Wooden Fishing Boats

[Bob Triggs]

Home made or store bought, antiques, classics, or modern, clinkered lapstrake or maybe stitch and glue, kevlar and epoxy coated or pine tar and turpentine boat-sauce coated... lets see em here! Building stories, ideas, experience?

[nomlasder]

Progress can continue, I think I have found a shop. Big enough to do whats needed, without being negative cashflow.

One small step for wood drifters, one giant leap for keeping the peace at home.

[Jon Borcherding]

http://onfinite.com/libraries/756195/d98.jpg
Sam Devlin design. "Cackler"
Designed and built as a duck hunting skiff but it makes a great fly fishing boat for the sound. As my FF skills improve I think I am going to surpass my duck count with SRC netted on this boat.:thumb:

It's meranti plywood, stitch and glue with an 80 mil. coating of polyurea bedliner. The bottom is sprayed smooth and the sides and interior have the nonskid texture. It's sporting an olive drab paint job now. With the recent addition of swivel seats on aluminum stands, a fish finder, and a portable GPS it's the perfect Puget Sound SRC boat for me.

JonB

[Freestone]

Bob, so when do we get to see pics of 'Hope'?

[theworm]

My brother suddenly passed a couple of months back. He was the one who got me jacked-up about fly fishing. Some of my most memorable times were with my bro fishing. About twelve years ago, he built a McKenzie Drifter. He became busy with his kids while working 70+ hours a week and fishing was unfortunately no longer a priority. The boat has been sitting in his garage and has only been used a couple of times. In the next couple of weeks, I will be inheriting this boat. I haven't seen it in a couple of years so I don't know what type of shape it is in. My goal is get my 11 year old nephew, who is my brother's son, enthusiastic about fly fishing and restore the boat so that he can enjoy his father's boat.

[DrCrush]

Here is mine. Never used my float tube after I built it.:beer2:

[East Fork]

Bob, I've owned 3 wood boats. All were wonderful almost living things in the first half of their lives and a real pain in the ass towards the end. If you have the time, budget and the inside storage, wood is a great material, maybe the best. If you don't, save yourself the grief and get a good looking glass or aluminum shell with some nice wood trim. That's my 2 cents anyway.

[Jim Wallace]

JonB, very nice wooden duck boat.

What I really want is to build a pram like DrCrush's. That's sweet! I should have the time to build one next summer...this summer is already booked with projects!

I want something I can load into the back of a small P/U. I've been hauling my "heavy" glass Don Hill mini-drifter on my canoe trailer, as it won't fit into the back of my Mazda B2200, and it really doesn't fit on the canoe trailer properly either. It's OK for short hauls, but not for out of my "neighborhood."

Sunday I had to abort a trip to the river, as I noticed that the mini drifter was leveraging some heavy stress on the bunk arms. I inspected everything and found a large crack in the aluminum on one of them:eek:

Lucky thing I noticed it, as it could have broken on the road. I am making a special add-on rear bunk to attach to the trailer to better distribute and handle the load until I can find a more suitable driftboat/pram trailer. (Gotta get it to the river).
The boat is lighter than the rated load for the canoe trailer, its just too wide for the bunks, and so leverages too much stress on the aluminum bunk arms. I'm ordering a new rear bunk arm from the manufacturer.

With all the maintenance I'm doing on my aluminum squanoe (sand and refinish Gluvit coating on bottom) and trailer lately, a wooden pram doesn't sound like all that much more work/maintenance.

[Milt Roe]

Hopefully these pics will upload. Some of you have already seen my boat, but I'll paste these up anyway in case anyone is interested. I've got a ton of pictures taken during construction from building a jig, framing up the ribs, laying the planks, etc. I'll share more if anyone wants to see them.

I used the original 1930's skiff as a pattern. New one is all clear red cedar planks, fir frames, 14 ft double station, fits in the back of the truck. Draws 2 inches, rows like a hot knife through butter, perfect craft for SRC fishing in the S Sound.

[nomlasder]

So is anyone interested in getting together sometime this year and showing thier pet projects?

This is becoming more popular. I know there has been a show in Jackson for the past few years, and the folks in Vida OR have been getting together. See web link http://www.mckenzieriverdriftboat.com/

I may trundle down to this one to meet some of the founding fathers, or at least their sons. What an amazing legacy. We are so blessed with the results of their desire, curiousity and experimentation.

