Bowsprit

[thaxter]

Just had to take off my bowsprit (rot underneath) and need to make a new one. Basically a shaped plank six foot long, six inch wide, one&quarter inch thick.
The old one is made from oak but this is proving difficult / expensive to get hold of, would appreciate any advice on alternative wood to use.

Many thanks Stu

 

[npf1]

The replacement on my boat is Sitka Spruce, constructed by laminating several planks together with epoxy, then carving to shape before sheathing in epoxy/fibreglass.

 

[Spuddy]

Iroko would be a good choice but expect cost more than oak. Have another dig around - there used to be country sawmills in Dorset when I lived there ( hmm 30 years ago ) and it doesn't need to be kiln dried oak for what you want. A fencing supplier round here has oak for instance.

 

[afp]

If all else fails, try Bamptons in Southampton, we recently bought a piece of oak to make an internal doorstep of similar proportions (possibly slightly thinner).

 

[bazobeleza]

laminate one up from pieces, either oak or oak and mahog. It will be cheaper in that ex 7 x 1 1/2" will sell at premium over smaller sections, 4 pieces of 2 x 2 or 8 2 x 1 will be easier to locate. Try going round you local joinery / shopfitters see if they have any spare bits, A laminated bowsprit will be a lot stronger too.

 

[VicS]

Perhaps its a stupid suggestion but i believe it is possible to get oak railway sleepers. You would not use a large proportion but you'd have lots of oak for other projects.

 

[Eygthene]

I got some oak from a firm that recycles building materials. It is in Cornwall which is a long way from you, but I expect there will be someone local to you in that business.

 

[thaxter]

Thanks for all your ideas! /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Stu