Cubbage Wood planked up and fitting out

What a whirlwind 2013 was! We worked flat out right till the end.
In the midst of all the other jobs that were going on, from canoes to big gaff cutters, Cubbage Wood was planked and is now being fitted out for a mid summer launch. More of the fittout when the sun comes out and we get some better pictures!

Teak decks

Another of the big jobs for this spring was the complete replacement of the teak deck on this large Sparkman and Stephens designed Dufour yacht. Stones Marine Timber sourced quarter sawn teak of a quality rarely seen these days - a joy to work with. It will wear and age beautifully. To discuss teak deck replacement, call Tim 07795 - 118651

Successful launch for Gartside yawl

All the many elements of this yawl came together in early April when she was launched - initially in Bristol then 'Officially'  in Salcombe, her new home. She looks great and sails beautifully - what more needs be said!

Gartside yawl well underway

The year has started briskly with another new build on the stocks. This lovely 17' yawl is from the pen of Paul Gartside and features in the latest edition of Watercraft magazine http://watercraft-magazine.com/wc_one.html Paul has written an evocative essay on the thinking behind the design, following a subtle, but comprehensive brief from her owner.

The light clinker planking has been tricky to say the least, but what a shape! This looks like being a very slippery boat. Dan Johnson has made a beautiful job of the spars, rudder and centreboard and so much more.

Next will follow the deck..

New boat framed up

We managed to get Cubbage Wood framed before Christmas. There were 98 oak frames which all bent in beautifully - the reward for decent oak. This project can now proceed more slowly whilst the planking stock seasons and we get started on the next project...

Moulds and transom in place

Last week we attached the transom and sat the moulds on the keel. She's starting to look like a boat now. This week, we'll hopefully begin steam bending the oak ribs. Sockets have been cut into the centreline for the heels of 100 frames.

Centreline stood up

Once all the large backbone parts are cut, they can be bolted together. The stem, sternpost and knees are all tennoned into the wood keel, then bolted with high tensile bronze bolts. This photo taken at night shows the backbone assembled for the first time.

Cutting Cubbage wood centreline

The first job now the timber has arrived is to cut out the centreline components. Stem, keel, sternpost, deadwoods and knees. Here, Dan is chiseling the stem rabbet from some lovely oak.

Wooden Bikes 2

Here's a different shot of the first of our wooden bikes - a bit like a wooden boat, this thing feels alive!

Wooden Bikes

We've been discussing the idea of producing handbuilt wooden bikes for a while and the time came to actually build one. The result is astonishing! The first one is a compact single speed roadbike made of ash with a purpleheart centre stripe. It weighs in at 19.5 lbs and goes like a rocket. The ride is like nothing else - stiff, yet somehow compliant with none of the buzz you get from carbon fibre. The next stage will be to adapt the process so we can build them to order. More photos to follow...