Apprentice for a Day

May 30, 2010

For Women Only

Filed under: Uncategorized — dsutherland @ 1:47 pm

No joke.  We offered a class just for women.  And it was a big success!  Doing this required some thought because we knew we couldn’t tackle a project that would require them to commit to 12 or more weekends.  Rather it had to be something that could be built from start to finish in a few weekends but one that would be challenging to the students.  We finally settled on building a child’s paddleboat just like the one my grandfather built for me when I was a child and which I built for my own children a number of years ago.  In fact, we used my daughter’s paddleboat as the prototype for the class and had the students give her a new coat of paint.

The final test. Looks like we have a "winner"!

Four women enrolled in the two-weekend class.  One admitted that her initial reaction on seeing the paddleboat for the first time was along the lines of, “This is just a box with paddles.  How hard can it be?”  Those first impressions quickly changed as my new, eager students began to work.  Building this deceptively simple little boat required skills that were unfamiliar to most of them.  After measuring the bottom and sides of the prototype, the women had to use the table saw to cut the pieces.  Bending the bottom was easy.  We used a wallpaper steamer to heat and moisten the wood enough to get the right angle for our two bends.  Joining the sides to the bottom, however, was not as easy as it appeared.  Using an electric drill to drill at angles was a bit challenging, but patience and their “stick-to it” attitudes resulted in success, even if it took longer that anticipated.  They handled the next challenge – hammering brass nails at an angle – with ease.

The process continued.  Priming and painting the boats progressed a bit more slowly that we expected because the women were very methodical in that work.  While the paint was drying, the students constructed two sets of paddles.  They used hack saws to cut the iron pipes that would hold the handles and the paddles.  They figured the blade angles, cut, mounted and painted the blades, and then assembled the two sets of blades.  Everything went without a hitch until we went to mount them in the boats.  Only then did we discover that we had mounted the blades in each set with the angle in the same direction.  In other words, our boats would move beautifully across the water in a circle!  It required only a minor fix, one that was easily accomplished.

We launched the paddleboat on May 22 as part of our weekend sail.  Anyone who “sail” this cute little boat appreciates that the goal is get as wet as possible.  Sailing it brings out the child in everyone and smiles on the faces of those who are watching.  It is a perfect “first boat” for a child.  They will learn the basics of handing a boat and how to make a boat move across the water.

My students proclaimed this first woman’s only class “a huge success,” and I wholeheartedly agree!   They are looking forward to a next project, and several students are now regulars in the boat shop where they can be found most weekends, and even during the week, doing everything from working on boats, to talking with visitors, to working on our blog.

Painting the boat

Paddle and seats in finish

Launching

Even the big "kids" have fun

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July 18, 2010

Building a Smith Island Crabbing Skiff

Filed under: Uncategorized — dsutherland @ 12:48 pm

The summer AFAD project began at the request of a CBMM visitor who wanted to provide his kids the opportunity to build their own boat.  His description of what he thought would be the “perfect” project perfectly matched the Smith Island Crabbing Skiff.  Thus, on June 16 we began our first Kids Special Class.

The first day was spent lofting the lines for this traditional Bay-style boat.  My two teenage students were enthusiastic about their project, and both brought some wood working skills to the class.  As a result, we were able to accomplish a great deal in the first weekend of work.  We completed lofting the lines , and actually got much of the framing done in just 2 days.  Construction will take 6 weekends to complete, and we will begin planking on July 24.

The Smith Island Crabbing Skiff is a traditional Bay-style skiff is an 18′ flat bottom boat with an outboard motor.  It makes a great class project, and we can build just a basic hull in the class or customize the boat as requested by the buyer.  In fact, visitors were so impressed with the work we were doing on the skiff that we now have orders for 2 more.

The Kids Special Class is open to any teenager, 13 to 18 years of age.  Younger kids may participate if they have some skills and are interested in learning.  However, I would encourage a parent to talk with me before enrolling a younger child so I can determine if it is the appropriate experience, and anyone under 13 years of age MUST be accompanied by an adult.  Pre-registration for this class, while not required, is suggested.  You can contact the CBMM visitor’s services desk to register.  The number is 410-745-2916.

We begin lofting.

Teamwork makes the framing go quickly and smoothly.

A little adjustment here. That's all it takes!

Sometimes you just have to get on top of your work!

