in 2006, Chimenti brought Griffith on to replace his as one of the Captains of Adventuress.

Click on the green player button above to listen to the full interview and all the fun facts about Korie and Tupper.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

Korie, Owen and Tupper relaxing in PT. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Sharon L on leisurely cruise. Photo courtesy of Korie & Tupper.

Sharon L under prior owner Miles McCoy. Photo courtesy of Korie & Tupper.

Sharon L under prior owner Miles McCoy. Her lines are phenomenal! Photo courtesy of Korie & Tupper.

Sharon L anchored in Watmaugh Bay. Photo courtesy of Korie & Tupper.

Thanks Korie, Tupper and Owen for doing the interview. Best to the 3 of you with your wooden boat adventures.

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

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HOWB 078 – Interviews | Pygmy Wooden Kayak Class

by admin on March 14, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Today’s featured segment is two interviews. The first is with Tom & Cynthia Krehbiel from Juneau Alaska. Tom and Cynthia flew to Port Townsend in February for a one week Pygmy Boats sponsored class. During this one week class, they were able to complete about 50% of their Pinguino wooden kayak under the instruction of Pygmy employees John and Seth. Tune in to the podcast to hear more about why they took the class, why you should take one, and what’s so special about building your own boat.

The second interview is with John Lockwood, founder and owner of Pygmy Boats. John and I talk about a wide variety of topics including building a kit kayak, hull speed, Greenland paddles vs Euro paddles, and other fun stuff. To hear more conversations between John and I, listen to HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/060 and HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/061.

Click on the green player button above to listen to the interviews.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

Students wetting out fiberglass cloth with epoxy. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Tom & Cynthia hard at work on their Pinguino recreational kayak. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

The Northwest Maritime Center and Wooden Boat Foundation. You gotta check this place out! Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Thanks Tom and Cynthia and John for doing the interviews. Best to the 3 of you with your wooden boat endeavors.

Wooden Boat Hack of the Week – #18 | Confer/Commiserate with other wooden boat addicts before your first build

Thinking about launching your first wooden boat project? Time to confer with others for direction, tips, tricks, and good ole wooden boat advice. Check out the following:

Join an online wooden boat forum to discuss ideas and pick the brains of others. One popular forum is the Wooden Boat Forum hosted by Wooden Boat Magazine.
Subscribe to Wooden Boat Magazine – lots of great articles and ideas.
Attend a Wooden Boat Festival. There are dozens of these around the world. Google “wooden boat festival” for locations near you.
Visit a local wooden boat shop, school or educational facility. These are a little more scarce, but chances are you are close to, or within a 1/2 day drive to one of these great resource centers.
Shoot an email to ole Dan@Hookedonwoodenboats.com with some of your questions.

After you’ve done your research thru conferring with others, you’ll be better prepared to launch your first successful boat building project!

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

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HOWB 077 – Interview | Capt Daniel Evans – Wooden Schooner Adventuress

by admin on March 7, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Today’s interview is with Captain Daniel Evans of Sound Experience and the great 1913 wooden schooner Adventuress.

Capt Daniel spent his formative years in Anchorage, AK and began sailing at the age of 4 while on a visit to his grandparents in Gig Harbor, WA. Evans attended Evergreen U while living on his 28′ Miller Marine sloop and continued to fine tune his sailing and maritime skills.

Through his rock climbing adventures Daniel met some Outward Bound folks and eventually became the manager for their Sea Based program from Anacortes, WA. The program was Long Boat based with adventures in the San Juan and Southern Gulf Islands of Canada.

Up next for Daniel, was a stint on east coast schooners and working toward his USCG Captains License. His schooner work included the Liberty Clipper, Schooner Massachusetts, Roseway, Lettie G Howard, and the Saphira Christina. During that time he met Catherine Collins, director of Sound Experience and let her know that if one of the Captains positions on Adventuress ever became available, he would love the opportunity. Evans got the call and joined Sound Experience as one of the Captains in early 2010.

Adventuress is in Phase 4 of her Centennial restoration which includes replanking and framing the port side, a new main mast, and refreshing some of the on board systems.

When I asked Captain Evans why he loves Sound Experience, his answer was twofold: 1. Adventuress sails really well (not a slug in the water). She was designed by BB Crowninshield to be beautiful AND to be fast – and that she is. 2. The Sound Experience community is phenomenal.

