Hooked On Wooden Boats!

HOWB 071 – Interview | Jim Llewellyn Wooden Boat Restorer and Blanchard Sr. Knockabout Owner

by admin on January 24, 2013

PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Jim grew up in Bellevue, WA and at the age of 9 his parents bought a Blanchard Jr. Knockabout for $250 and spent another $250 to refurbish it. Jim’s dad taught him to sail on that wooden sloop, and at the young age of 13 “turned over the keys” to Jim and let him go out by himself on Lake Washington (wow, what a blast for a 13 year old!). As Jim became an adult, the Knockabout became his boat. He and a buddy sailed two Blanchard Knockabout Jr’s from Lake Washington all the way to Victoria BC (across the Strait of Juan de Fuca) and back – a bold adventure in an open cockpit sailboat!

In 1976 Jim bought his Blanchard Sr. Knockabout (26′ LOA) and began refurbishing the boat in the off season and racing the rest of the year. Jim still owns this beaut (see pics below) and takes great care of her. Jim also owns a 1966 Century Resorter mahogany ski boat, which he uses about 100 days each year for water skiing. (see HOWB 045 for a related interview on another Century Resorter).

Click on green player button above to listen to the podcast interview with Jim and get the whole story.

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

Jim in front of his 1947 Blanchard Knockabout. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Jim on Round the Island Race 2012. Photo courtesy of Jim Llewellyn.

Jim on the Round the Island Race 2012. Photo courtesy of Jim Llewellyn.

Jim in his restored 1966 Century. He still skis with this boat! Photo courtesy of Jom Llewellyn.

Jim's Blanchard Sr. Knockabout boat since 1976. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan

Jim’s Blanchard Sr. Knockabout boat he purchased in 1976. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan

Thanks Jim for doing the interview. Best to you and all your fun boats!

Wooden Boat Hack of the Week – #14 | Clean up and prep now to get most out of your next session!

Want to get the most out of your shop time? Then at the end of each working session, save a little time to prep for your next session:

Clean up your work surfaces and throw out your garbage.
Put your tools and supplies in their proper place.
Put fresh sandpaper on your sanding blocks.
Sweep the floors if needed.
Make a written note of what you will do First in the next session.
Make a quick note of any supplies you are getting low on, so you can replenish soon.

By taking time to do this prep, when you come to the shop for your next session you will be all ready to rock and roll – no cleaning, organizing, etc. Your session will be more productive.

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 070 – Interview | Captain Tyson Trudel – Center for Wooden Boats Youth Program Dude, Wooden Boat Afficianado

by admin on January 17, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Tyson did most of his growing up in Cove, Oregon with a massive population of 500 people During his youth he sailed with his family on their 21′ San Juan sloop. However, when his parents decided to take a year off and build a log cabin, they had to sell the family boat to pay for the new well. Tyson was heartbroken – he loved being on the water. But never fear, his parents bought him an 8′ Jester sailing dinghy on his 8th birthday. He was sick that day so they put the dinghy in his bedroom and let him sleep in it – he was hopelessly “hooked” on boats at that point. Sorry about that Tyson – hahaha.

During junior high and high school, he took every shop class offered and helped build several Phil Bolger and other designs with whatever materials the class could scrape together. After attending college for a couple years studying history, Tyson realized he really wanted to work with youth and boats. He was able to land a volunteer position at the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle and for 9 months engaged in youth programs centered around boats and life learning (in addition to being the night watchman).

Next, it was off to finish college and then on to work as a youth mentor at Lutherwood Camp for 9 months of the year, with 3 months each year working on his Captains license aboard the Lady Washington tall ship (check out HOWB 003 for an interview about her). In 2011, Tyson came full circle and landed at the Center for Wooden Boats as their Youth Program Manager.

Tyson has had some really awesome experiences with boats, youth, education, and the high seas. Click on green player button above to listen to the podcast and get the whole story.

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

Tyson Trudel next to long boat used for youth experiential training. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

A lapstrake beauty at the Center for Wooden Boats. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Zulu - a 50' guest boat at CWB. She was built by George & Julia Maynard and launched in 1992 . Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Zulu – a 50′ guest boat at CWB. She was built of wood by George & Julia Maynard and launched in 1992 . Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Wooden Boat Hack of the Week – #13 | Canned Tuna and Epoxy go hand in hand!
If you’re a tuna person (or consume other foods that come in the same size/shape can), save those little 5 ounce can

tuna cans

Thoroughly clean the tuna cans after you eat the tuna (or give it to Fido).
Use the cans for mixing 1-3 ounces of epoxy.
Since epoxy is exothermic, the profile of the tuna cans (low and wide) will help keep the epoxy from overheating before you apply it.
These cans are aluminum, so wipe the excess epoxy out with a paper towel and reuse them.
If you buy the larger size tuna cans (12 ounce), you can easily mix 5-6 ounces of epoxy at a time.
Have fun and enjoy your tuna.