Builders, let me know your thoughts and suggest some places and times. The challenge is finding some common ground (water) for the different styles. I'm good with stillwater, as long as there is an evening drift close by. We can do this like some of the antique car shows, and have an entrance fee, with the small plaque or trophy to the winner and proceeds to charity like TU, CCA or Ho River Trust.

Lets have some fun.

Ross

[nomlasder]

Forgive me, 'cause I've had a couple of beers.

So no one wants to get together and show off the fruits of their labor?

I know all you guys are proud or your creations.

Let's get together and show off your stuff. I for one am jones'n to see your guys work first hand.

Let's go fishing!

[Matt Burke]

Read this thinking, man I sure couldn't take one of them down the klick. Tubes or raft was what I was thinking because if it's in the water, I'll hit it. So then I thought, instead of aluminum frames, why not wooden frames for a tune or raft. It would be heavier than something with air bladders, but lighter than fiberglass or aluminum boats. Is that possible? Nice teak decks to stand on, but less build time without having to build a hull?

[nomlasder]

Read this thinking, man I sure couldn't take one of them down the klick. Tubes or raft was what I was thinking because if it's in the water, I'll hit it. So then I thought, instead of aluminum frames, why not wooden frames for a tune or raft. It would be heavier than something with air bladders, but lighter than fiberglass or aluminum boats. Is that possible? Nice teak decks to stand on, but less build time without having to build a hull?

Interesting concept Matt. I can see a steam bent alternating color laminated wood frame with stainless hardware. Not being a pontoon guy myself I would have to study it a bit, but very doable.

The odd part about the boats, it only takes a couple of days to loft a boat. The time is all in the front deck and interior.

[kjt111]

Here's mine - completed last year.

Ross, I'm down with a get-together. I know there are several guys in WA who've built or restored their own boats. We've batted around the idea of a meet-up in the spring maybe on the Yak?

Ideal location will be somewhere with a good sized gravel bar where we can oogle the boats. If we wanted to do local to Seattle, the Ben Howard launch might be an option when the flows are down?

Let's keep bouncing this around!
Kevin

[nomlasder]

Here's mine - completed last year.

Ross, I'm down with a get-together. I know there are several guys in WA who've built or restored their own boats. We've batted around the idea of a meet-up in the spring maybe on the Yak?

Ideal location will be somewhere with a good sized gravel bar where we can oogle the boats. If we wanted to do local to Seattle, the Ben Howard launch might be an option when the flows are down?

Let's keep bouncing this around!
Kevin

Excellent work Kevin, they are a joy to row huh.

I'm good for the Yak, nice wide gravel bars are hard to find, but I'll talk to the Jerry at KOA in Ellensburg if we could use his launch area. I don't know the folks at Reds well enough to ask them. Summer time, warm days, golden evenings.

[Milt Roe]

Here's another wood boat in my collection - This one is a 16' Listerbuilt my grandfather had. Made in Olympia 1930's. Has an inboard air-cooled engine that pushes it at around 5 knots between fishing spots. Cedar strip construction on oak frames. Makes a nice casting platform fro SRC, and the little cabin stays warm.

I got broad-sided in it a few years ago by some drunk pulling away from shore in a big gas-hog cruiser. Took the cabin pretty much off the boat, and swamped the back end. Needs some more work to get it back in the water, but I'll get to it eventually.

[Mstein]

Here's a pic of my baby...

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k320/msteinflex/Completed%20Drift%20Boat/FinallyFinished07262007007.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k320/msteinflex/Maiden%20Voyage/PICT3408.jpg


I had great time building this and looking to start another project....

I'm hoping to make it to the Mckenzie show this April and definitely interested in hooking up with some of you Seattle boyz for a float... April and early May work, March is a little booked though....

[Mstein]

uh, how do you attach via sm. thumbnail... sorry to post the ginormous pics...

[riverrun]

Mstein:

Nice job building your boat. It looks great. I have not yet tried to tackle building a Montana Boatbuilders kit, but hope to have the time to do so someday soon. Meanwhile, Jason built two boats for me. I am proud to own his 3rd (driftboat) and his 50th (2 Person pulling boat). Both are incredible boats, a joy to row, and way more durable than people could imagine. I am planning to trade up to one of his newer driftboat models, probably a Kingfisher, this year. According to my wife, the first step is to sell the existing driftboat, a task I have found too hard to do, so far.

A wooden boat festival would be great. I am in the Seattle area, but would travel a reasonable distance to join. Moving or still water is fine with me.

