F.A.Q.s
Q:
How do we do it?
A: We begin with African Mahogany
plywood, produced from prime wood harvested from a
renewable source. We only use select panels that meet
the tough British BS1088 standard for marine plywood:
no voids, no patches. Then we cut the parts for each
kit on our computer-controlled precision router table.
The parts are then inspected, marked and carefully
packed to ensure your kit arrives safely, ready to
build. As you can see in the picture of the backbone
and some frames above, the parts are slotted and notched
for easy assembly that doesn’t require painstaking
measuring or alignment. Our instruction manual is
fully illustrated, and begins with the assumption
that you are building a boat for the first time. Each
step is discussed completely, and all required tools
and materials are laid out for in detail.
Q:
What’s included in the kit?
A: All of the wooden components to
build the complete hull: bottom, planks, transoms,
frames, seats and braces. A building frame that slides
together with no cutting or measuring. Galvanized
mooring ring, bronze oarlocks and sockets, bronze
stern handles (which double for cleats), stainless
steel mounting hardware, etc.
Q:
What’s not included in the kit?
A: Epoxy, paint and oars. Why? We’ve
found that there are many regional and local sources
for epoxy across the US, many at discounted prices,
and we believe the home builder can realize substantial
savings by buying directly from the manufacturer or
distributor. Recommended types, quantities and a list
of sources are included in our building manual. Paint
and priming are left to taste, although again we have
detailed recommendations for several types of finish
ranging from porch enamel to polyurethanes. Oars…
again, we find oars are a personal choice and can
usually be obtained locally; we do furnish sizes and
advice on making your selection to suit your needs.
For those in remote locations, we can furnish a standard
set of oars.
Q:
What kind of tools do I need to build this
boat?
A: Some basic hand tools are the
minimum required and are described in detail in our
building manual. A power tool or two, such as an electric
drill and a sander will speed up construction, and
we always suggest a basic shop-type vacuum for a neat
work space. A pair of simple saw horses will be helpful
to support the building frame.