First Video Interview I have produced the first ever HOWB video interview. The interview is with Lloyd Shugart of Seattle, WA and he owns and is restoring a Ed Monk Sr. designed bridgedeck beauty. Check out the video here: HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/Video1

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 069 – Interview | Nat Howe of NW Seaport – Wooden Boat Guru and Museologist

by admin on January 10, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Nat grew up in Seattle and as a young kid was building boat models out of milk cartons, wood, and assorted other materials he could scrounge up. His parents and grandparents owned (and still own) an Allied Seawind 30’ which the family used to explore the Inside Passage around Vancouver Island and the San Juan Islands. When Nate was 10 years old he discovered the 1897 three masted 165′ schooner Wawona on Lake Union in Seattle. He fell in love with her and at age 11 built a 5’ model of Wawona. He also built a radio controlled model of the Arthur Foss tug after discovering that historic vessel in Seattle.

Nat attended Beloit College in WI to get his undergraduate degree in Museology. During his college program, he spent one semester at Williams College studying at Mystic Seaport Museum and living on the grounds. Besides learning about sea shantys and celestial navigation he gained valuable knowledge about museums and historic vessels.

After college Nat was awarded the highly coveted Fulbright Grant to study at the Vasa Museum in Sweden –regarded by many as the premier maritime museum in the world. On display is the Swedish Gallion Vasa – built in 1628 as a double gun deck war boat. She sank 15 minutes into maiden voyage.

Nat loves his current position as the vessel manager at Northwest Seaport in Seattle, WA. The Seaport’s mission is the: “……preservation and interpretation of maritime heritage of Puget Sound and the Northwest Coast, and the development of maritime-based educational programs and opportunities for the community.”

Click on green player button above to listen to the podcast and get the full scoop.

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

Nat Howe at the wheel of the Tug Boat Arthur Foss. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

700 HP Washington Iron Works Diesel powers the Arthur Foss. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

This six cylinder 700 HP Washington Iron Works Diesel powers the Arthur Foss at speeds up to 13 knots. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Brian removing corking from the aft deck of the Arthur Foss. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Nat in Amsterdam at Maritime Museum. Photo courtesy of Nat Howe.

Swiftsure Light Ship is part of the NW Seaport collection. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Nat's hand made portable sauna - WOW! Photo courtesy of Nat Howe.

Nat’s hand made portable sauna / camper – WOW! Photo courtesy of Nat Howe.

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1977 PT WBF Page 2. Cool stuff! Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Circa 1977 Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival Program I found inside a boatbuilding book from the local thrift store. Cool stuff! Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

1977 Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival Program - I found in boatbuilding book. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

1977 Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival Program, back page. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Wooden Boat Hack of the Week – #12 | What do toilets and bronze have in common?
If you think the wax toilet ring at the local hardware store only has one use, think again:

Wax ring for your screws.

Wax toilet rings cost less than 2 bucks a your local store.
When building a wooden boat and using bronze fasteners (not brass – they corrode), first pre-drill the hole then apply wax so there is less friction and the screw is easier to install.
The wax also helps prevent wood cracking and splitting (but don’t forget to pre-drill)
Most wax toilet rings have an anti-bacterial component which helps prevent mold.
Just stick your screws in the ring, pull them out and you are ready to roll!
When you go to buy your rings, tell em Wooden Boat Dan sent you

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 068 – Highlights of 2012 and Plans for the BEST YEAR EVER in 2013

by admin on January 3, 2013

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Thanks to your support and the support of hundreds of other wooden boat lovers, HOWB has completed its first full year with flying colors. This Episode is dedicated to looking at the HIGHLIGHTS of 2012 and my Plans for 2013!

