The journey began with a two-year work experience stint at Topsail Charters located in Maldon. This time served as an introduction to the intricate world of barges, where Sam Hicks was entrusted with the boats sailing and upkeep. “From there on I caught the bug of traditional boats and decided that was what I wanted ... How Did I Become a Skipper Through Boat Restoration? More
Both born in the UK, Julian and Sharon, crossed paths in the Australian film and television industry. As special effects and prop makers, they were the unseen hands behind the magic of the silver screen. Sharon recalls, “In the days before Computer Generated Imagery (CGI), what you saw on the silver screen started with physical ... Is Brilliant II Their Real-Life Movie Set? More
Kayaking, a popular water sport, has seen significant advancements in technology over the years. One significant advancement is the use of PRO-SET® Epoxy in kayak construction. This technology leverages Vacuum Infused Fibreglass and Carbon Technology. This approach transforms kayak construction, providing a multitude of advantages compared to conventional methods. These materials demonstrate outstanding physical properties at room ... PRO-SET® Epoxy Kayaks with Vacuum Infused Fibreglass and Carbon Technology More
When you’re knee-deep in a project, the bonding stage is where things start to get exciting. It’s like seeing all the puzzle pieces come together. But to make that happen, you need two key ingredients: a clean and well-prepped surface, and the right kind of glue. Now, there’s this method called ‘two-step bonding’. Why is ... How Can You Make a Joint with Two-Step Epoxy Bonding? More
Epoxy is an ideal material for creating jewellery due to its versatility, durability, and ease of handling. Its ability to be poured into moulds or used as a coating on various surfaces, coupled with its vibrant colours and resistance to wear and tear, makes epoxy a perfect choice for crafting unique and long-lasting jewellery pieces. More
Chris, a man with a deep-rooted passion for artistry, was fortunate to grow up in a family that supported his creative interests. His father, an architect, and skilled at woodwork, instilled in him the value of creating bespoke pieces. “That spirit has stuck with me – why buy something off-the-rack when I can build exactly ... Celtic-Inspired Epoxy Woodwork More
Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, where the untamed coastline greets the sea, the Lochaber Coastal Rowing Club thrives. This tight-knit community’s pivotal focus is rowing, but it extends beyond mere physical exertion. The club is equally fervent about forging connections and celebrating heritage. “Lochaber Coastal Rowing Club was formed to promote and facilitate the sport ... Lochaber Coastal Rowing Club and the St Ayles Skiff Project More
I’ve been involved in sailing since my mid-teens, albeit more sporadically than consistently. Throughout this period, I primarily served as a crew member on various skippers’ boats, gaining a wealth of nautical experience. My most recent nautical adventures were based out of Oban on the west coast. It was during one of these journeys that ... Building ‘Lockdown’ – Working with Swallow Yachts More
Meet Glenn and Debbie, a devoted couple who have been sharing the joys of matrimony for 32 years. Nestled in the heart of Jimboomba, Queensland, they reside on a picturesque 5-acre rural property. Their passion for the sea is evident in their daily hour-long journey to their pride and joy, Speranza, a majestic 43-foot bridge ... Life Aboard Speranza More
Twelve years ago Mat Taylor began a career in teaching Design and Technology, finally putting his degree in Product Design to use. This quickly instilled a fascination for woodworking; he found himself irresistibly drawn to the neglected planes and chisels in the tool cupboard, eager to master the skills they represented and venture into the ... A Journey into the Boat Industry More
If you need strength and adhesion in a hurry, or if you’re worried about mixing epoxy accurately or don’t have the right tools to hand, WEST SYSTEM® Six10® pre-mixed adhesive could be the trade secret you’re looking for. What Makes Six10 a Perfect Choice for Various Applications? Six10 is a two-part, pre-thickened epoxy adhesive, perfect ... Why Choose Pre-Mixed Adhesive for Quick and Quality Results? More
Have you got some broken jewellery that’s been on your to-fix list for a while? Or maybe you are waiting to glue a household item back together? Ever found yourself wondering about the best product to use for these kinds of repairs? The WEST SYSTEM G/flex Thickened Epoxy Adhesive is a resilient, all-around, two-component epoxy ... Fixing a ring with G/flex® 655 Thickened Epoxy More
