July, 2013 - Traditional Small Craft Association

A Quarterly Newsletter
Volume 10
Number 3
July 2013
Annual Boat
Show
Boats for sale
Big River Row
Whaleboat
Launchings
Page 1
Pages 2 & 3
Page 4 & 5
Page 8
Page 6 & 7
Big River Row
by Linda Dillion
and Friends
July 27th was a foggy, grey day – perfect for messing about
on a coastal river. We had 8 boats on the water, minimal
wind and favorable tides. Among the attendees were Ejler
with his newest creation, a river dory. Bill and Gwen, with
dog Lenny rowed along in their dory Essex. Out-of–towner
Tom brought his Herschoff skiff, Sam and Deb joined in
Deb's Vermont packboat; and Lee and Norm in Lee's Aeolus
dory, Jim in his Nahant dory, and Stan and the Dillions in
their Gordy Nash whitehalls rounded out the fleet.
The Swallows hosted a potluck supper that added much
cheer to a grey and foggy day.
1
Lost Coast News
32100 N. Harbor Dr. Fort Bragg, CA
707/964-2612
www.tsca.net/LostCoast
W H A L E
B O A T
Monomoy Whaleboat Restored
and Relaunched
by Dusty Dillion
2
After a long search of the waterfronts from
Los Angeles to Seattle, I received a call from
Oakland Women’s Rowing Club asking if I
was still looking for a whale boat. I said I was;
they said they had one for sale. I then put out
the word that I was looking for investors to
purchase the boat to be used as a community
resource activity.
Stephen Duerr, owner of Piaci Pub in Fort
Bragg, asked what we needed to get this
started. I said “a check”. Bob Treaster and I set
out for Oakland with a borrowed trailer, and
with blind joy we loaded up at Lake Merritt
and headed back. Upon arrival we proudly
parked our treasure ship on Redwood Street
for all to see. Then while taking her down to
the boat shop in the Harbor we organized a
crew from Lost Coast Traditional Small Craft
Association, put the boat in the water, and
(led by President Stan Halvorsen) we put to
sea. I knew we would have a lot of work to
do, but couldn’t resist a trip to the buoys.
Helen Dee at the dock, Worlds End
Rowing Club
Top photo from left: Dwight Harris, Mike
Coleman, Bruce Rogerson, Dusty Dillion,
and Stan Halvorsen take the Helen Dee
for a spin on the Noyo
Headed for water
Upon return we loaded her onto a cart and
took her to the boat shop. Many loving hands
and watchful eyes scoured the boat for
blemishes and disrepair. Evidently, poor
mooring practices had broken all the ribs.
Fortunately, they had been repaired
previously with sister ribs. Unfortunately the
sisters were all broken as well!
Eventually I learned that this Monomoy
whale boat had been built by Ray Speck at the
Northwest School of boat building in Port
Townsend WA. Ray is known to many of our
members so I got him on the phone. He told
me the boat had been built of Port Orford
cedar planks and white oak ribs on 12”
centers. On the next boat he built for the
Oakland club all the ribs were on 9” centers.
We set to work stripping the growth from the
bottom and the paint from the outside planks.
Once we could see what needed to be done,
we thought we may have bitten off more than
we could chew! Forty years of pounding
against the dock had left us with a pretty loose
boat. We decided we would have to capture
the shape of the hull. We couldn’t remove the
old ribs until we did. We decided to place the
new ribs on 6” centers. [Ed.'s note: see Dusty's
article in LCN vol. 10, No. 1]
While there was much skepticism, there was
an equal amount of enthusiasm and support.
Sandra Kearney, of Mendocino Boot Camp for
Women, began to enlist a cadre of women
interested in the boat. Chris Thomas brought
us a piece of black locust to repair the badly
damaged stems, and sawmill operator Brian
Clarke provided us with Tasmanian blue gum
for the ribs.
As we set out laminating the first ribs in place
I noticed a Wooden Boat magazine on the
shop bench featuring an article by Ray Speck.
As it happens the article was on riveting. A
thorough explanation and a description of the
tools needed. It even gave a telephone number
for a machine shop in Port Townsend that
would fabricate us a set of riveting irons. As I
was dialing the number I noticed that the
magazine was nearly 40 years old. Much to
my surprise they answered the phone! They
had a good laugh and agreed to make us the
set. 76 ribs and 1,400 rivets later it was time to
roll the boat over.
