TRADITIONAL LAPSTRAKE CONSTRUCTION
The planking process and a whole lot more.
- GEOFF BURKE — AUGUST 24–30
Lapstrake construction is widely recognized as being one of the oldest and best ways to build a small boat. And yet the technique of planking a traditional lapstrake boat seems to be one of the least understood and documented procedures in the entire boatbuilding process. This six-day course, led by professional boatbuilder Geoff Burke, is designed to address this need. It will provide the student, whether an enthusiastic beginner or a seasoned boatbuilder, with a complete immersion in the art, science, theory and practice of traditional lapstrake planking.
The design to be planked in the course is a 10-1/2' Wherry yawlboat designed by Captain R.D. “Pete” Culler. This boat, one of Pete’s favorites, is a proper ship’s yawlboat and, as such, had a challenging job to fulfill. Yawlboats had to be strong, but not too heavy, able to carry stores and water barrels, row well and sail considerable distances in a seaway. They were used to run out anchors and lines, fish for fun and necessity, and were often launched and hauled out in great haste. The plank or wherry keel allows the yawl to land and sit upright on a bony shore, as well as providing a very solid base for the centerboard trunk. This is a burdensome and very powerful hull that closely resembles yawlboats built hundreds of years ago. It is an ideal daysailer and tender, and is a lot of boat for only 10-1/2'.
Students will start with backbone and molds pre-made and ready to set up. This will allow the planking process to start almost immediately. While one “crew” starts planking the hull, the other segment of the class will get out the backbone for a next year’s boat. As the week slides by, students will be encouraged to rotate through the various procedures including lining off, spiling, getting out planks, cutting gains and laps with a chisel and block plane, steam-bending ribs, and riveting. An emphasis will be placed on developing fine hand skills, use of local materials, and developing a boatbuilder’s eye for what not only works well but looks right.
This course promises to be a very full, challenging, and exciting week for the student who wants to learn the art of lapstrake “through and through.” Keep in mind that it is designed to be a complement to Geoff Burke’s FINISHING OUT A HULL course offered the following week. Taken together, they will allow the student to gain experience in almost all the skills in a traditional boatbuilder’s repertoire. Previous woodworking experience is required for this course.
Tuition: $700
Note: This is a six-day course ending Saturday afternoon.