Preview: Model Making as a Boatbuilder’s Sketch – SJOGIN III
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May 1, 2022
Email this Video to a FriendThere are as many ways to mentally prepare for building a boat as there are boatbuilders. Steve Brookman’s approach is one of a man who likes dreaming about boats.
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18 Responses So Far to “Model Making as a Boatbuilder’s Sketch – SJOGIN III”
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Frank Laskowski says:
I particularly enjoyed this look into Steve Brookman’s head. The type and size boats Steve builds is what I like to build as well. I am not a professional boat builder, I’ve restored several to class specification but I’m more interested in building my designs with inexpensive nontraditional woods. I’ve learned techniques from some of the videos and enjoyed my membership, but the really large boats offer no excitement for me. Thanks for the effort in putting this together.
Philip Myer says:
Wow I would go flying with this guy- great skill.
Kyle says:
I come to this website from time-to-time to look around and see what’s going on and what’s new. I happened to see this video advertised in one of the recent emails and my interest was peaked. This Sjonin IIIa boat is absolutely gorgeous. A four year labor of love! Personally…I’d be interested in owning one of the models. The models that Mr. Brookman made are fine pieces of art that I would proudly display in my home. Thank you for sharing.
Suzan Wallace says:
Fantastic Steve!
Great to see what came out of your experience since we last spoke there at the Wooden Boat School. I really enjoyed my time there. Great to see the outcome of your inspiration~
Jack Kennedy says:
Steve Brookman’s artistry in boatbuilding- model and full size beautiful boats- is something to behold and his modesty about his work is equally remarkable. I much enjoyed the earlier video about Steve’s build of his Melonseed and was delighted to see this second video visit with a more in depth interview of Steve and a wonderful visit to his shop. And, I would be remiss if I did not comment here about Eric’s skill in asking just the right questions in an interested and interesting, natural way. So well done, something I have often noticed in many other of Eric’s OCH video interviews -notably some here in the Pacific Northwest- but none more apparent than this piece about Steve Brookman. Truly great work.
John Swansey says:
Another great video, and an in-depth look at a man and his shop and projects. Great open-ended questions which left room for real meaning to emerge from the thoughts of the builder. I made many scale model boats to sail and look at over the years so I can appreciate the mysterious solitary joy that provides – no further explanation necessary..
Wolfgang Doughty says:
Neat
Ed Altonji says:
Very impressive! Many decades ago I built model boats and planes from scratch and greatly enjoyed it. I haven’t seriously considered picking it up again until recently and this video is nudging me closer. Now where can I find a 1/10 scale table saw, band saw, jointer, and assorted hand tools?
Laurence Jory says:
Try Lee Valley
Steve Brookman says:
The Veratis Model Tools from Lee Valley really work. Micromark has scale power tools, that can cost as much as the big ones.
Peter Strock says:
I have been around enough “builders’ from Alan Vaitses to Gannon and Benjamin to recognize the unique background, skills and attitude of Steve Brookman.
So now the question is how does a mere mortal with carpentry skills step up to these projects ?
A how-to-begin video that didn’t build on 4 years at the Naval Academy would be a first step for the novice.
A list of skills to acquire and basic equipment to begin with –somewhere between Steve and Harry Bryan — would help to keep a novice on the wind.
But otherwise an inspiring piece of video. Even my bride was impressed by the work spaces Steve let us see.
Steve Brookman says:
Thanks, but there is a BIG difference in skills between me and Harry Bryant. I did take his class at WoodenBoat School. He is the real deal, very knowledgeable and a great person.
As for building, it’s really that Nike thing, just do it. Having smart friends, YouTubes, OCH, and lots of epoxy helps. A moaning chair is also essential and knowing that you’ll have a lot of do-overs. This is from someone who had no tools or building experience 15 yrs ago so you can do it.
Kenneth Jeffreys says:
I kept looking in the background at Steve’s shops. OCH could do another film about his workspaces.
Steve Brookman says:
It’s a 20×40 open Maine barn-ish design, well insulated, with 12×8 studio for my wife. Her 99 y/o dad, an excellent woodworker, was the inspiration when he visited a few years ago and said his one regret in life was not having a good workshop. So I splurged on this one and will not have that issue!
George Blaisdell says:
Looks like “Heathen” out of BDQ
Burke Horner says:
Beautifully done, Eric!
Steve is an amazing craftsman, who comes across as a normal, yet brilliant, guy. Talk about a ship shape operation too! Your questions and his comments moved along as smoothly as his yachts. Well filmed, everybody!
Bert van Baar says:
For people who want to orepare for boatbuilding: there is a Swedish site, also translated in `english called https://batritningar.se/en
Its been started by Bertil Andersson and his son Roger is now slowly taking over. There are more then 100 Swedish boats shown from Bertils work taking lines off old boats. He also teaches boatbuilding.
Mostly these drawings are used for model boatbuilding and sometimes real boats are being build from it. He is not very expensive.
John Wujack says:
Beautiful art! Thanks for sharing.