Off Center Members ~
As we wrap up our eighth year at Off Center Harbor, we thought you might appreciate an update on OCH and what we’re planning for the year ahead.
With our big trip to New Zealand and Tasmania last winter, followed by time in Port Townsend this past fall, members have been getting a heavier-than-normal flow of videos featuring boats out on the water and fewer of the “how-to” instructional videos than we normally release.
It’s been wonderful to experience all these wonderful boats and people from other parts of the world, and now we’re looking forward to settling back in at home in Maine this winter to film more of the instructional videos that are so popular.
MEMBERS’ SATISFACTION
Thanks to all of you who took the survey last week. We received a lot of helpful feedback—over 2,000 responses, in fact, in the first 48 hours.
We’ll be giving the website a significant refresh over the winter, and the first step in that process has been to get members’ feedback. In addition to giving the underlying code of the website a deep-cleaning, we’ll be adding several new features to the site that members requested in the survey.
We were happy to see that the overall satisfaction of members was extremely positive in the answer to this question:
“How SATISFIED are you with your membership to OffCenterHarbor.com?”
Your detailed answers to the survey let us know what you want more of, and if there is anything you find frustrating about the website or your membership. Rest assured that we’ll be digging deeply into the detailed answers to learn as much as we can in an effort to keep improving your experience as a member.
In our first scan of the detailed answers we noticed a long-ime member from Bainbridge Island suggested that we add closed captioning (subtitles) for those who don’t hear too well. We did a quick search and found a new solution that wasn’t available a few months ago, and within 24 hours we’ve added closed captions to 23 of our most recent videos. Thanks to your fellow OCH member for being the catalyst.
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Duncan Blair says:
I am very happy to be a new subscriber.You guys do an excellent job in covering a wide range of boats,places and people.Please keep the Gulf Coast in mind as well; there is a lot going on down here-estuaries, wildlife refuges,sport and commercial fishing,petrochemical chemical industries and lots of run-off from industrial agriculture,as well as JT van Zandt, and others like him.My sincere compliments to you all. Duncan Blair
John Wolf says:
I wasn’t sure a membership was going to be worth the cost, it’s all on the computer, and I’m old. What made me decide to take the chance was that all of the sample videos I saw showed me something I didn’t know, and I don’t mind spending that much on a book that I feel will do that. I have found OCH to be a wealth of information, easy to use, and a lot of fun.
Greg Stamatelakys says:
May I say, not to devalue all voices; but the sound in particular of Misters. Bray and Maher lead and suggest a greater wisdom of all thing maritime. And all your efforts are certainly encouraging.
Thanks!
Norman Palmer says:
Many years ago while at the Galveston museum I was admiring the knot board. A volunteer came over and told me it was his work. I said he was missing a knot. He asked me which one and I told him it was a Dragin Bowline. Having never heard of this knot he asked me to show it. He have me a length of 1/4” and I tied a bowline, asked him to turn around. I tucked the tail into his belt and the old him to take a walk. He got such a kick out of this gag, the last I heard was him betting his buddies a beer that he knew a knot they did not. Love your work.
Ants Uiga says:
The content of the postings is delightful. I especially enjoy when the topics step over the traditional approaches. The small craft construction, for example has progressed from planks to lap strake to plywood and even stitch and glue. The changes in techniques seems to complement how the craft get built quicker and get used.
The evolution of design could be expanded. A great example is Russell Brown and his version of the Grasshopper and the ongoing effort into the second version. The cruising cat that was also featured and listed for sale on the OCH website is another prime example.
Traditionally designs and the associated craftsmanship are always a treat. Let’s see some effort from the diverging edges of the sailing / boating world.
I would never expect my 1960’s fiberglass canoe with skin on frame decks and spoon blade oars to be a subject, but the strip plank Wee Lassie and CLC expedition wherry (modified) give a hint of my boats of fun.
Anthony Aman says:
Like most folks who frequent this wonderful site, I have the shop and a small fleet of boats. However, nowhere on the OCH site do I see a solution to storing the armada. Have you seen the boat sheds at The WoodenBoat School in Brooklin? Simple, functional, adaptable. Over this winter, I intend to construct the frames for a shed much like these. Construction in the spring or summer. Would you (OCH) be interested in an instructional video howto on building a functional boat shed? Anyone out there interested in this topic?
Randy Hills says:
HI Anthony,
Personally, I would love to even just see photos of a complete example. An instructional video or print of the dimensional components would be icing on the cake ! I have 2 kayaks, currently looking for a used AMC sunfish and am currently restoring an old Beetle Cat that will need a winter home once I can reclaim my side of the garage for my car. :)
Randy
Robert Harrison says:
I apologize if this has been mentioned, but it would be nice if we could “cast” (I think that is the term) the videos to our TV set. It can be done with YouTube videos.
