Jan '25 Newsletter
Hey folks!
We just got back from our honeymoon in St. Martin to a wintery Maine. Trying to play some stick & puck while one can, and we have our favorite cross country ski trip coming up. As always, I’m going to showcase some recent shop work, give you a teaser as to what’s ahead, share a couple of boat designs in the catalog, and release some exciting news!
A snapshot of some recent work:
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I built and facilitated the installation of four of these funky octagonal fixed window units, for a barn renovation in Freeport. It was a good geometrical layout challenge as the glass had been previously ordered - so I was running off of manufacturing specs alone. Bronze stop screws for cool factor.
I drew up another bench design that makes use of scraps that end up in the corner of the shop, in this case 1/2” thick mahogany cut offs. Copper rivets just on one side in case you don’t like them. It sold to a family member and 40% of that sale went to Maine Needs - which I think will become an annual donation habit. Learn about their ever important work here:
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Here are some handy boat cover battens that fit into your oarlocks. I built them for a loyal client and am now offering them custom fit to your boat for $350/pair.
I recently finished some repair work to a tandem rowing wherry. While patching some holes and replacing the skeg, I also updated the storage hatches, added a drain plug, and some brass chafe guards. It’s really great to know she is often rowed within the incredible Harpswell geography.
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I’ve started digging into this exquisite traditional rowing skiff from Vinalhaven, which will be receiving new wood in the coming weeks. Planning to pull her lines if anyone wants one of these rare beauties built, probably ~$8k.
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I’ve got some cool furniture items and cabinets headed off to finish. Six walnut benches that will receive custom upholstery and six rolling merchandiser cabinets with removable top bins. I’m really excited to be working with talented interior designers lately. There will be some professional photography of these.
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Ok boat nerds, here’s your fix.
Last time I shared Gartside’s 16’ sloop and Devlin’s 21’ garvey. This quarter, let’s look at a 10’ yacht tender and a 17’ sailboat.
Paul Gartside designed this lovely 10’ tender as a transom or double ended version. He specifies traditional clinker planks on steamed frames but I wish to offer the option of smooth hull composite wood construction. A strip plank-with-fiberglass hull would be stiff, lightweight, and easy to maintain.
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Arch Davis (no relation?) drew up the Penobscot 14, then scaled up to the impressive 17’er. This stable sailboat can be rigged several ways, but is typically a sloop. Floatation tanks and ample storage make it a perfect candidate for camp cruising the Maine Island Trail - and I guarantee you she’d make you friends along the way. I must also mention that the boat could be trailered with a Subaru.
BIG News!
Amanda and I are under contract for a house in Belfast! An opportunity came up sooner than we expected, so we took the leap and will move in Feb. The growing mid-coast town is where we first met, and where many of of friends and family live. To maintain productivity, I have some temporary shop space figured out while I set up shop at home in the large two car garage. I will always be available for my southern Maine clients and I look forward to contributing once again to the mid-coast’s reputation of craftsmanship.
In other news, our Marley was recently exhibited in the recent issue of Woodenboat magazine launchings, pg 90. I also have a new advertisement in the Ash Breeze journal of Traditional Small Craft Association. Phew that was a long newsletter!
Be well kids,
Elijah