Here’s What Richard Has to Say…

“Today was the first day of sea trials for Winnisimmet and Honcho. It was overcast, with drizzle and a cold east wind, but Emily, Christopher, Captain Elvin, Rugs and Captain Papi took the two canoes out for their maiden voyages. Initial reports were nothing but praise for the ease of paddling, turning and great stability. Even Captain Elvin who been known for an unsuccessful Eskimo roll in the kayak was impressed. Captain Papi even stood up and did a n Irish jig while the canoe was underway. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the “official” christening and launching on Fathers Day, June 17th.” — Richard Honan, Honan Boatbuilding

Read the rest of this entry »

We wanted to share a few pictures of Benjamin Stone’s Flyfisher, dubbed “Wäasabi Flyfisher.” A close inspection of all the photos below will reveal amazing details and customization!

Read the rest of this entry »

Special thanks to Murray Taylor of Gizbome, New Zealand, for sending us this handy document for converting inches to millimeters (inches_to_mms.pdf · 272 KB). Murray is currently building a Lutra Little Laker.

John Briggs works on Flyfisher in his Michigan shop. John started his Flyfisher at the 2006 Woodenboat School in Maine. He transported the almost completed boat back to Michigan to finish her out in his shop. He’s added the false stem and several coats of epoxy and is now ready to do the final sanding and put the finish on. John thinks he’ll just varnish his Flyfisher as he like the natural wood color.

Make your modern sailboat look (and work) like a salty classic.

The Golden Age of Sail is long past, sadly, and much of its lore is nearly extinct. Sailboats now almost uniformly use the Bermudan sloop rig—a triangular jib and a triangular mainsail. But that rig evolved mainly to meet esoteric yacht racing measurement rules. It is not necessarily the most efficient or effective rig. This book lets sailors rediscover the practical advantages—and the esthetic delights—of such configurations as the sprit rig, the gaff rig, the lugsail, and the gunter rig. It also includes valuable information on marlinspike work like rope — whipping and eye-splicing; and tips on converting your modern sailboat to a traditional rig.

Pick up your very own signed copy of The Working Guide to Traditional Small-Boat Sails for just $21.95! (Additional $5.00 postage fee.)

Click here for book reviews and purchasing information »