Sanders Brot says:
The documentary aspect of your work is important! I grew up on the shores of Lake Erie and the closest I got to boat building, in my youth, was hearing a tail of my grandmother’s uncles building a boat in the thirtys. I spent much of my free time on boats in the summer and restoring cars the rest of the year. The wooden boat revival of the 70s never took root where I was. Thank you for bringing me skills and knowledge I greatly enjoy. They were on a very distant shore in my youth. I had to go way off center to find what was lost in just 3 generations. It is ironic, the power of new technology to revive much older technology rather than displace it…..from your minds to my reality.
William English says:
You can feel lucky, but it takes more than luck to operate a successful business for any length of time. Your a team that knows it’s customers and you make an effort to meet their desires for reading and viewing in an effective and true downeast fashion! Great job all!
Mike Ponsonby says:
You guys do a great job. Keep up the good work. Hope to see you again in Hobart in 2021.
Cheers, Mike
Philip Myer says:
Well done to all the OCH crew, some videos on transporting, storing and mooring boats would be interesting,
David Cranwell says:
I agree with Da’l B, re Richard Jagels, I also am a follower of his columns in Wooden Boats.
We should be looking at trees that may cope better with climate and also provide valuable timber.
Here in New Zealand Pinus Radiata holds sway a fast growing timber tree with emerging problems.
David Walker says:
Please consider doing a feature video on the Elissa, moored in Galveston, Texas.
It would be very interesting to also film her on a cruise. Explaining all the details associated with sail handling through wearing the ship, etc. https://www.galveston.com/texasseaportmuseum/
We love OCH,
Thanks
Rich Dodson says:
After a long day of sitting at a computer screen, or stuffed into a conference room enduring a meeting, coming home to find an OCH video is salvation for any bits of my remaining sanity. Thank you for all the work you do putting this site together. In my next life I want to be Harry Bryan. Sincerely, Rich
David Fox says:
Great job, you all. There are a few comments here encouraging the biology ideas. When you run out of salt water to study and report on, we would like to invite you to report on the rest of the worlds water. Fresh water may not be as romantic but it still has variety, and besides; How long can you survive if you only drink salt water? have fun
stephen santoro says:
I really like your site. The videos are great and very informative. I feel like I am sitting around a fire place in Maine somewhere with some mug of warm hard cider.
Just great!! Keep up the good work
Frank Passalaqua says:
Dear Off Center Crew, very, very well done!!!! Your videos are very professional in their presentation and content, yet warmly personal…as if I’m sitting on the gunwale having a gam with you guys; just a magical combination. Further, what a GREAT idea about having the marine biologist give us “tours” of the coast line and explaining what he/she sees. Please, don’t forget about shore bird and duck identification. Ah, long ago were the halcyon days spent as an 11 year old in a gunning boat on the South Shore of Long Island, with the “old timers”. My young mind sucked that information up like a sponge, and your videos give me that same feeling and insightful knowledge. Thank you for all your collective efforts: It takes teamwork to make a dream work.
Robert Webber says:
Thanks so much for a great wrap up of your….how can I discribe it….aporoach? business?lifestyle?way of life? You guys are living my dream. Thanks again and keep those inspiring vidoes and stories coming.
Alan Balchin says:
Great result well deserved
Bert van Baar says:
Hi Eric & Friends,
I am not sure if I have put tis forward before, but is the next link to a video something for Offcenter Harbor?
Its a 12 minute video about building a FAO (UN!) fishingboat with a group of local ecological fishermen in Costa Rica.
Its on the premises of Astillero Ceiba from SailCargo.org.
They are building a 45m schooner to sail freight on the Pacific in time.
Hope you enjoy the video:
https://youtu.be/EcbKE-Zwqxo
Best regards
Bert van Baar
Boatbuilder/teacher
PS The second FAO boat has already been built with Connie Grocott as teacher. A graduate from IBTC in Lowestoft, UK.
Roxy Darling says:
Thank you for providing us the opportunity to give you our thoughts, through the survey. There is nothing more pleasant than a ‘trip’ to OCH to find out a clever and brilliant way to make caulking cotton, to wander along a shoreline with a native plantsman pointing out edibles and lovely flowers and grasses that we walk past so often without a thought, to a rollicking sail with a family in NZ…or Taz…or Port Townsend, or…MAINE! We learn how to plank, varnish, paint, splice and scull. Generously shared with us are the endless skills of very talented riggers, shipwrights, sailors. And, not to be forgotten, the arts of sailors and the sea from painters, sculptors, craftsmen. A suggestion in that vein would be perhaps a celebration of the music and literature of the sea. You’re a grand crew up there at OCH and you do a grand work. Thank you.
David Dickson says:
OCH videos mean so much to me, be it first thing in the morning on my tablet, before I get out of bed, or last thing in the evening. They are a calming journey into a completely different world that I no longer have access to. Wooden boats have been my obsession since our old gaff cutter in the 70s, and the beginnings of Wooden Boat Magazine.
I may not be able to subscribe every year as we watch our retirement pennies, but I will always come back to catch up on the films I’ve missed. Thank you guys for helping keep the wooden boat world alive for all of us.
