This section of our web site, an extension of the Launchings department of WoodenBoat magazine, is dedicated to sharing news of recently launched wooden boats built or restored by our readers. If you’ve launched a boat within the past year, please email us at launchings@woodenboat.com, or post your news here.
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This molded mahogany plywood boat's hull was made in Canada in 1942. It was sent to the states and the sternboard was installed by the Magnavox Corporation. My father acquired it in 1963 for $60.
Richard Maldonado chose the 13′ QT Rowing Skiff design by Jim Michalak (www.jimsboats.com) for his first build. He wanted to build a boat mostly from found materials, and except for the luan plywood that he purchased, everything else was recycled.
David had attended a traditional boatbuilding course at Mystic Seaport, and there became smitten with Swampscott dories.
I recently finished restoring a 1960’s Comet sailboat. She needed a new deck and a good paint scraping. Many thanks to WoodenBoat School for instilling the confidence to take on such a project.
The Comet is a hard-chine boat with a low freeboard and centerboard. See WB 31.
Evan Taylor of Fonthill, Ontario built this Joel White-designed Shellback dinghy in 2001. He used okoume plywood planking with white oak trim. The seats are pine. His wife sewed the sail from a Sailrite kit. Evan sails her on Lake Erie.
The Covid summer of 2020 was a time of distress and dislocation for many. For New Yorker Lorne Swarthout it was also an opportunity to build a boat in his friend’s garage/workshop in Southwest Harbor, Maine. The project was a Great Auk 14 from Chesapeake Light Craft.
Charlie Wetherill built this 7′9″ Ruben's Nymph design (plan # 516) by Dynamite Payson and Phil Bolger from plans bought at the website, www.instantboats.com.
This is the most recent of two Abenaki kits I have built (materials supplied by Newfound Woodworks of Bristol, NH). It was a joy to build and even more fun to paddle. My wife and I launched this canoe on Drakes Creek in Franklin, KY on October 10th, 2021. It tracked nicely was very stable.
Niam Rogers built this Chesapeake Light Craft kit with help from his grandfather, Dave Racicot. Niam created the patterns using strips of Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar and Walnut. Niam will use the boat on protected waters in and around Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
Eric Blumhagen writes "I built SOLACE with the able assistance of my wife, my idea woman. After a year and a half of work, I launched it on November 12, 2000. It now hangs from our living room ceiling when not being used on Washington lakes.
Hand built, One of a kind. Hull is sound, roof and rear wall of pilot house need repair.
BOAT HAS SOLD! "Thank you, Autumn. It took some time but it was well worth it." B.
Designed and built by the late Ray DeFir and his best friend, my late Step-Father, Gary Griffiths
Classic wooden rowboat (possibly Old Town).
Approximately 12’L x 4’W.