Here’s Top Ten HIGHLIGHTS of 2012:

52 HOWB weekly episodes were published (67 total now).
HOWB podcasts have been downloaded over 35,000 times by folks in 82 different countries.
I conducted more than 50 interviews – from wooden boat rock stars, to back yard builders to instructors, captains, Designers, a Viking ship builder, blue water gurus, authors, and expert craftsman.
I received “attaboy” emails from HOWB listeners all over the world – Poland, Australia, South Africa, Aruba, Sweden, and Great Britain to name a few
The first ever HOWB Meet-up happened at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival in September thanks to Korey Rubin, Christina Cogan and Ralph Duncan.
I met and interviewed Si Miller whose claim to fame is putting 50 coats of varnish on his vintage 1967 Century ski boat (one coat per day for 50 days – seriously!). This boat is gorgeous!
I had the priviledge of meeting and interviewing sailing legends and authors Lin & Larry Pardey – WOW!
I got to yak each week about the 12’ lapstrake canoe I started building this year – 90% done now! I thought I would finish in 2012 – but won’t quite make it
I made dozens of new friends, learned a ton about wooden boats, and got to hear fascinating life stories.
I was a presenter at the 36th Annual Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend, WA for the first time! I also had the priviledge of attending several events for the first time: Olympia Wooden Boat Fair, Pocket Yacht Palooza, SCAMP Camp and the Maritime Heritage Festival.

Thanks for being a part of the HOWB journey in 2012. I hope it has been as rewarding for you as it has been for me. If you enjoy HOWB, please pass on the word.

HOWB Plans for 2013:

Continue to interview people from all walks of Wooden Boat Life
Website improvements for a better user experience
Reply to all listener emails within 48 hours
Write my 1st eBook
Take awesome wooden boat photos to be used in the first ever 2014 HOWB Calendar
Personally – finish building my 12′ canoe; start building a 11′ 11″ SCAMP

Click on green player button above to listen to the podcast and get the full scoop.

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

Wooden Boat Dan hard at work in the HOWB Shop.

My almost completed 12′ lapstrake canoe. Started Feb. 2012. Left to do: varnish inside and install thwart.

HOWB Produces First Video Interview I have produced the first ever HOWB video interview. The interview is with Lloyd Shugart of Seattle, WA and he owns and is restoring a Ed Monk Sr. designed bridgedeck beauty. Check out the video here:

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 067 – Interview | Diana Hennick, Visitor Services Guru at the Center for Wooden Boats

by admin on December 27, 2012

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Diana is a NOAA brat – her dad was a commissioned officer in the the NOAA Corp and met her mom – a civilian deckhand – on board a research vessel in the Bering Sea.

Diana was born in San Diego, and lived in Maryland for a few years before her family settled in Seattle. After getting her undergraduate degree in Anthropology from Western Washington University, she had the rare opportunity to do an internship at the Maritime History department of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. This was a home run museum experience so Diana enrolled and completed her graduate degree in museology at the University of Washington.

After graduating, she worked for 4 years at the Northwest Seaport in Seattle where she had done her Masters Thesis on the historic tug Arthur Foss. Northwest Seaport’s mission is to preserve maritime heritage thru large craft such as the Arthur Foss.

Next stop was the Center For Wooden Boats where Diana is the Visitor Services Manager today. She loves her role of finding creative ways for the community to interact and engage with the Center as an outdoor small craft living museum. Diana loves her parents sea stories and has taught sailing in the San Juan Islands.

Click on green player button above to listen to the interview and find out more about Diana and her adventures.

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

The beautiful sight of wooden sailboats at CWB on Lake Union. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Virginia 5 - Steamship that part of the Mosquito Fleet of Puget Sound. Moored next to CWB. Awesome vessel! Photo by Wooden Boat Dan

Virginia 5 – Steamship that was part of the Mosquito Fleet of Puget Sound. Moored next to CWB. Awesome vessel! Photo by Wooden Boat Dan

Thanks Diana for taking time for the interview. Best to you and the 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 066 – Interview | Dan Leach, boatwright and Center for Wooden Boats Community Engagement Lead

by admin on December 20, 2012

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES
Dan Leach is one of those gents that makes you feel right at home from the first time you shake his hand – which for me was October 2011 when I went to the Center For Wooden Boats to interview the founder, Dick Wagner for HOWB 004. I had the privilege to interview Dan a few weeks ago – which was a real blast for me (hanging out at the CWB comes natural – haha).

Dan grew up in Seattle, the son of a woodworker and grandson of a home builder. His parents owned a 14′ Rhodes Bantam racing class sloop – and his grandparents a 17′ ski boat. Dan water skied behind the power boat, but preferred getting out on his parents sailboat and occasionally racing. After studying political science and history at the University of Michigan, Dan moved to Eugene OR, started his news radio career, got married and had a couple kids.

Eventually moving back to Seattle, Dan continued his radio career, and did a marketing stint a Microsoft before deciding to enroll in the 2 year Marine Carpentry Program at Seattle Central Community College to “learn more about boats” and gain some woodworking skills. After graduating Dan went to work at Dunbar Marine in Seattle restoring and repairing wooden vessels.