How Can Epoxy Seal Sinks and Countertops? Did you know that your trusted WEST SYSTEM Epoxy can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor home repairs, including fixing a cracked toilet or addressing plaster issues? You can use epoxy to seal the surfaces of high moisture areas, as well as the edges of ... Can WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy Improve Home Repairs? More
I presently hold the position of director at medical clinics situated across various locations in the Netherlands. The primary motivation behind building “anything” was the realisation that in contemporary times, we often fail to witness tangible outcomes of our efforts. The human mind is a fascinating tool, capable of processing complex monetary figures, numerical data ... A Director’s Boat Building Journey More
Have you always wanted to build your own skim board but don’t know where to start? Even if you have chosen the materials for your project, the next step to actually building a skim board can be daunting. But don’t worry – we are here to help! What materials do you need for your skim ... Can You Build Your Own Skim Board Using WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy? More
Water damage can significantly shorten the lifespan of a wooden boat. So, how can you defend your boat against water penetration and keep it looking smart for longer? How Does Marine Epoxy Help in Waterproofing Surfaces? Coating with marine epoxy is a fantastic strategy for waterproofing surfaces and preventing wood rot. However, there are some ... How Can You Protect Your Wooden Boat from Water Damage? More
There’s something about a well-varnished wood trim on boats that catches the eye, isn’t there? But let’s be honest, the traditional method can feel like it’s taking forever. Waiting two weeks for twelve layers of varnish to dry? That’s an entire summer if you’re in the UK! Can We Speed Up the Varnishing Process? You ... Want Quick, Well-Varnished Wood For Your Boat’s Trim? More
A few years ago, at the age of 28, I found myself residing along the Thames in Buckinghamshire. My journey into the boat industry began, above all, with a growing interest in sailing. Nevertheless, it was wooden boat construction that indeed caught my attention. This enthusiasm led me to enrol at the International Boatbuilding Training College in Lowestoft in ... How Did a Passion for Sailing Lead to a Career in Traditional Wooden Boat Construction? More
Not sure whether epoxy has what it takes to fix your fibreglass boat repairs? “It’s versatile, strong, reliable – and more than a match for polyester resin”, says Hamish Cook, Technical Guru at Epoxycraft. Fibreglass boats – like all boats – get damaged. It’s inevitable. Collisions and groundings cause everything from small nicks to serious ... Why Is Epoxy The Best Choice For Fibreglass Boat Repairs? More
In the realm of DIY and home improvement, the saying “necessity is the mother of invention” rings true. We’ve all found ourselves in situations where we’ve had to improvise with the wrong tool. This usually happens because the right one has mysteriously disappeared. But what if you could repurpose some of the tools already in ... How Can a Razor Blade Be Used in Your Workshop? More
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been absolutely hooked on building and creating things. It started with RC airplanes – I’d spend hours getting my hands dirty, piecing together every tiny part, and then watching my creations take flight. But it wasn’t just about the building; it was the thrill of seeing something I’d made from ... OD Guitars – Essential Tools for Perfect Tone More
I spent over thirty years practising as a dentist and harboured a constant fascination for crafting wooden furniture and home accessories. My skills in woodworking were entirely self-acquired, leading to a certain unpredictability in the quality of my creations. In 2021, I chose early retirement and undertook a year-long designer/maker course at the esteemed Waters ... How Did a Dentist Become a Woodworker? More
I have been working as an electrician, accumulating over 15 years of valuable experience within the construction industry. Until a few years ago, the notion of delving into boating had never crossed my mind. Initially, my plan involved purchasing a van and converting it for road trips across Europe. However, fate had other plans in ... Restoring a Sailboat More
I have nurtured a passion for design and crafting for as far back as I can recall. During my childhood, every yoghurt pot, cardboard box, or straw became a canvas for my imagination. These objects would transform into robots, spaceships, or racing cars! Yet, even in my early years, I recognised a disparity. This was ... Mark Hester, The Design Behind Formworx More