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AFAD Schedule through December 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — dsutherland @ 12:47 pm

AFAD Schedule June to December 2010

Saturday Activity

May 29               Finish and launch Rushton Rowboat

June 5                 Open Date

June 12               Sailing Saturday

June 19               Smith Island Skiff #1

June 26               Open Date

July 3                  Open Date

July 10                Smith Island Skiff#2

July 17                Sailing Saturday

July 24                Smith Island Skiff #3

July 31                Chesapeake Folk Festival

Aug. 7                  Smith Island Skiff #4

Aug. 14                Smith Island Skiff #5

Aug. 21                Sailing Saturday

Aug. 28               Smith Island Skiff #6                                                                                                                                             Sept. 4                 CBMM Boat Auction – Open Date

Sept. 11               CBMM Boating Party – Open Date

Sept. 18               Sailing Saturday

Oct. 2                  Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival (MASCF)

Oct. 9                   Open Date

Oct. 16                 Lines and Lofting Class #1

Oct. 23                 Lines and Lofting Class #2

Oct.30                  Lines and Lofting Class #3

Nov. 6                  CBMM Oysterfest

Nov. 13                Sharpening Class

Nov. 20               Open Date

Nov. 27                Thanksgiving Weekend – Open Date

Dec. 4                   Open Date

Dec. 11                 St. Michaels Christmas Parade – Open Date                                                                                                   Dec. 25                Christmas – No Class

Jan. 1, 2011         New Year’s Day – No Class

Jan. to May         Journeyman’s Special – Project yet to be determined

Note: Open Dates typically are holiday weekends such as Christmas or when CBMM has other activities scheduled that make it highly unlikely folks will sign up for AFAD classes.   On Open Dates, AFAD will run on a job-specific basis, catching up with class boat projects, or doing teachable contract work.

May 23, 2010

Fruits of Our Labors

Filed under: Uncategorized — dsutherland @ 8:07 am

On May 22nd we launched our Rushton, “VITA” a tender for “ELF” and a kid’s Sutherland Paddle boat. With over a dozen people at the launching we had to take turns trying them all out. With plenty of photo oppertunities everyone got a chance being captured on film playing in a product of their efforts. Even the kid’s paddle boat was out playing with some of the more foolish adults going for a spin.

Launching the Rushton

We have one more boat yet to launch, a 15′ Sailing Delaware Ducker. She is in the final finishing stage. We will have her, the Rushton, a Melonseed and the kid’s paddle boat all going to the WOODEN BOAT SHOW in Mystic in July.

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May 15, 2010

Crafting the Rushton

Filed under: Uncategorized — dsutherland @ 2:11 pm

Crafting the 14′ Rushton double-ended rowboat was our first AFAD project for 2010. The boat was originally designed by J. Henry Rusthon, a famous designer and builder of ultra-light boats in the late 1870’s. The Rushton enjoyed popularity through out New York State eventualy became nationally aclaimed. Today, the Rushton remains an excellent example of classic design and wooden boat workmanship. Over the course of 18 weekends, students and staff worked together to create this beautiful boat.

Shipwright Dan Sutherland checks out the completed Rushton.

Our Ruston is traditional lap strake construction, with 1/4″ White Cedar planks, Slippery Elm ribs and Spanish Cedar trim. We used the several different woods for their natural properties and contrast. The oars are cut and shaped from one large cherry plank, being of the Adirondac style, they are very flexible giving you an added push as they oar wips back . The result said one visitor is “a work of art.” Speaking of ribs, one of the features of the Rushton is the number of ribs – this boat has 62 in all! We steam bent and ribbed the entire boat in one weekend, and only broke a few in the process. The finished boat weights at 78 pounds, so it is light enough for two people to easily cartop.

Lining off to determne placement of the planks.

The hull is planked.

Close up of the gain fitting.

Shaping the oar blade.

Planked, ribbed, sealed and ready for finish.

A traditional green bottom makes the different woods stand out.

Final touch up.Interior viewInterior view

Cartipping

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December 29, 2008

The Journeyman’s Program

Filed under: The Journeyman's Program — Tags: , — admin @ 9:11 pm

The Journeyman’s Special is your opportunity for hands on experience in the full process of building a boat. We will start by taking the lines off an original 1920’s Melonseed, to lofting, setting up molds and building the boat using traditional methods. You can come for all the classes, or just the ones that interest you, such as Steam Bending of wood. As we progress you can follow our progress over the next few months here on our site with photos taken during our weekend classes.