Dan had been a volunteer at the Center for Wooden Boats for years. One day in 2011, he was talking to Betsy Davis (exec director) and she said “we need you” to lead business engagement and sponsorship development to keep the programs and museum collection of small craft alive and well. Dan agreed, on the condition, that he could work one day a week as a boatwright. Dan enjoys his role and loves having his office on a floating dock.

Click on green player button above to listen to the interview and find out more about Dan and his boating adventures.

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

Small woodens boats at CWB waiting for you to use them! Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Traditional craftsmanship and beauty. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Stacked El Toros - You need to sail one of these soon!. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Stacked El Toros at CWB – You need to sail one of these soon!. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Thanks Dan for taking time for the interview. Best to you and the CWB!
Wooden Boat Hack of the Week – #11 – How to give your sandpaper Superhero Powers!
Here’s some tips to make sandpaper work like your favorite Superhero:

Get yourself a sandpaper brush (also know as a metal file brush). Gentle rub over your sandpaper when it clogs up. This keeps the sandpaper clean and working longer.
Change the sandpaper frequently – when it stops cutting properly, ditch it and use a fresh piece.
There are several grades of sandpaper being sold. Buy the more expensive sandpaper – it lasts longer, stays cleaner, and sands better.
Save money by buying sandpaper in bulk. Instead of buying singles or five sheet packs, buy packs of 25, 50 or 100 to save money per sheet.

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 065 – Interview | Jeff Hammond: Master Wooden Boatwright, Instructor, and Seasoned Carpenter

by admin on December 13, 2012

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES
Behind Jeff Hammond’s laid back demeanor and Wisconsin drawl is a Master Boat Builder and seasoned instructor who is the Real McCoy. He’s been instructing at the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building since 1985 and is on top of his game.

As a youth in Wisconsin, Jeff built model boats and canoed with his family on local lakes. After school he entered the construction trade, building houses and cabinets and messing with a few boat building projects here and there. It was a tough time for the construction business, so in 1984 Jeff visited a schoolmate in the Seattle area to look for improved work opportunities. When he told her of his interest in boat building, she suggested they visit Port Townsend and the 4 year old Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building.

Jeff got a tour of the school one fateful day in December 1984 and knew the minute he left, that he would return as a student. Four months later he was enrolled in a 6 month course at the school with 8 classmates. At the end of the term, he enrolled for another 6 months and was asked to work for the school, which he did as instructor, shop person, and student helper.

Five weeks after finishing his second term, Jeff was asked by founder Bob Prothero to return to the school as a regular instructor to replace a retiring instructor. Jeff couldn’t have been more excited for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with beautiful woods on hand crafted boats. He has been at the school 27 years now and never looked back.

Click on green player button above to listen to the interview and find out more about Jeff Hammond and his boating building adventures.

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

Jeff at the drawing table with Boat School students looking on. Photo courtesy of NW School of Wooden Boat Building.

A Prothero skiff nearing completion at the School. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

A lapstrake, copper riveted work of art built at the school. Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Thanks Jeff for taking time for the interview. Best to you and the NW School of Wooden Boat Building!
Wooden Boat Hack of the Week – #10 – Can You Spell Ambidextrous Worker?
“Equally skillful with each hand” is how Webster describes ambidextrous. And here’s several reasons you need to use both hands (and related arms, shoulders, elbows etc.) when working on your boat(s):

You won’t wear out one side of your body before the other. Seriously, your shoulders, hands and other parts eventually wear out. Why not take the burden off one side and share with the other? Delay that shoulder cuff surgery a few years or maybe completely.
It takes your intelligence to new heights – you’ll be making the other side of your brain work more and this takes, well, it takes work.
Geometrically speaking there will be times when you have a mechanical advantage using one of your hands versus the other. Think of sanding the hull of a small boat near the bow. If you stand just to the right of the bow, you can reach around with your left hand and gain decent leverage as you sand.

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 064 – Interview: Wendy Hinman; Woodenboat Blue Water Sailor, Author, and Self Confessed Tightwad!

by admin on December 6, 2012

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES
Wendy grew up the daughter of a Navy dentist, who made frequent military moves. When her dad was given an assignment in Hawaii, Wendy’s parents bought a Cal ’27 sailboat and enrolled the entire family in sailing lessons. At the age of 7, Wendy was getting her sea legs sailing the Hawaiian Islands. Next, Wendy’s family moved to Washington, DC and began sailing the Chesapeake Bay on a Catalina ’30. Soon Wendy was teaching sailing utilizing the advanced skills she had learned as a youth.