Lost Coast News
Ready and waiting
for a ride
Just the topic “rolling the boat over” initiates
a plethora of expert advice from bystanders.
So we bolted a couple of 2X4’s across the
mild-section oarlocks; rigged some logging
straps in a “loggers roll”; secured them to the
forklift and over she went.
We stripped the bottom and patched 4 split
planks (thank you Sikaflex). So then it was
bottom paint and the first coat of Briteside;
we let the paint stiffen over the weekend and
Monday morning it was right side up again.
With nearly a year into the project, we set a
launch date two weeks out.
A gallon of Gluvit, another gallon of bilge
coat (Sandra sought out small blemishes and
patched), a light sanding, and the finish coat.
Then Bob decided it needed another finish
coat. He painted the gunnels while I
reworked the deck and floorboards. We sent
out the emails and made some phone calls,
bought some champagne and waited for the
paint to dry.
The faithful arrived at the boathouse about 5
o’clock on Thursday, July 4th to splash
champagne in preparation for Friday’s
launch. Our first row was scheduled to
Saturday, but we wanted to see if she would
take on water. She did, about 15 gallons. Stan
said “let me try something” and he tightened
the drain plug one more turn. It was a dry
boat that delivered Linda and me to the
Salmon BBQ on Saturday for a day of grilling
and serving salmon.
32100 N. Harbor Dr. Fort Bragg, CA
707/964-2612
www.tsca.net/LostCoast
As I looked over my shoulder there were
happy rowers headed back down river to the
river mouth. Stephen means to apply his
mother’s name to encourage participation by
women and girls and the community at large
to come row this boat. The Helen Dee had had
her day.
She is currently moored at the Worlds End
Rowing Club on North Harbor Drive.
Participants will be required to become
members of the Traditional Small Craft Assn.
national organization (for insurance
purposes), at a $20.00 annual fee, with a goal
to wear this boat out!
Note:
The whale boat Helen Dee is successfully
recruiting crews. Sandra Kearney and
Stan Halvorsen have hosted four sessions of
women rowers; recruiting 10 new members for
Lost Coast and TSCA national.
On Thursday, August 8 at 10am at the Worlds
End Rowing Club, 32100 N. Harbor Dr. FB,
men will have the opportunity to row and
organize scheduled events using this boat.
Please call Dusty to get your name on the list
or for more conversation: 964-2612.
3
Launchings
Messin’ About on the Noyo
by Gwen Jacobson
It wasn’t exactly a sunny, warm day on
Saturday the 27th of April when a few
(very few) stalwarts met at the Worlds
End boathouse in anticipation of a
pleasant day on the river.
First, however, was the most important
event of the day – the launching of Bud
Burdick’s finished Peapod, a labor of
love and hard work. The boat looked
lovely as it was lowered into the water
for its first test, the ‘will it float and stay
dry’ test. Freed from the straps of the
boom that lowered it, the little boat sat
proudly beside the dock, the interior just
as dry as can be. Yup, water tight and
seaworthy. President Stan took her out
for a quick row up the river a bit to see
how she tracked and to let Bud see how
she looked in the water. Once back, Bud
carefully lowered himself into his
finished beauty and proudly rowed
around a bit so photos could be taken
while he got the ‘feel’ of his creation.
Alas, other duties called Bud away, so
the boat was hauled out and put away
for another day. She is a lovely addition
to the collection of boats owned by
members of our rowing club. Nicely
done, Bud.
Bill and Gwen’s Gruenwald dory, the
Essex, was next over the rail to the
water below. Stan and Dusty’s boats
were already in the water – so,
theoretically, we were ready to go up
the Noyo with the intent of enjoying
lunch together at Dolphin Isle. The
Jacobson’s headed off, soon realizing
that they were the lone rowers going
upriver. They rowed several bends past
the old bridge before turning back
toward the marina/restaurant as the
call of hamburgers was getting ever
stronger. Linda Dillion and Stan
Halvorsen, in Stan’s boat, were nearing
the entrance to the marina as the
Jacobsons came around the bend. Dusty
was on his way, having been delayed by
last minute business. After a bit, the
lunch table was surrounded by Kris,
Stan, Linda, Dusty, Gwen and Bill – all
talking and hoping someone was
listening. Much to our delight, Ejler
Hjorth-Westh walked through the door,
on his lunch break from College of the
Redwoods woodworking program. He
joined us and regaled us with tales of the
sea otter that stole his CR sweatshirt out
of his boat and returned wearing it over
its head – adding insult to injury – before
diving under the water and losing the
sweatshirt altogether. The story had
many more interesting facets – but you
have to hear Ejler tell it to get the full
effect.