Listen to Captain D’s story by clicking on the green player button above.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

: Capt Daniel Evans at keel of Adventuress. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Adventuress in Restoration Phase 4. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Adventuress’ Bow Sprit is a work of art in itself. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Thanks Daniel for doing the interview. Best to you and Sound Experience!

To find out more and Sound Experience check out HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/074 and HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/075.

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

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HOWB 076 – Interview | Mindy Ross, Center for Wooden Boats Sailing Education Director

by admin on February 28, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Today’s interview is with Mindy Ross of the Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) in Seattle, WA. Mindy has been with CWB for 14 years and is currently the Sailing Education Director.

Mindy grew up near Cleveland, OH and is a third generation sailor/racer. Her grandfather raced Comets and Trivets in the 20′s and 30′s at the Cleveland Yacht club and later her parents raced at the Sandusky Sailing Club. As a kid she traveled with her parents racing Thistle’s in the midwest and southeast. The family would camp, race for the weekend, and then move on to the next regatta.

Later the family moved to Milwaukee, WI and Mindy spent time crewing on the tall ship Gazella as well as continuing her sail racing. Next it was on to the University of Oregon for Wendy, where she attended school and raced on U of O’s sailing team.

After college, Mindy chose to move to Seattle because it was near the water (and near the big water too). Upon arrival she visited the CWB and fell in love with the sense of community and the historic wooden vessels. She began volunteering and racing SNIPE’s on Lake WA. Today she is the Sailing Education Director and loves every minute of it. Her favorite boat at the CWB is the Geary ’18 “Flattie”.

Listen to Mindy’s story by clicking on the green player button above.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

Mindy Ross – Sailing Educator at CWB. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Classic wooden boats at CWB. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

TIme for you to visit CWB Photo courtesy of Wooden Boat Dan.

Thanks Mindy for doing the interview. Best to you and CWB!

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

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HOWB 075 – Interview Part 2 | Capt Ken Greff of Sound Experience / Adventuress 1913 Wooden Schooner

by admin on February 21, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Today’s featured segment is Part 2 of the interview with Captain Ken Greff, president of the board of Sound Experience. Sound Experience is the caretaker of the 1913 BB Crowninshield designed gaff rigged 101′ schooner Adventuress.

Sound Experience’s mission with Adventuress is to “educate, inspire, and empower an inclusive community to make a difference for the future of our marine environment.”

To read the show notes and listen to Part 1 of the interview, go to HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/074.

Listen to Part 2 of Ken’s story by clicking on the green player button above.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

Gorgeous pic of Adventuress! Photo courtesy of Sound Experience.

This 100 year young schooner is a sight to behold Photo courtesy of Sound Experience.

Her bow sprit is calling you “Come Sail On Me…..”. Photo courtesy of Sound Experience.

Thanks from the crew of Adventuress. Photo courtesy of Sound Experience.

Thanks Ken for doing the interview. Best to you, Sound Experience and the historic schooner Adventuress!

Wooden Boat Hack of the Week – #17 | Wooden Boat Brainstorming for Dummies

How many times have you been working on your boat project, had a great idea or thought which you didn’t write down and Voila – it’s gone from memory a few days later. Here’s why you need to keep a Boat Brainstorming Journal (BBJ) on your workbench:

When you get an inspirational idea you can write it down NOW
As you write down ideas, notes, and hacks, your mind will go into creative mode
When you’re in this creative mode, you will have even more ideas to write down (the snowball effect is amazing)
You can keep your BBJ and refer back to it with all your notes and creative ideas as a launchboard for future ideas and inspiration and track where your wooden boat journey has taken you

Next time you’re at the local variety store, pick up a spiral notebook, write BBJ on the cover and keep it in your shop for those amazing moments when your brain is exploding with ideas!

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

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HOWB 074 – Interview Part 1 | Capt Ken Greff of Sound Experience / Adventuress 1913 Wooden Schooner

by admin on February 14, 2013

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Today’s featured segment is Part 1 of a 2 Part interview with Captain Ken Greff, president of the board of Sound Experience. Sound Experience is the caretaker of the 1913 BB Crowninshield designed gaff rigged 101′ schooner Adventuress.

Ken spent his early youth in San Francisco and his family settled on Mercer Island, WA when Ken was in grade school. Greff stream fished with his parents and dabbled in sailing small boats on Lake Washington with his high school buddies.