Rick Dawson says:
The marine biology series is a great idea. Seeing the amazing life sea life is one of main reason I like spending time on the ocean. Please consider including info on marine invertebrates seaweeds along with the bigger life forms.
David Hubbard says:
Looking forward to your Marine Biologist! A few years ago we were staying on the Reach at Oakland House, and the perfect read was “The Edge of the Sea” by Rachel Carson. We could wander down among the tidal pools and stare for a long time at everything going on there.
Casey Haynes says:
Oh…, Sorry on the subject of Marine Biologist…, there is a fantastically knowledgable Killer whale researcher, Named Josh Mcinnes who is doing fantastic work primarily on the west coast, but also Antartica,,,, and probably anywhere they migrate to, you may want to talk to him…, he is a wealth of information and a super person on a very worrysome topic of the state of Killer whales… Just a thought
Thanks again
Casey Haynes says:
Yes you guy are wonderful…, and I must say I am a little envious of the world that you get to play/work in and the friendship teem that you have, you have created a great thing, so from the Canadian Pacific Side… Good Job eh! On another note your video’s have helped me a lot, I’m a handyman, all self taught, cabinetry, and have done a lot of old house reno’s, but I am traine as a registered massage therapist…lol…, so to make a long story short, I sold everything, bought and old 1924 wood tugboat, which of course turned out to be inmuch worse shape than I though…, Well let just say that you guy’s taught me how to spile my first plank…, and after 4 yrs I’m about 1/2 way finished the boat’s restoration… yup should be about 8 yr’s to life…haha thank’s Guy’s!!
John Donovan says:
You guys are an inspiration. I’m in for the long run!
bill wilson says:
We’re planning another trip to Maine sometime in the next couple of years. I hope to visit Off Center Harbor during that trip.
I really have enjoyed my member ship. Love the instructional videos which provide a lot of help in the restoration of my 1966 Tartan 27, a work in progress for my retirement years.
Donald Stover says:
Would love to see some videos profiling each of your crew.
Kent and Skipper says:
I was thinking the same thing, there are a few Bios missing.
Jonathan Frank says:
Outstanding, and keep up all the great work! Your videos are an inspiration for my paintings.
Kent Lewis says:
The survey was well written, and we appreciate the chance to add comments. It is rewarding to hear that there is already another improvement to the OCH experience as a result of customer feedback. Huzzah!
Thank you for creating, organizing and storing these nuggets of knowledge, and sharing access for their retrieval.
Cheers
Kent and Skipper
Geoffrey Williams says:
Thank you for all that you do.
Can you be sure I am on the email list.
Wgeoffrey783@gmail.com
Martha White says:
I think the marine biologist idea is brilliant…and maybe could be expanded upon in future months or years, to dig into what else we see but don’t really see. Everyday birds we see and their habits, nesting, migration? History of some of the Maine islands? Remaining steam boat wharves or sardine factories? Quarries? Geology? Lime kilns? Walking trails, botanical gardens, and preserves or sanctuaries accessible by boat? All sorts of possibilities.
David Tew says:
I agree, Martha! Seaside life is an arena that’s full of wonders. I was sitting at our bedroom window today watching ‘the family herring gull’ playing in the warm winds soaring over the rooftops, riding the updrafts, snagging a crabapple off the ground and worrying it to pieces on the shorefront. “Iggy” (short for Ignatius) and his mate Isabelle (or their descendants, we’re not entirely sure) have been friends of the family for several generations now, since the 1960s anyway. My wife recalls lobstering with her uncle and having Iggy ride along perched on the bow of the skiff eyeing and diving for discarded bait as traps were pulled. He’s eaten out of her hand forever and will take bites of food to Isabelle. She’s a bit shy about that, but insists on getting her share when she nesting each spring.
Steve Stone says:
Thanks Martha, Dave and others who’ve responded with encouragement on this idea. We’re psyched about all the possibilities. Amazing how much “we see but don’t really see”. Thanks for your ideas. All good. So little time…
Michael Belliveau says:
For a Broad Sound Bostonian to have the opportunity to learn from decent, hardworking and talented craftsmen / women, is a joyful reminder of all the greatness that has and will come from Maine.
A visit to BVT Major General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s gravesite in Brunswick, reminded me it was he and the 20th (boys from Maine) who helped preserve our Union at Little Roundup. Yes men keep our history pertinent. In these times!
Safe passage, well said summery, noble course protected.
Nicholas Kaberry says:
Thanks for all that. You’re doing a great job and I just wish I didn’t live thousands of miles away from your beautiful and boat-friendly home. Keep up the good work.
Nick (near the Thames, Old England)
Richard Newton says:
Thanks for the feedback so soon…..as always thorough and comprehensive.
Da'l B says:
Didn’t get to the survey but I wonder if video would work somehow with Richard Jagels, who writes the riveting wood columns for Woodenboat. I follow them devotedly.