Gavin Atkin's weblog for the sort of people who like looking inside boat sheds. It's about old boats, traditional boats, boat building, restoration, the sea and the North Kent Coast
Last week I was lucky enough to be able to visit retired boatbuilder Eric Paine and his friend Len, who are together building a traditional timber-built South Coast fishing vessel. The project continues to be stunning!
Eric believes this to be the first new boat of its type to be built for 45 years.
To see earlier posts about Eric and Len’s build see Building a new traditional fishing boat for Dungeness and Progress on the traditional fishing boat for Dungeness.
Eric Paine and his team of two are making progress on the amazing new traditional fishing boat they are building, which is intended for use off Dungeness beach. Read an earlier post about the project here.
I always like a bit of video of the process of putting in the ribs; somehow to me it feels like the moment when a hull becomes a boat, and there’s something quite magical about those hot, flexible rigs as they go in.
Thank you so much for the video and pictures fellas!
The Folkestone Fishing Museum is open once more in its new location behind The Stade at the old Ovenden Engineering works in Radnor Street.
For many years it has been at the Old Booking Hall on the Harbour.
The museum offers a fascinating glimpse of the history of fishing in Folkestone. Equipment on display includes a wide range of items, but perhaps the museum’s best material is its collection of vintage photographs of local fishermen, the harbour and surrounding area.
Some of Ovenden’s old metalworking equipment is still on display in the museum building.
Entry is free, but the museum would love you to leave a donation to assist with running costs!