Sept '25 Newsletter
Hey friends!
As always, summer has flown by and we're embracing cooler mornings with fog in the hay fields. I'm patting myself on the back for balancing improvements to the new shop with our house projects and full time work. I've got some work to share since May, some great projects ahead, and a couple boat designs to highlight.
Recent work
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Reunion with a rowing wherry I built
"Pebble" needed a few maintenance touches, and now she sports some brass chafe guards for confident beaching. The experienced rower uses this sliding seat craft on the Kennebec river.
Kitchen island countertop
Carefully chosen white oak grain with food safe finish, for a condo overlooking Belfast harbor. Complemented by clean, white cabinets.
Custom teak shelving & a satin varnished table for a cruising yacht
Ladder frame shelf-cabinet
A great friend from college commissioned this piece to fit a specific place in their apartment. His trust in my aesthetic led to ash wood, dovetailed shelves, and inset doors. Small brass pins in the joinery accent the door knobs, and the shelf inside the cabinet is adjustable.
Here are some more photos from my work at the Rock Row Health clinic, shot by the talented Sam Morrison.
Coming up
I've been commissioned to build another Point Comfort 18, designed by Doug Hylan. It will be a very similar layout and finish scheme to the first build, our Marley. The molds are up, and the backbone is about to receive some planking. There are some great furniture opportunities on the horizon, early talks of a little sailboat, and I'm saying yes more often to trim & cabinet installs. Feeling luckier than ever.
A couple boat designs
Before mentioning these options for new builds, I must point out that the boat market is particularly spicy right now. For any followers thinking about getting one, chat with me and we might be able to configure a restoration that's more affordable.
17' Coastal cruiser - Paul Gartside
Though glued-lapstrake hulls are popular for exercise & camping rowers, I might be known to make the argument for a fiberglassed strip-plank hull. In some ways, easier to maintain and are distinguishably simple in form. This thing would be great on the Maine Island Trail with a sliding seat.
23' Trout - Harry Bryan
This exquisite little landing craft would get you and your gear to a remote camp comfortably and with style. A great candidate for electric propulsion, as designer Doug Hylan has taken the lead on.
Well thanks for tuning in again - I appreciate the growing newsletter list. Follow along in real time @davisboatbuilding or stop by the shop if you'd like. Have a great autumn everyone.
Cheers,
Elijah