Apprentice for a Day

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

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!