Traditional boat builder Nick Smith reports that his latest 16ft West-Country-style motor launch (see an earlier post) is half-way planked up, and shaping up nicely. Here’s what he says about it:
‘The plank runs have been fair and the ‘jerolds’ (the points where the planks over lap as they run into the stem and the transom, and are carefully tapered to end up flush rather getting an overlapping thrupenny-bit effect) will be watertight.
‘The photos show me rivetting-up with the midships section of the portside plank temporarily clamped in place with wooden ‘gripes’ while the copper nails are drilled and driven, and an inside view of the oak transom and mahogany stern knee.
‘The planking should be finished in a week and then the oak frames will be steamed and bent in place known as steaming or timbering out.
‘The planked and framed hull is for sale. I have some other jobs to do for a month, but if she isn’t sold by then I will continue to fit her out: my intention is to half-deck the boat so there is weekend accommodation forward, a small double bunk,storage and provision for a portable cooker,maybe a chemical toilet also. There will be a bulkhead about midships, with washboards and a sliding glass top hatch, wheel steering and plenty of seating in the cockpit area.
‘Up to the time I start decking her, the option will still there for a new owner to have her fitted as an open launch. If you’re interested please don’t hesitate to contact me for a price for the planked and framed hull, and for whichever fit-out you may require.’
‘I’ll have more photos when the planking is completed and the moulds are removed.’
Nick can be contacted by phone at 07786 693370 or by email at nick_smith_boatbuilder@yahoo.com.
Cheers Nick – thanks for the photos.
