TIMBER WORKS.
Traditional skills. Modern methods. Proper craftsmanship.
From traditional boatbuilding and structural timber repairs to fine joinery and finishing, my work is rooted in an understanding of timber, how it behaves and how best to work with it.
Sailing Barge Dawn
The deck works on Sailing Barge Dawns involved repairing damaged areas and returning the decks to a traditional caulking system after a modern product had failed. This included end-of-plank repairs, blocking up redundant deck fitting holes, and re-pitching the seams before filling them with oakum using established traditional methods. The result was a deck that could move and work as intended, restoring watertight integrity and returning the barge to a proven, practical system better suited to her working life and long-term maintenance.
Dawn Deck - Tapped up for the Pitch - Sailing Barge Dawn
Dawns Decks After Painting On Tow to Maldon - Photography Charlotte Luff
Dawns Decks After Caulking and Pitching - Sailing Barge Dawn
Mast Repairs
The schooner underwent extensive mast repairs and a complete refinishing programme to restore both strength and appearance. The main repair involved a 16-foot interlocked scarf, carefully executed to ensure the mast’s structural integrity. Once the repairs were complete, the spars were fully prepared and refinished using a combination of traditional techniques and modern protective coatings. The result is masts that are both visually refined and highly durable, maintaining the vessel’s classic character while ensuring long-term performance on the water.
Greenhouse Frame Construction
The greenhouse frame was constructed using durable utility-grade timber, with all connections carefully crafted using traditional mortice and tenon joints. The structure was finished using a natural, water-based paint system, combining durability with a low-impact, environmentally friendly approach. The result is a robust, long-lasting frame with a clean, timeless aesthetic.
Hydroplane
The hydroplane underwent careful close-seam plank repair, followed by thorough preparation and sanding to ensure a smooth, even surface. The first coats of build-up varnish were then applied, protecting the timber while beginning the process of creating a durable, high-gloss finish that highlights the craft’s interior and natural wood planking.
Hamble One Design
Completed a restoration of a 1901 Hamble One Design racing yacht, combining traditional boatbuilding techniques with modern best practices. The project included structural repairs, refinishing, and detailed attention to every aspect of the vessel, preserving its historic character while ensuring it is fully seaworthy and ready for continued use on the water.
Job Particulars -
Keel bolt replacement, Keel blasted, Keel rebedded, frame replacement, new planking portside, fully recaulked, foredeck replacement, replacement floor bearers, replacement floor, hardware rebolted, full paint and anti-foul system.
