Features

James M. Curry recounts the spare-time construction of a 28-foot New Haven sharpie replica at Dutch Wharf Boat Yard, combining traditional boatbuilding methods with modern materials such as epoxy and polysulfide sealants. The article covers every stage from lofting and framing to planking, decking, and finishing.

ROYONO, a 71-foot yawl designed by John Alden and built by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. in 1936, undergoes a major overhaul to replace deteriorated planking caused by galvanic rot and electrolytic deterioration between her bronze bolts and steel frames. Analysis by the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory sheds light on the chemical breakdown of the wood and the challenges of using dissimilar metals in boatbuilding.

Coming up with standards for what’s pretty when it comes to boats (and lots of other objects, for that matter) is a tough call.

Esperanza Woodring poles her boat and possessed an intimate knowledge of all the fish species found in those parts.

William Frost widely regarded as the inventor of the iconic Maine lobsterboat and his grandsons also became noted boatbuilders and designers.

A electric motor complements the subtleties about wooden boats and classic boat designs make ideal candidates for electric repowering.