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Nick Smith’s building a new copy of the 20ft motor launch Bamboo Viper he made some time ago.
The latest boat is for a customer who lives on Hayling Island and will be 20ft 4in overall. She will have a Yanmar 15Hp inboard, and khaya mahogany planking on New Forest oak.
The earlier photos reveal how he set out the plank runs for the new boat, while the rest show planks going into place – in another few days it will be time to get his gang together to steam out the ribs.
But first he’ll have to drill holes for the rib nails, mark the bilge level inside, prime the inside, spike the nails, and get a good stock of straight-grained knot-free green oak for the frames, and, of course, set up the steam box.
The photo of Bamboo Viper below shows what the finished boat will look like.
Bamboo Viper built by Nick Smith – the new boat will be very similar
Click here for more posts relating to Nick’s impressive old-fashioned motor launches.
Nick, who is a WBTA member, comes from Devon, learned boatbuilding the traditional way and specialises in new builds in clinker and carvel for sail, motor and rowing power from 8ft to 28ft with a special emphasis on West Country style and design, and also takes on repairs and refits from 25ft to 50ft. These days he’s based in Hampshire, and can be contacted by email at nick_smith_boatbuilder@yahoo.com and by phone on phone on 07786 693370.