Classic Wooden Rowing/sailing Boat Hull Project

This clinker-built hull is a replica of the Whitehall water taxis that frequented the River Thames and Boston’s waterfront in the 1800s. The project’s inventory includes one pair of sculls, three pairs of bronze rowlocks and sufficient timber to complete the thwarts, rudder, and gunwales. A copy of the designer’s plans and instructions is included. This hull combines modern and traditional techniques to produce a light, roomy, seaworthy boat. The overlapping 6mm marine ply planks on this hull have been glued together and then fastened to half the usual number of steam bent hardwood frames with copper roves. The result is a strong, light structure that now requires fitting out with floors, risers, thwarts and gunwales. The quality of the fit-out is limited only by the new owner’s imagination. A sprit rig with a jib can be fitted with or without a centreboard. (Dark marks on sheer strake is water remaining after washing the inside.)