Lunch and story time over, we returned
to our boats and enjoyed a leisurely row
back to the clubhouse where boats were
lifted from the water, goodbyes were
said and we all agreed that there is
nothing like ‘messin’ about in boats’.
Dusty lurking to
record the event
Bud Burdick launches
his newly completed
Peapod as Stan guides
him out
4
There’s no such thing
as too many clamps
Virginia Macintosh in Iris,
Lower Scotts Flat Lake
Iris
by Andy Jahn
Iris came off the jig in early June, and after
trim, breasthooks and thwart, dressed out
about 21 pounds lighter than her
predecessor Duke (different wood, smarter
builder). She received a couple coats of
paint, then off to the Sierra Nevada for a
camp trip and first launch. Back home, she
got a couple more coats of paint, including
her name on the bow. She has now visited
ten bodies of water in California and
Montana and gotten lots of attention in the
states between, including the State
watercraft inspectors in Oregon, Idaho,
Montana, and Wyoming.
Why no inspectors in California? I guess it
is so that Lake County can collect $10
every time we launch our dory skiff over
there.
River Dory
by Andy Jahn
Ejler Hjorth-Westh’s newest, a river
dory, is, in the words of president Stan
Halvorsen, a true work of art.
Below, Ejler and Karen ply the waters
of Big River.
5
Lost Coast News
32100 N. Harbor Dr. Fort Bragg, CA
707/964-2612
www.tsca.net/LostCoast
Annual Boat Show
by Bill Jacobson
Showing off on dry land
6
Saturday, May 18, we held our
annual boat show on the lawn of
the Kelley House Museum, in
Mendocino. It was a beautiful
day with a lot of sunshine and a
light breeze. By 10 AM we had 18
boats on display. Of those, 15
have been locally built or
restored. We had a couple of
modified weekend skiffs and
several variations of dories
including an electric powered
one, just brought down from
Washington State, by the name of
“Silence” that we hope to see
giving tours on the Noyo
River. Richard Lowan brought
four of his beautiful strip-built
kayaks which generated a lot of
interest and discussion. Bud
Burdick had his newly finished
Pea Pod that just had its first
outing a week earlier. Bob
Treaster’s not quite finished
wherry was on display and it
was lovely to look at the lines
presented by the sweep of the
bow as well as the fine
craftsmanship overall. The dory
“Mona” had her red sail up and
looked eager to move across the
lawn at any moment. A
lapstrake canoe, a version of
Rushston’s “Wee Lassie”, built
by Andy Jahn and showing
bright yellow and red colors was
indeed pretty. My own 1945
restored Old Town Canoe
received its share of attention
and praise. Dusty Dillion, our
Outreach Coordinator (one of
his many hats), presented
information to anyone showing
interest in our “weekend skiff”
program that he has established
to encourage the participation of
young people in boat building,
water safety, and just messing
about in boats. It was a great
day, and a lot of interest in our
boats and club was shown from
locals and tourists.
Richard Lowan's
eye-popping
kayaks
The author's faithfully
restored Old Town canoe
Bob Treaster’s not-quitefinished wherry
7
Lost Coast News
32100 N. Harbor Dr. Fort Bragg, CA
707/964-2612
www.tsca.net/LostCoast
Boats for Sale
8’ Sailing Pram by Dusty and Bob $1500.
Can be seen at Sportsmans Cannery Shop in the harbor.
Call Dusty 707-964-2612.
8’ Rowing Pram by Dusty and Bob $1200. See at
World’s End Boatbuilding Shop, Noyo Harbor.
Call Dusty: 707-964-2612.