Wendy’s husband Garth also grew up in a sailing family. In fact, during his youth, Garth spent 5 years circumnavigating the world with his parents and siblings. Their trip included a shipwreck in Fiji and other extreme adventures and all navigation was celestial (can you spell sextant?).

It’s not surprising that early in their marriage, Garth and Wendy made plans for their own blue water extravaganza. The first order of business was to save money and pay off their home so they could “get away” for several years and live off the modest $1,000 per month their home would rent for. In 1998 they bought a 31′ Tom Wylie designed cold molded cutter – Velella – and 2 years later they were off on their 7 year, 34,000 mile adventure around the Pacific. Wendy has chronicled their blue water undertaking in her newly released book – Tightwads On the Loose: A Seven Year Pacific Odyssey. You can also check out Wendy’s website: WendyHinman.com.

Click on green player button above to listen to the interview and find out more about Wendy & Garth and their blue water adventures.

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

Velella at anchor. Photo courtesy of Wendy Hinman.

Velella interior galley – simple, functional and conpact. Photo courtesy of Wendy Hinman.

Velella on custom made, Garth designed haulout trailer at Kwajelin, Marshall Islands. Photo courtesy of Wendy Hinman.

Thanks Wendy for taking time for the interview. Best to you and Garth, and Velella!

Wooden Boat Hack of the Week – #9 – Purchase and Organize Equipment, Materials and Supplies in Advance
So you want to build a wooden boat? After selecting the boat to build and preparing a budget for your new boat you will want to do some planning for equipment, material and supplies.

Start with the following:

List of equipment and tools needed – saws, planes, rasps, wrenches, screwdrivers, power tools, squares, etc.
List of supplies needed – glues, epoxies, fasteners, paint, varnish, brushes, sandpaper (the list goes on and on)
List of materials needed – lumber, plywood, fiberglass cloth, hardware, etc.

Next, organize your project into phases (on paper) and determine which equipment, supplies and materials you will need for each phase of the project. Then purchase at least enough products to finish one complete phase of the project. The last thing you want is to run out of a part or supply while you have some project momentum going – and have to wait a week or two to order and receive the part.

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 063 -Interview: Katie Whalen of NW School of Wooden Boat Building; Wooden Boat Owner and Lover; Can’t Wait to Get to Work Every Day!

by admin on November 29, 2012

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES
Judging by her enthusiasm and passion for her work at the NW School of Wooden Boat Building, you’d think Katie Whalen had been a hard core wooden boat devotee since her childhood. Quite to the contrary, Katie grew up in southern California as a complete land lubber. It wasn’t until she visited Washington state as an adult that she got a on “boat” for the first time – a Washington state passenger ferry.

Katie was first introduced to the Boat School in the early 1990′s, fell in love with it, and immediately began volunteering. She was fascinated by the school’s mission and the dedication of the small staff, including shipwright Jeff Hammond (who is still at the school today). Katie was working in Port Townsend in 2006 when she heard the School’s business manager position was being vacated. Katie applied and has loved her dream job ever since. In Katie’s own words, the Boat School “is the real deal”!

In 2011 Katie couldn’t pass up the opportunity to purchase her first wooden boat – a 26′ William Atkin’s designed gaff rigged cutter – Barakah. She is a traditional plank on frame carvel planked beauty (see pics below) that was built by the School in 1995.

Click on green player button above to listen to the interview and find out other fun facts about Katie and the NW School of Wooden Boat Building.

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

Katie on Barakah – one proud owner! Photo courtesy of Katie Whalen.

Barakah under sail. She’s a William Atkin’s designed gaff rigged cutter 26′ LOA and built in 1995 by the NW School of Wooden Boat Building. Photo courtesy of Katie Whalen.

Barakah in the snow (foreground). Photo courtesy of Katie Whalen.

Thanks Katie for taking time for the interview. Best to you and Barakah!

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 062 – Interview: Captain Robert d’Arcy of the Schooner Martha; 4th Generation Shipwright and Wooden Boat Master

by admin on November 22, 2012

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES
Today’s interview is with Captain Robert d’Arcy. d’Arcy grew up in Rhode Island, the son of a shipwright. In fact he is a 4th generation shipwright – his great grandfather learned the trade in Scotland and the skills were passed down thru the generations. Robert worked in his dad’s boat shop as a kid starting with sweeping, cleaning, stacking, then moving on to building and restoring. After high school he worked beside his dad to restore a 1914 Nova Scotian schooner that was 46′ on deck. Next was a 5 year stint at the Mystic Seaport Museum (CT), doing restoration work on vessels such as the 1841 Wooden Whaling Ship Charles W. Morgan, and the 123′ fishing schooner L.A. Dunton.

