GLUED-LAPSTRAKE PLYWOOD CONSTRUCTION
Build ELLEN, a versatile, agile 12' sailing dinghy.
- JOHN BROOKS — AUGUST 17–23
One suggestion that we continue to hear over and over again here at WoodenBoat School is to offer more courses focusing on the construction of modern, all-around small boats. ELLEN is designer and builder John Brooks’s most popular boat, and sails, rows, and tows equally well. Her round-bilged hull is built with the glued lapstrake method using marine mahogany plywood, resulting in a boat that features light weight, resilient strength, permanent watertightness, and graceful lines. ELLEN has a sliding gunter rig, an efficient, fun rig that is easy to set up and sail, and stows when not needed, since the spars are short enough to fit comfortably in the boat.
During this captivating six-day course, students will build the hull for one boat, starting with the backbone consisting of inner stem, keelson, and transom, which will be constructed from full-sized patterns. You will then learn how to prepare and scarf the planking stock. Planking will follow, and everyone will have plenty of opportunity to learn how to spile, make, and attach planks.
As the hull is built, John will teach you his special method and the tricks that make the planking process go smoothly. He will also share many other ideas he has discovered while working in his own shop—a real bonus to anyone interested in learning the basics of wooden boat building. As the class works on the boat, John will show you efficient and elegant ways to use the tools, as well as how to sharpen them.
The goal of this class is to give you the skills you will need to take a set of plans with full-sized patterns, and build yourself a beautiful boat—especially the hardest first step, turning lines on paper and thin air into a solid, living hull. Plans will be made available to students at a special reduced price. Please keep in mind that woodworking experience is required for this busy and varied course.
Tuition: $700
Note: This is a six-day course ending Saturday afternoon.