Stitch-and-Glue Boatbuilding
Learn introductory and advanced modern plywood boatbuilding techniques suitable for heavy-duty boats
- SAM DEVLIN — JUNE 17–23
Tuition: $700
Materials: $157.50 for those building a scale model
Any number of construction methods will produce a beautiful boat. But for the backyard builder with limited experience and a tight budget, the choice is not so complicated. Traditional plank-on-frame and cold-molded construction require complex lofting and building molds, to say nothing of expensive tooling and lots of time. Stitch-and-glue construction, on the other hand, can produce the same results with a substantial savings in time and money. The process is quicker, easier, uses fewer parts, and produces a boat that is much simpler to maintain--without the construction molds, and with only the simplest lofting and tools required.
In this course there will be plenty for students to do. Sam will cover the gamut of stitch-and-glue construction for both small- and large-boat designs, using various demonstrations and discussions. First-time students to stitch-and-glue construction will build a 5 x 10 skiff, one of Sam’s popular small-boat designs. Individuals with advanced skills will have the opportunity to build a scale model of one of four of Sam’s larger boat designs. This will enable Sam to show the process of building a larger stitch-and-glue boat without all the expense and logistics of doing a full-sized boat in the classroom. Whether you’re in the group building the skiff or working individually on a scale model, you’ll start with lofting and continue with setting up and on through taping the interior with fiberglass cloth, tape, and epoxy. Sheathing the exterior, installing trim and hardware, and painting will follow.
Sam will also cover plenty of theory, and he’ll offer the wisdom of a wooden boat builder who has been in business for over 30 years and has built more than 400 boats from 8’ to 48’ long. This will be a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of the skills, innovations, and business savvy that are necessary for survival in the real world as a boatbuilder (see WoodenBoat No. 91). The intent is that, under Sam’s guidance, you will pick up the skills, methods, and techniques that can make your projects more successful, whether they are backyard or boatshop endeavors. This week should be a wonderful consortium of construction techniques and dialogue to broaden your mastery of stitch-and-glue construction.
Sam Devlin is a dream come true as an instructor. He’s a long time hero of mine and it was great spending a week with him. I expected stitch-and-glue techniques but got a big and very enjoyable dose of designing and making three lovely boats. 