Robert had friends who owned a 1910 Victorian B&B that needed work, so he switched gears and began using his woodworking skills to repair and renovate Victorian and Colonial homes. In 1995 he moved to the Puget Sound area and met mariners from the Schooner Zodiac and the Northwest Schooner Society. The Society was to become the recipient of a 1907 BB Crowninshield designed 84′ Schooner – Martha. They asked Captain d’Arcy if he would be willing to set up a sail training foundation, spearhead the restoration of Martha, and become her Captain.

The boat needed significant restoration work so Robert did his homework on her pedigree and history. She was a worthy steed with a rich and documented history, so he took on the project and established the SchoonerMartha.org Foundation. Martha has been fully restored under d’Arcy’s care over a period of several years and she is being used for sail training on the waters of Puget Sound.

Click on green player button above to listen to the interview and find out other fun facts including the history of Martha’s elegant green color.

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

Captain d’Arcy working on Martha’s ballast keel replacement project. Photo courtesy of Port Townsend Shipwrights Co-op.

Martha has gorgeous sweeping lines! Photo by Wooden Boat Dan.

Martha during recent Round the County race in San Juan Islands, WA. Photo courtesy of the Schooner Martha Foundation.

Martha’s recent restoration work. She was originally launched in 1907 in San Francisco, CA. Photo courtesy of the Schooner Martha Foundation.

Thanks Robert for taking time for the interview. Best to you and Martha!

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 061 – Interview Part 2 of 2: John Lockwood, Self Confessed “Wilderness Freak”, Wooden Boat Guru, Founder Pygmy Boats.

by admin on November 15, 2012

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PODCAST SHOW NOTES
Today’s podcast is Part 2 of my interview with John Lockwood, founder and owner of Pygmy Boats in Port Townsend, WA. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of the interview, I recommend you start there first by clicking on HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/060.

In Part 2 of the interview, John talks about how he excelled as a computer programmer for 12 years (although it drove him crazy to be indoors all that time), and programmed the first commercially available Plate Expansion Software for “developable surfaces”. He also got the bug big-time to blend his passions and skills together to start a business where he was in control. The result was the 1986 birth of Pygmy Kayaks (now Pygmy Boats) – a stitch and glue boat kit business in Port Townsend. Pygmy Boats offers a large selection of kayaks kits to choose from in addition to a canoe and WineGlass Wherry kit.

To listen to Part 2 of the interview, click on green player button above.

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

John Lockwood founder/owner of Pygmy Boats sewing up one of his stich and glue boats. Photo courtesy of FennwoodPhotography.com.

Pygmy kayaks out for an adventure! Photo courtesy of John Lockwood.

John paddling British Columbia – beautiful shot! Photo courtesy of FennwoodPhotography.com.

Wooden Boat Wilson – my trusty wooden boat helper!

Thanks John for taking time for the interview. Your story is fascinating! Best to you and your Boat Business!

HOWB Produces First Video Interview
I have produced the first ever HOWB video interview. The interview is with Lloyd Shugart of Seattle, WA and he owns and is restoring a Ed Monk Sr. designed bridgedeck beauty. Check out the video here: HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/Video1

Welcome to our new HOWB eNewsletter Subscribers:
Jonathan, Tony, Jonathan, Peter, Jonathan T., Mike, Dan, Randy, Bjorn! Welcome aboard the good ship HOWB!

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 060 – Interview Part 1 of 2: John Lockwood, Self Confessed “Wilderness Freak”, Wooden Boat Guru, Founder Pygmy Boats.

by admin on November 8, 2012

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

PODCAST SHOW NOTES
Today’s interview is with John Lockwood, founder and owner of Pygmy Boats in Port Townsend, WA. John is originally from St. Louis, Missouri where he bird hunted, and played and fished on the lakes and rivers with his family in their 20′ canoe. During this time, John got HOOKED (no pun intended ) on exploring, fishing, swimming, camping and enjoying the great outdoors.

After a one year stint at Union College in New York, John launched into a 5 year adventure of traveling and exploring the mountains, rivers, wildernesses, and outdoors of the US and Mexico. The recurring theme was to work and save, then travel and explore until funds needed replenished; then work and save, and repeat. John’s stops included the Palouse in eastern Washington (wheat farm), the Snake River (drillers helper), the Wollowa Mountains in Oregon (horse packing fisherman to high lakes), and Aspen, Colorado (ski area), among others.

In 1968, John broke his hip and was on crutches for 7 1/2 years. This turn of events took John abruptly out of the wilderness and to the halls of Harvard where he studied Anthropology and Computer Science. He was especially intrigued by his studies of the Pygmy people (thus the company name: Pygmy Boats) who are “hunter gatherers”.