While attending Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA, one of Ken’s professors invited him to crew on a T-Bird sailboat for a Bellingham Bay race. Ken jumped at the chance, and got “hooked” on keel boat sailing which he enjoyed as often as possible during his college years.

During his school teaching years, Ken heard about the bicentennial parade of tall ships in NY Harbor and the sail training programs for youth. At the time, he was working with troubled kids in the school system and was interested in helping these kids build character and leadership skills through an alternative means such as sail training.

Greff began inquiring locally about sail training and eventually was advised to connect with Youth Adventure who owned the historic schooner Adventuress and was using her to train youth. Ken saw Adventuress for the first time at the Seattle waterfront during a tall ship festival and was immediately taken by the youth aboard who were jovially singing and warmly welcoming him. Ken began volunteering that fall of 1978 and has never looked back!

Listen to Part 1 of Ken’s story by clicking on the green player button above. And tune in again next week for Part 2 (Episode 75).

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

Adventuress looks as good as she did 100 years ago when she was launched in Maine. Photo courtesy of Sound Experience.

Adventuress when she was a bar pilot boat in San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge in background. Adventuress looks as good as she did 100 years ago when she was launched in Maine. Photo courtesy of Sound Experience.

Adventuress first owner – John Borden, founder of Yellow Cab Company. Photo courtesy of Sound Experience.

Thanks from the crew of Adventuress. Photo courtesy of Sound Experience.

Thanks Ken for doing the interview. Best to you, Sound Experience and the historic schooner Adventuress!

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

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HOWB 073 – Interview | Jim Metteer – Wooden Boat Builder and Restorer Extraordinaire

by admin on February 7, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Today’s featured interview is with Jim Metteer of Poulsbo, WA. Jim grew up “all over” the west coast as his dad moved from working at one hydroelectric dam to another. In 1965 the family settled in south Seattle, WA where Jim graduated from Tyee High School.

Jim’s dad had a power boat and Jim liked to be “on” the water, not “in” the water. After high school Metteer landed at a local furniture company learning the furniture trade and eventually taking over their finishing department. The advanced coatings skills Jim learned during those 3 years still serve him to this day.

Metteer’s first boat was a 1980 Thistle - a 17′ Sandy Douglass one design cold molded planing sloop. Jim sailed her on Lake Washington and Puget Sound. A few years later Jim fell in love with “Vito Dumas” – a Manuel Campos designed Cutter. However, the owner wouldn’t sell to Jim. So Jim decided to build his own Campos Cutter. The Campos cutter is a modified scandinavian rescue boat designed with a shallower for the waters of Buenos Aires in the 1940′s.

Jim read the book – How To Build a Boat by David McIntosh and started building it. It seemed to come natural and took Jim 4 1/2 years to complete. One of his tricks was to go to the boat every day whether he felt like it or not.

Lumiere was launched in 1991. She is Carvel plank, 1.25″ Port Orford cedar over 2″x2″ oak frames with a 1 1/2″ teak deak. She has a Honduran Mahogany cabin and 8600 pounds of lead in her keel.

With the encouragement of his wife, Jim decided to build boats for a living, so he joined up with the late Tom Pryor in 2000 to take over the work Tom had been doing in Poulsbo. Tom rented him the barn and Jim helped Tom live out his last years out in the neighboring farm house.

Metteer’s first project was restoring a friendship sloop Puff. This was a 2 year project. Next was the restoration of a boat gifted to him – Fokus III, a classic 6 meter racing boat. Fokus III was launched 1948 in Norway and was scheduled to race in the 1952 Olympics (for reasons unknown, she didn’t go to the Olympics). Jim has done a beautiful restoration on Fokus!

You can hear Jim’s whole story by clicking on the green player button above.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

Jim next to 43′ John Alden designed Cutter in for repairs. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Jim did a phenomenal job replacing the deck on his Six Meter! WOW… Photo courtesy of Jim Metteer.

Fokus III ribs and knees form beautiful lines. Photo courtesy of Jim Metteer.

1991 Launch Day for Jim's Manual Kompost designed 48' LOA Cutter. Jim built her over a 4 1/2 year period.

1991 Launch Day for Jim’s Manuel Compos designed 48′ LOA Cutter. Jim built “Lumiere” over a 4 1/2 year period. Photo courtesy of Jim Metteer.

Lumiere splashing down for first time. Nice build Jim!! Photo courtesy of Jim Metteer.

Thanks Jim for doing the interview. You can reach Jim by phone at 360 440-2022 for your next boat project. Best to you, Leigh and Eagle Creek Restoration!