Here's my two:

[Bob Triggs]

Bob, I've owned 3 wood boats. All were wonderful almost living things in the first half of their lives and a real pain in the ass towards the end. If you have the time, budget and the inside storage, wood is a great material, maybe the best. If you don't, save yourself the grief and get a good looking glass or aluminum shell with some nice wood trim. That's my 2 cents anyway.

Don...too late. Im doomed. :rolleyes:

[Bob Triggs]

So is anyone interested in getting together sometime this year and showing thier pet projects?

This is becoming more popular. I know there has been a show in Jackson for the past few years, and the folks in Vida OR have been getting together. See web link http://www.mckenzieriverdriftboat.com/

I may trundle down to this one to meet some of the founding fathers, or at least their sons. What an amazing legacy. We are so blessed with the results of their desire, curiousity and experimentation.

Builders, let me know your thoughts and suggest some places and times. The challenge is finding some common ground (water) for the different styles. I'm good with stillwater, as long as there is an evening drift close by. We can do this like some of the antique car shows, and have an entrance fee, with the small plaque or trophy to the winner and proceeds to charity like TU, CCA or Ho River Trust.

Lets have some fun.

Ross

Ross, Great Idea! :thumb:

[Eastside]

My son and I built a canoe from a kit. The company is Pygmy boats in Port Townsend. We took it on a 50-mile canoe trip with our Scout troop and it was the fastest boat on the water. It hasn't been fishing yet, but will this summer. My wife says I'm doing their "Wineglass Wherry" next.

[speyfisher]

Build a canoe? Build a drift boat? Canoe? Drift boat? Canoe? Drift boat?
Put together a show, and I for one will come. Definately!:thumb:

[Jason Decker]

riverrun and mstein, how much did you end up spending on your boat?
just curious........

[Bob Triggs]

My son and I built a canoe from a kit. The company is Pygmy boats in Port Townsend. We took it on a 50-mile canoe trip with our Scout troop and it was the fastest boat on the water. It hasn't been fishing yet, but will this summer. My wife says I'm doing their "Wineglass Wherry" next.

I hear that Pygmy Boats ( www.pygmyboats.com ) is going to be offering a new "freighter" canoe kit with a square transom and all. That and the possibility of a longer version of the Wineglass Wherry has me happily expectant.

[Mstein]

Riverrun... love the lapstrake rowing skiff... simply beautiful!!! Boats like that inspire me to build again... I stopped in at Rays River Dories the other day to check out his framed boats... Im thinking about building a smaller framed db or pram just to build again..

Jason, I'd say around $2500 for the boat but it was spread out over time so it wasn't a huge shock to the wife :beer2: Although the fact that I was in the shop for 18mo didn't help my case with her. you can build for more or less depending on the materials, paint, etc... I think the Honky Dory plans say the boat can be done for as little as $1200...keep in mind that doesn't include trailer. oars, etc....

[tomc]

Okay lads and ladies, I have it... There is a Traditional Small Craft Association outing at Bowman Bay State Park on March 22 2008. What a coincidence that Pass Lake is just up the hill. It might be a great opportunity for TSCA members to admire some of your wooden boats, and I KNOW TSCA members would be very pleased see your boats and share theirs with you.
The TSCA website is: http://www.tsca.net/puget/index.htm
I spoke to Gary Powell (the chapter President) and he invites one and all to join in. TSCA is a pretty loosely organized group of boaters that like to have an excuse to row, paddle, motor, or sail their boats around with other boaters. TSCA does not have any criteria for the method of material for for construction from what I've seen (hell, they don't mind my plywood boats, and I was thinking of taking my 'toon just to see what they say (not that I care)).
Anyway, If you are interested I for one will be there to go through Deception Pass and drag my favorite sparse bead head bugger around Pass Lake on the 22nd. Hope to see you there.
Tom C.

[riverrun]

Tom:

I really like your idea about the TSCA outing. Thanks for the link to their site too. I am not real clear about Bowman Bay's location. Where is it located relative to Pass Lake? Should we just plan on Pass Lake?
I will see what I can do to reschedule a few things to try to make it there, especially if others are planning to attend. Unfortunately, I have a conflict at the moment.

MStein- my lapstrake rowing skiff is a take off of Arch Davis' Penobscot 17- http://www.by-the-sea.com/archdavisdesign. Jason Cajune of Montana Boatbuilders and I collaborated on some modifications to turn her into an estuary, lake fishing skiff for two. She was custom built to our plans and modified to incorporate some stitch and glue techniques.