During his years in Cambridge, he yearned to get back to the wilderness. In spite of his limited mobility on crutches, John knew he could propel himself thru the water in a kayak using his upper body strength. So in 1970, he strapped a collapsible Klepper kayak on his back, took a train to Whitehorse, Yukon Canada and solo kayaked 900 miles down the Yukon River.

This was just the beginning of John’s many adventures on and off the water designing, building, and using small boats.

To listen to Part One of the interview, click on green player button above. (Part 2 will be in HOWB #61 next week).

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

John Lockwood at his geodesic Port Townsend home.

John paddling Klepper collapsible Kayak in 1970. Photo courtesy of Pygmy Boats.

John on one of his many paddling adventures in his hand built Pygmy kayak. Photo courtesy of FennwoodPhotography.com.

Three Pygmy boats on tour. Beautiful pic courtesy of FennwoodPhotography.com.

Thanks John for taking time for the interview. Your story is fascinating! Tune in next week for Part 2!

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.

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HOWB 059 – Interview: Sean & Inger Rankins, Sail and Canvas Makers, Wooden Boat Lovers, Spissgatter owners

by admin on November 1, 2012

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Today’s interview is with Sean & Inger Rankins of Port Townsend, WA. The Rankins own and operate Northwest Sail and Canvas Makers.

Inger is originally from Norway, and as a youth was regularly rowing the families wooden clinker workboats to and fro the island her grandparents lived on. Inger learned to sew her own clothes at a young age, and in 1990 began applying those skills to marine canvas work. She has had her own marine canvas business since 1999 and enjoys the creativity of making sail covers, boat covers and other canvas boat parts.

Sean grew up in southern California boating and fishing in his dad’s classic woody boats. After college, Sean began sailing and became a sailmaker apprentice at North Sails in San Diego. Sean crafts custom sails from his loft in Port Hadlock, WA. He enjoys working with his hands, and getting out on the water every chance he gets.

Among other boats, Sean and Inger own a 26′ Danish Spidsgatter 38 meter class – Cito, and a 20′ Norwegian Spissgatter keelboat – Havhesten.

To listen to the full interview, click on green player button above.

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

26′ Danish Spidsgatter “Cito”. A 38 meter class being restored by owners Sean & Inger Rankins. The lines are timeless!

Cito’s topside restoration work in progress at NW Maritime Center. Sean on deck.

Cito earlier in her life. Photo courtesy of Sean & inger.

Cito is an MSJ Hansen design.

Sean & Inger’s 20′ Norwegian Spissgatter “Havhesten” built in 1945. Red pitch pine lapstrake planking. Tradition gaff rig with topsail and 2 headsails. Sweet boat!

Havhesten on the bay. Photo courtesy of Sean and Inger.

Thanks Sean and Inger for taking time to do the interview – and best to you with your sail and canvas business and your beautiful boats. You can contact Sean & Inger by email at NWCanvas@Olympus.net.

HOWB Produces First Video Interview
I have produced the first ever HOWB video interview. The interview is with Lloyd Shugart of Seattle, WA and he owns and is restoring a Ed Monk Sr. designed bridgedeck beauty. Check out the video here: HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/Video1

WOODEN BOAT TIP OF THE WEEK - #8. Prepare a Detailed Budget Before Building A Boat!
Before you start your boat project prepare a detailed budget, and here’s why:

You want to make sure you can afford your dream boat before you start (1/2 finished boats are a bummer).
You will be mentally prepared to build a nice boat – no surprise later on about the final cost of your boat.
Small kit boats are the most predictable to budget for since 80-90% of what you need is included in the kit.
Sail and motor boats will cost more to build than a small row boat.
If you build a good quality boat that will last, IT WILL COST MORE THAN YOU THINK (most likely). Building quality wooden boats is not cheap – but its very rewarding and if you take care of the boat, she will last a long time!

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 058 – Interview: Kaci Cronkhite, wooden boat lover, wooden boat festival director, circumnavagator

by admin on October 25, 2012

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Today’s interview is with Kaci Cronkhite of Port Townsend. Kaci grew up on a cattle ranch in Oklahoma riding horses and waterskiing behind her family’s Chris Craft runabout. Her ancestors were dutch, and the first family emigrant to the US was a shipbuilder.

When Kaci was in her 30′s, she sailed for the first time and it felt eerily familiar to horseback riding – position, balance, wind in your hair. She was intrigued and hooked at the same time. A few years later she sailed Australia to Hawaii upwind with a friend (with 10 days “hove to”) and then was on to a 6 year circumnavigation which included training others to sail.