Wooden Boat Hack of the Week – #16 | One Visit Per Day, Gets Your Boat In The Bay

We all know the best way to get a boat project done is to start it, but did you know that if you “visit” your boat project daily, you’ll be done sooner . That’s right, go to your shop/garage/barn or wherever your project is Every Day:

You’ll find inspiration to do some work (even if you didn’t feel like it earlier)
You may just decide to reorganize you project so next time out, you are ready to go
You can make notes of what steps to do next or supplies you need to purchase
You’ll “feel like there is hope” at the end of each day

So next time you want to sit down and watch the tube after a long day at work, go to your boat project first and get some inspiration.

Pocket Yachters of Port Townsend, WA Offer Free Classified Ads for Smaller Classic Boats For Sale

If you have a smaller classic pocket yacht you would like to sell, email your ad copy and photos to Marty@IslandBoatShop.com. Marty can assist you in placing your classified ad on the PocketYachters.com website under the Boats for Sale section. It’s a free service and the Pocket Yachters pride themselves on finding the “right” buyer for your classic vessel. Thanks for the heads up Marty!

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

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HOWB 072 – Interview | Roy Jackson – built Wooden Schooner over a 3 decade period! WOW :D

by admin on January 31, 2013

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

PODCAST SHOW NOTES

I had the rare and special privilege of meeting up with Roy Jackson who, along with his late wife Dolores built a 43′ Murray Peterson designed gaff rigged Coaster II Schooner – Dolores M Jackson – between 1976 and 2009. The interview and time together with Jackson was a blast! This is an amazing story! The interview is a MUST LISTEN!

Roy grew up in Detroit, MI and was accustomed to the regular sight of schooners and other vessels navigating the Detroit River. His mom and dad boated (black tie events) on friends boats while the kids played on land. Roy’s dad had been in the British Calvary, so Roy was taught to ride horses and spent lots of time on horseback as a kid including riding on the famed Belle Isle.

Roy began a career in advertising after school, and in 1965 a coworker invited Jackson to join him on sailing his Yawl from Nassau, Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This was a new experience for Roy and he enjoyed every minute of it. The trip was “perfect” according to Jackson with smooth swells, moonlight, steady breezes and phosphorous creatures to gaze upon in the water at night. When he returned from the trip, Jackson determined he was going to build his own boat someday.

While reading a Sensible Cruising article in National Fisherman magazine, Roy laid his eyes on a beautiful Murray Peterson designed Coaster II Schooner. He decided he would build that boat and ordered the plans from Peterson in 1973. A friend at work told Jackson that Seattle, WA was a hub for building wooden boats. Roy did his research and decided to make the move in 1974 including taking a position at a large ad agency in Seattle. The Jackson’s purchased property on Bainbridge Island (a 30 minute ferry ride to downtown Seattle), Roy designed their home, had it built, and they moved in. Next was construction of the boat shed for building the schooner and lofting of the vessel on the shop floor in 1977.

You can hear the whole Jackson story by clicking on the green player button above.

Here’s some pics to enjoy (click to enlarge):

Roy on deck of 43' schooner he built. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Roy on deck of 43′ schooner he and Dolores built between 1976 and 2009. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Murray Peterson designed Dolores M Jackson at home moorage. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

She’s a beaut from every angle! Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Her interior is gorgeous. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Every schooner needs a guard dog - meet Iris :D Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Every schooner needs a guard dog – meet Iris Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Thanks Roy for doing the interview. Best to you and all your beautiful vessel!

Wooden Boat Hack of the Week – #15 | Flux brushes aren’t just for plumbing!

Looking for a way to apply small amounts of epoxy to your boat building or repair project? Buy a pack of flux (acid) brushes at your local hardware store (plumbing department) or online. Here’s why:

They’re inexpensive – and cheap is good when it actually works
The brushes are sturdy and disposable
They’er the perfect size for small epoxy jobs – bristles are about 1/2″ x 1/2″ with 4″ handle
Every hardware store carries them (used by plumbers for applying flux to solder joints).

So next time you go to plumbing for your wax ring (Wooden Boat Hack #12), pick up some flux brushes too.

Pocket Yachters of Port Townsend, WA Offer Free Classified Ads for Smaller Classic Boats For Sale

WANT TO HELP? PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK! I want to build a community of people from all over the world who want to connect, learn, share stories and photos, and have fun with wooden boats.

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