Start of wooden boat project

My Commando Class motor sailer by the same designers had to mymind steering problems so built a seg and rudder right aft which improved steering 100%
 
Interesting to see how far he goes before realizing how much work there is to do😂
That’s the sad truth of it. Owning a wooden boat is as much of a commitment as marriage. And if your wife is not as committed as you to the boat, it won’t be long before she’s not as committed to the marriage. We can just about cope with a mere 20 footer.
 
Been there. Seen it. Felt it and lived it. My boat was in FAR better nick than Susannah, which is basically a basket case for anyone who isn't a masochistic boatwright, with too few wooden boat problems at work.
I know that my boat takes an enormous amount of my time to keep OK, and looking good from 5 metres, and that's with a lifetime of sailing to draw from, and 10 years of ownership.
I really wish the guy well, but it's not going to be a happy outcome for him.
 
Last edited:
Been there. Seen it. Felt it and lived it. My boat was in FAR better nick than Susannah, which is basically a basket case for anyone who isn't a masochistic boatwright, with too few wooden boat problems at work.
I know that my boat takes an enormous amount of my time to keep OK, and looking good from 5 metres, and that's with a lifetime of sailing to draw from, and 10 years of ownership.
I really wish the guy well, but it's not going to be a happy outcome for him.
Especially if he carries on sanding without wearing a mask…
It is very sad to see Susannah in such a state. In the 1970s she was owned, raced and cruised by Ron and Hettie Watts, based at Paglesham on the River Roach in Essex. When they moved to Suffolk she went with them and was kept for many years on the Orwell at Pin Mill. In their ownership her topsides were a pale green; she was a well-maintained Illingworth & Primrose design looking much like the Top Hat in Buck’s link
I hope her previous owners never get to see her like this… too distressing for words.
 
Top