When Kaci arrived in Port Townsend in 2001, she was asked to become the Wooden Boat Festival Director. She dove in head first and for the next 10 years gave it 110%. In 2007 Kaci purchased her first wooden boat – a 28′ Danish Spidsgatter “Pax” built in 1936. Kaci is finishing a restoration on the boat and is writing a book about her history – Finding Pax – to be published shortly.

Freya Fennwood of Fennwood Photography joined me the day I interviewed Kaci, and has written a blog about her along with taking some really cool photos. Please check out her blog at FennwoodPhotography.com/blog. Thanks Freya!

To listen to the full interview, click on green player button above.

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

Kaci and “Pax” – a 1936 Danish Spidsgatter. Photo courtesy of Freya Fennwood, Fennwood Photography.

Pax from the bow. She is curvy and beautiful!

Thanks Kaci for taking time to do the interview – and best to you with your future endeavors. Please visit Kaci’s website at KaciCronkhite.com.

HOWB Produces First Video Interview
I have produced the first ever HOWB video interview. The interview is with Lloyd Shugart of Seattle, WA and he owns and is restoring a Ed Monk Sr. designed bridgedeck beauty. Check out the video here: HookedOnWoodenBoats.com/Video1

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HOWB 057 – Interview: John Harris – wooden boat builder/designer and owner of CLC Boats

by admin on October 17, 2012

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

PODCAST SHOW NOTES

Today’s interview is with John Harris of CLC Boats. John spent his growing up years in South Carolina – the son of a “sailing obsessed father (and he still is)” who built stuff and was an engineer. He sailed with his dad on inland lakes in a Snipe, Sunfish and other small boats. John grew up thinking it was perfectly normal that if you needed a piece of furniture, you went out to your shop and built it. When he was in his early teens, he wanted a boat, so he built one (a rowing shell)- and got addicted to the process of designing and building boats.

After college, John went to work for a boatshop in Maryland where among other things he cut out boat parts for Chris Kulczycki’s fledgling kit company, Chesapeake Light Craft. In 1994 John joined up with Chris full time. He loved the fact that he could mess around with wooden boats all day and somehow get paid for it. In late 1999 John purchased CLC Boats from Chris and has grown the company to offer more than 100 different designs including kayaks, rowing boats, sailboats, paddle boards, and proas.

To listen to the full interview, click on green player button above.

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

John Harris – Boat designer/ builder and ownder of CLC Boats.

Reflections of a lapstrake beauty at 2012 Wooden Boat Festival.

Another beautiful Sam Devlin designed power boat. Sweet lines!

Thanks John for taking time to do the interview – and best to you with CLC Boats.

WOODEN BOAT TIP OF THE WEEK - To be continued next week….

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HOWB 056 – Interviews: Steve Stone and Eric Blake, OffCenterHarbor.com – Classic Boat Video Website

by admin on October 11, 2012

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

PODCAST SHOW NOTES

The first interview in today’s podcast is with Steve Stone of Brooklin, Maine. I met Steve at the 2012 Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival and he is one of the founding partners of OffCenterHarbor.com video website. Steve grew up sailing, later studied filmmaking, and fell in love with wooden vessels along the way. Steve is super excited about the videos he is producing for OffCenterHarbor.com.

The second interview is with Eric Blake of OffCenterHarbor.com and Brooklin Boatyard of Brooklin, Maine. Eric began building cedar stripped canoes as a teenager in Vermont, and studied boatbuilding at The Landing School and at IBTC in England. He has worked as a shipwright at boatyards around the US and in the Caribbean. Eric is also a partner in OffCenterHarbor.com.

OffCenterHarbor.com is a video website with a growing collection of expert videos and blogs on topics such as boatbuilding, seamanship skills, and a host of other fun stuff. Click on the video below to go to their website and view sample videos. Note: If you sign up for a membership thru the link below, you will receive a 15% discount (and I get paid a little for referring you – thanks!).

Click on the picture above to view sample videos from OffCenterHarbor.com

To listen to today’s podcast interviews, click on green player button above.

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

Steve Stone and Eric Blake of video website OffCenterHarbor.com

Schooner “Martha” at Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival 2012. Her lines are amazing!

Beach picture in front of NW Maritime Center at 2012 Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival

Thanks to Steve and Eric for doing the interviews. Best to you in with your new classic boat membership video website! Note: to receive a 15% discount off the regular membership price, click this link: OffCenterHarbor.com/Hooked.

WOODEN BOAT TIP OF THE WEEK - To be continued next week….

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