Preview: Boats Worth Restoring, PORPOISE Gets New Frames

27 Responses So Far to “Boats Worth Restoring, PORPOISE Gets New Frames”

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  Terry Lent says:

  I am fascinated by the knowledge and workmanship these craftsmen use when restoring this beautiful wooden boat!

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  Andrew Shemella says:

  Can someone explain the processing of kerfing? I don’t get how it makes the bending easier. It looks like there are two frames layered but I can’t understand how that would hold together. Again, a great video which makes a job, seemingly impossible, understandable.

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  Richard Schneider says:

  Maynard,
  Can’t tell you how many times I have watched this video, and every time I enjoy it. These guys are terrific and the project is looks like it will have a life of its own. Any updates as to progress with Popoise?

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    Maynard Bray says:

    Hi Richard,
    Glad you’re finding John and Patrick’s work worth watching. Their reframing gave Porpoise a new and much-needed lease on life. Eric Blake and his students at the WoodenBoat School carried on very well also. Porpoise hasn’t been touched since her time at the school, but she sure is on my list for completion.

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  David Platt says:

  Nice job — on both the video and the boat! I was given a little daysailer two years ago that had originated in Stonington 60 years ago and needed all the same stuff done to her ribs, fastenings and decks. Planking was good and I didn’t know enough to stop, so somehow the job got done and I went sailing last summer. But I wish I’d had this video to help me along! Please do another as things progress.

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  Paige McIntire says:

  She’s for sale in wooden boat magazine. $19,000 good deal if you ask me.

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    Maynard Bray says:

    Hi Paige,
    Different boat, but still a good deal. Easy to confuse the two because of their names: Dolphin and Porpoise. The former is for sale; the latter is still a work in progress.
    Maynard

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    Bill Theurkauf says:

    What a pretty boat! I’m replacing frames and floors on my current project and I have to deal with some very tight bends, so this has been fun to study. I’m curious about a detail. The original frames on my boat are heavier, and are through bolted to the floors. With kerfed frames, the bolt would often split the kerf, making for a weak connection, and a weaker frame. Are the frames on Porpoise tied to the frames?

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      Maynard Bray says:

      Hi Bill,
      Porpoise’s floors are not connected to the frames, and are actually separated from them a little. Unlike many boats that have a floor bolted to every frame, this boat has fewer floors, located in about every third frame bay, that connect to the hull via the planking, much like a lobsterboat. Porpoise’s frame heels are let into notches in the keel timber and screwed there, so her frames assist the floors by that means. For your boat, it might be best to terminate the kerfs above the tops of the floor timbers so there’s solid wood in way of the floor-to-frame bolts.

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        Bill Theurkauf says:

        Thanks Maynard. After thinking about it a bit, I came up with the same solution. I split the frames from the sheer side and terminated the kerf above where floors will attach. The first 4 frames went in last night, relatively easily.

        Cheers,
        Bill

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  Matt Handy says:

  I’m having trouble tracking down contact info for Bill Peterson. Can anyone help? I’m interested in getting plans for this design. Or maybe someone knows of one that needs a home? :)

  Thanks all!

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    David Tew says:

    Murray G Peterson Associates
    48 Jones Point Road
    South Bristol, ME 045684
    Phone: (207) 644-8100

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      Matt Handy says:

      Thanks David!

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  Mark Ritter says:

  Another great video Maynard, thank you. I only wish I had begun building boats when I was as young as your 2 partners!

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  Todd Griner says:

  Cool film. It’s nice to see a couple of younger men doing this kind of work. I don’t know why I’m assuming that only older men have the skills to do this. I mean, I do know that there are younger people out there that have an interest. I guess the perception I have is that young people just want to be rich and famous. It’s also nice to see Mr. Bray put trust in these younger guys. This is how this trade will carry on.

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  Zoran Glozinic says:

  I can only repeat what others said – GREAT video and what’s even more great in my opinion is to see these two young men doing wonderful job…. gives me a bit of hope – for I am being surrounded mostly with young (and not so young) people who can hold and operate one and only ‘tool’ in their hands – a smart phone……
  Maynard – hope you manage to complete this project and then enjoy this boat as much as you can,
  Cheers,
  Zoran

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  Larry Cheek says:

  Beginning to end, this video is a demonstration of professional boatbuilders’ skill and craftsmanship. While I greatly admire these guys, it also leaves me kind of dejected and disappointed … in myself.

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  George Conbeer says:

  Thanks, Maynard.
  Awe inspiring that the craftsmanship of these young men will likely outlive them. And that your videos will inspire others to continue to keep the craft alive.
  Well done.
  -george

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  Clay Ford says:

  Another beautiful boat on her way sailing another 100 years. Thanks for sharing.

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  Paul Atkins says:

  Superb video, thank you!

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  Alan Rothenbush says:

  I was riveted to the screen (pun intended) as I watched this. I felt like I was seeing a cross between Norm Abrams and Roy Underhill, just a most pleasing mix of new and old.

  I may just have to find myself an old wooden dinghy to restore.

  Thank you for recording this, and more when you can; this was just wonderful!

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  Matt Handy says:

  Does anyone know if building plans are available for this design?

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    Maynard Bray says:

    Hi Matt,
    You might try Bill Peterson at . He holds all his dad’s plans.
    Good luck,
    Maynard

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  James Whitmoyer says:

  By all means show us the last steps and the re-launch!

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  Peter Marshall says:

  I love the exacting speed these guys used for reframing, no time wasted being too fussy or too sloppy…just right. also one of the coolest looking boats I have seen in this size, her sheer meets her snubby ends so gracefully and well balanced like a little duckling.

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  Jerry Rose says:

  So Maynard do we get to see more videos of the rebuild? That was great!

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    Maynard Bray says:

    Hi Jerry,
    This is a part-time endeavor, so don’t hold your breath. When it happens, we’ll record the process and post it.
    Best,
    Maynard