16' double-ended open water shell with sliding
seat and outriggers, one set of 10' carbon fiber oars. Asking
$1,500 complete. Proceeds go to the boat shop.
Call Dusty 707-964-2612
International Fireball complete with sails.
Art and Boats
by Andy Jahn
We in the TSCA all love our wooden boats. We even love just
looking at them - especially on or near the water. If you
want proof that we are not alone, don't miss the exhibit
"Impressionists on the Water", showing at the Legion of
Honor in San Francisco through 13 October. Included among
more than 80 paintings and other works of art are two boats
of the period, including an approximately 30-foot cruising
gig like the one depicted here (from Renoir's Oarsmen at
Chatou, 1879).
http://impressionists.famsf.org
2013 Messabout Schedule
$2000 donation to Lost Coast TSCA. Call Dusty 707-964-2612
All events start at 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted.
20’ Doghole dory
Information: Dusty, 707/964-2612
Stan, 707/357-0888
See article April ’13 LCN vol. 10, No 2.
Ejler Hjorth-Westh: ejler@mcn.org
12' Aeolus Dory Good Condition
$800 (includes oars and trailer).
Sold separately: set of 8' 8" Aeolus oars $100
Jon Franklin 650-440-3088
August 10 Navarro River, launch at NE side of the bridge
September 6-8 Port Townsend Wooden BoatFestival,
anyone going?
September 20-21 Blue Lake, Bill Jacobson 707/937-2432
September 21 Coastal Clean-Up, Noyo River
October 5 Albion River Row & Pot Luck
November 16 TSCA Annual Meeting & Elections,
Worlds End
15’ 7” Whitehall
Excellent shape. Cedar over oak.
Comes with four long sweeps, a boat dolly - no trailer.
4 oar locks and various hardware. $2000 or best offer.
Jack B. Hale 650-610-8731 or jack@jbhaledesign.com
Let’s hear from you
We’d like to hear your ideas.
Send us your thoughts about past, present
or future articles and/or photos & images
you’d like to see included in the
newsletter. Contact Andy:
andyjahn@mac.com
8
Lost Coast TSCA
Traditional Small Craft Association, established in 1970, is a
nonprofit educational organization which works to preserve
and continue the living traditions, skills lore and legends
surrounding working and pleasure craft whose origins
predate the marine gasoline engine. It encourages the design,
construction and use of these boats, and it embraces
contemporary variants and adaptations of traditional designs.
TSCA is an enjoyable yet practical link among users,
designers, builders, restorers, historians, government, and
maritime institutions. Join the Lost Coast Chapter of the
TSCA (membership form below). Be a part of this exciting
organization. Increase your enjoyment of traditional boats and
meet other community members who share your interest.
Annual dues are $25. Copyright 2008 by the TSCA.
President Stan Halvorsen 707/357-0888
Sec/Treasure Linda Dillion 707/964-2612
Newsletter Andy Jahn/Virginia Macintosh 707/468-7432
andyjahn@mac.com
CommunityOutreach Dusty Dillion 707/964-2612
Web Master Jim Swallow 707/937-0828
http://www.tsca.net/LostCoast
Lost Coast TSCA
32100 North Harbor Drive, Fort Bragg, CA. 95437
If you are willing to receive your newsletter by e-mail only,
please contact Linda Dillion at lostcoast1@saber.net
I wish to:
☐ Join
Boat ownership not a requirement. If you own a boat,
☐ Renew
What kind?__________________________________________
Name _________________________________________________
☐ Change of Address
Address ____________________________________________
I/We desire the following annual membership:
☐ Individual $25.
City________________________________________________
☐ Family $25.
Family memberships qualify all members to participate in Lost
Coast TSCA events.
Don’t own a boat? No problem.. Join and row with a member
that does. Join the fun.
State ______________________ Zip ___________________
Phone ______________________ Email __________________
Enclosed is my check for $ ____________
I am also a member of the__________________________(if any)
Chapter of the TSCA
Checks should be written to Lost Coast TSCA.
I hold the Lost Coast TSCA harmless.
Signature ___________________________________________
9
Lost Coast News
32100 N. Harbor Dr. Fort Bragg, CA
707/964-2612
www.tsca.net/LostCoast
Lost Coast TSCA
32100 North Harbor Drive
Fort Bragg, CA 95437