Fees:
Per Session …………….CBMM members $35, non-members $45
or any four days for….CBMM members $125, non-member $170

*  indicates special, indepth workshops, CBMM members $60, non- members $75.

Schedule for the Melonseed 1920melonseed.jpg

1/10 – 11: Taking Lines of a 1920’s Melonseed *

We will be taking measurements off an original 1920’s hull, using modern and old world techniques, to be able to develop a full size drawing off the boat.

1/17 – 18: Lofting and Patterning

Using the measurements from the last class we will draft the boat full size and fair the hull. This will allow us to build the molds and develop parts such as the stem and transom along with the bevels for the the planking.

1/24 – 25: Make Molds, Keel, Transom and Stem

Using the lofting we will make the molds, cut out the keel, transom and stem with their rabbets and bevels.

1/31 – 2/1: Set up Molds Keel, Transom and Stem

Assembling these parts the boat will start to take shape. This step reqiures attention to detail, for this is the basis of the boat.

2/7 – 8: Lining off Planking and Rough Spiling *

The process of laying out the plank lines on the molds is an art, this determines what the planks will look like. The next step is rough spiling, which is getting the rough shape of the planks for milling purposes.

2/14 – 15: Planking

We will be building this boat with lapsrake construction. You will learn spiling, cutting the plank lap bevel and cutting gains ( the tappering bevels to mate the planks flush to each other where they meet the stem and transom). The planks will be fastened together using copper clench nails.

2/21 – 22: Planking

2/28 – 3/1: Planking

3/7 – 8: Framing *

We will be boiling the rib stock to bend them into the hull and fastening them down. This is a fun but intense process that everyone enjoys.

3/14 – 15: Framing

3/21 – 22: Dagger Board and Box

This is more staight forward woodworking, other than the fact that it is crucial that it is watertight.

3/28 – 29: Sheer Clamp and Deck Beams

A major part of the boat, this not only defines the deck but is a major structural member that stiffens the hull and takes the abuse of the sailing rig.

4/4 – 5: Deck Beams and Deck Braces

4/11 – 12: Spars *

We will be hand shaping the mast and other spars from square stock to round using all hand tools after initial cuts on a bandsaw.

4/18 – 19: Decking

Laying down the decking and developing the cockpit and mast location.

4/25 – 26: Canvas Deck and Build Rudder

Stretching canvas over the deck makes the deck water tight. Assembling the rudder using the lofting to develop it’s shape.

5/2 – 3: Combings, Gunwale and Toe Rail

Building these details finish off the main hull and add to it beauty with fine details.

5/9 – 10: Detail Work and Misc Parts

Finishing up unfinished wood working. Doing final hand shaping of detailed work to clean up the hull.

5/16– 17: Floor Timbers and Floor Boards

Building the substructure for the floors. Laying down the floor boards with easy access to the bilge.

5/23 – 24: Finishing Paint and Varnish *

Learn the all import skills of sanding to applying finish coats of paint and varnish.

5/30– 31: Rig and Sail

The final step, learn rope work, knots and lacing on the sail. Then of course we have to sail her!

 

About our Program ?

Filed under: About our Program — admin @ 9:08 pm

Description of Program…

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum has developed an impressive portfolio of traditional rowing and sailing small boats that have built in the Apprentice For A Day boat building classes. The boats we build generally have a Chesapeake Bay flavor but we will build any traditionally constructed small boat to order. All the boats built in the program are sold to support the program.

Daniel Sutherland runs our Apprentice For A Day program. Dan is a fourth generation boat builder from the Finger Lakes of New York with 26 years of experiance. Specializing in lapsrake constrution, both new and historic restoration. He has done work for the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY, the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain, NY and the Alexandria Seaport Foundation in, Alexadria, VA.

Some of the boats built to date include:

Pete Culler designed rowing skiff 13’-6”

Pete Culler designed sailing skiff 15’-6”

Two masted crabbing skiff 16’-8”

Crabbing flattie with stick up jib 16’-0”

Double ended Delaware Ducker, sail 16’-0”

Lawley rowing tender, round bilged 9’-6”

New Jersey Melonseed , sail 13’-6”

Once a month we offer one or two day special classes in a particular boat building skill: lofting, spiling planks, steam bending, spar making, painting and varnishing. Please contact the museum boat shop for the schedule of special classes, or visit our web site www.cbmm.org

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