Jason- I believe you can find the kit price for Penobscot 17 on Arch Davis' website. Having it custom built was substantially more. The prices for drift boats are listed on http://www.montanaboatbuilders.com. Mine is an early 17' Guide Model. Jason offers many different models in kits. He also has a link to a great boatbuilding forum on his site.

What do others think of Tom's idea for a meeting?

Riverrun

[tomc]

Bowman Bay is part of Deception Pass State Park. It is on the Fidalgo Island side. To get there turn onto Rosario Rd. as you would to launch at Pass Lake. Take the first left on Bowman Bay Rd. and follow it less than .5 miles until you see the bay. Here is the site for Deception Pass State Park: http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=deception+pass
I hear the "main event" at the TSCA outing is to row, paddle, sail, or motor little boats through Deception Pass. It is no big deal Al Gunther is the coordinator for this event and has done it many times. Like I said in my original post TSCA is pretty loosly structured, so if you want to do the "main event" great. If staying hydrated while stoking the camp fire is more your thing, that's fine too.
It is a family event and there will be some kids bobbing about:) although I will not be bringing my "terrible 20". But wait, my Dad is bringing me (his terrible 48).
Anyway, We hope to see you there.
Tom C.

[sroffe]

Lot's of nice wooden boats. I wish I had a picture of my nice little pram I had when I was a kid. We bought the boat unfinished. My father and I finished it, it was a clear finished wood with a white bottom. Some creep stole it off my parent property a few years later.

Guess it's time for me and my son to build a pram.

Sam

[riverrun]

Tom:

Thanks for the info and directions. Unfortunately, it looks like I will not be able to make it on the 22nd. Hopefully, there will be other opportunities to get together soon. RR

[speyfisher]

Build a canoe? Build a drift boat? Canoe? Drift boat? Canoe? Drift boat?
Put together a show, and I for one will come. Definately!:thumb:

Got all excited about this until I remembered GF has us booked for a $^&#$$ cruise. bawling: Maybe next year.

[riverfisher101]

could you send a pic of your trailer/boat to me?

I have never seen a canoe trailer and it sounds like a great idea.

[Jim Speaker]

Hm, an old thread on wooden boats. Here's my baby, she's a 16' Don Hill built by Don in 1976.

[Warren Messer]

The boat I'm building now is not a fishing boat, but it could be used for that. I've made a bunch of youtube videos during the construction of the hull, to show how Stitch and Glue works. See them at www.youtube.com/redbarnboats. I will be posting several more before I'm done, so bookmark the link. I will start out again on the next hull with scarfing, layout, and lofting. What I am doing is not the only way to build a boat, but it works for me, and I am always changing the way I do things. So what you see is not written in any stone.

[Zane Wyll]

Heres my driftboathttp://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/maiden_voyage_022.jpg
I love it. Very light and easy to handle. www.riverwoodboats built it.

[Bob Triggs]

You who are interested in wooden fishing boats; designs, plans and building techniques etc, should check out the Events Forum and Calendar for the 31st Annual Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend, WA September 5/6/7.

I know of some amateur built Drift boats that will be there, a few old time fishing skiffs, prams etc. If you want to build your own boat this is a great event for seeing what is possible and finding out how best to begin.

The link: www.woodenboat.org/festival/

[Joshw]

For those of you that will be in the Livingston area on August 30th there will be a Wooden Boat Show on the Banks of the Yellowstone at the Yellowstone Valley Ranch. Should be a good number of wooden driftboats on hand to oogle over! Unfortunately, I'll be in Glacier NP that weekend.

Josh

[Wayne Kohan]

Unfortunately, I'll be in Glacier NP that weekend.

Josh

Unfortunately???? I'd give my left cajone to be in Glacier any weekend. You live a charmed life.....

Wayne

[Jim Speaker]

For those of you that will be in the Livingston area on August 30th there will be a Wooden Boat Show on the Banks of the Yellowstone at the Yellowstone Valley Ranch. Should be a good number of wooden driftboats on hand to oogle over! Unfortunately, I'll be in Glacier NP that weekend.

Josh

I bought my boat from a guy in Montana, pretty sure this is the show that my boat has been to. I probably will wait until next year, but I would like to pull my boat up to Port Townsend for that show... the website is pretty interesting. I'd be a clueless wooden boat owner at that show - just a guy that made a lucky purchase and is starting to learn a little.