My name is Simen Soltvedt and I’m 48 years old. I reside on the scenic west coast of Norway in Bjørnafjorden. It’s just an hour away from Bergen, the country’s second-largest city. My wonderful wife, Elin, and I are proud parents of two young adults aged 18 and 22. By profession, I delve into the ... How is Simen Soltvedt Crafting the Future with Resin and Wood? More
Belinda Joslin serves as the founder of ‘Women in Boat Building’, a Community Interest Company established to provide support, foster connections, and offer inspiration to women actively involved in boatbuilding. Previously, Belinda held a role as a finisher at Spirit Yachts in Ipswich. It was during this time that she became motivated to connect with ... Women in Boat Building #WIBB More
Are you used to standing in a dust cloud when you mix lightweight filler into your epoxy? There’s a handy technique to avoid that. David Johnson tells all. I have to be honest – no-one ever asks us how to go about mixing a filler into epoxy. In fact, I wondered briefly if it was ... What are the Efficient Techniques for Mixing Lightweight Filler into Epoxy Resin? More
Meet Polly Robinson. From a young age, she developed a strong passion for boats. This was influenced by her sailing enthusiast family, who were also skilled boat builders. Her childhood was filled with thrilling boat adventures, in the scenic south of England and the serene Lake District. The Pram Dinghy: A Family Heirloom One particularly ... Bridging Generations with Boats – The Journey of Polly Robinson More
Why is Cleanliness So Crucial When Applying Epoxy? When you’re preparing a surface for an epoxy application, cleanliness isn’t just important, it’s absolutely crucial. You see, if your surface isn’t clean before you begin, you’re setting yourself up for a tougher job down the line. Why? Because contamination can actually reduce the adhesive power of ... How Does Ensuring a Clean Surface Lead To a Strong Epoxy Bond? More
Sailing Rum Punch comprises of Ellie and Ben. They form a dynamic duo with a unified vision. Their goal is to transform a 1972 ‘Contest 38’ sailing boat into their idyllic abode. Equipped with their impressive vessel, they embark on an exciting journey to navigate the vast expanses of the oceans. Background knowledge: Ben’s upbringing ... Sailing Rum Punch More
Tell us a bit about your background and what motivated/inspired you to boatbuilding? My business primarily focuses on agriculture, food, and related machinery sectors. I serve as an importer and distributor in Türkiye, representing seven different companies. I source high-quality seeds and machinery from reputable suppliers in the Netherlands, UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Finland, and ... Ocracoke 20-B More
Fergal Butler is a man with a plan. After giving up work – as a daffodil picker – he needed a hobby which he could manage in his back garden while also caring full time for his family. He wanted to build a motor cruiser with room for two wheelchairs – to accommodate his wife ... How Did Fergal Butler’s Boat Survive 8 Years Underwater? More
Hailing from France, the remarkable group known as Les Bátar is passionately working towards a ground-breaking endeavour: constructing the world’s fastest longship. Their ambitious goal? To embark on an extraordinary voyage across the seas, setting sail towards New York. Founded in 2011 as a non-profit organisation, they have been dedicated to the reconstruction of Viking ... Les Bátar – Viking Boat More
For many people, surfing represents more than a sport. It is a way of life and a way to connect with nature and the ocean. Fabio, a Handmade Surfboard Designer and Shaper, was born in Rome on May 1, 1962. He has turned this passion into a lifestyle that led him from the Italian coast ... Fabio Giacomini – Handmade Surfboard Designer More
Tell us a bit about your background and what motivated or inspired you to enter the boat industry? When I was 13 years old, I started building my very first wooden boat using Geoffrey Prout’s flatty design. It was an experience that ignited a deep passion for boats within me, later inspiring me to pursue ... Rising from Ashes – The Haven 12.5 Project More
Circles Alternative Education is a non-profit community interest company. Its primary goal is to engage young people in learning through practical skills development. They focus on providing opportunities to those who are not in full-time education. Additionally, they specifically target individuals with special educational needs, particularly those who struggle with literacy skills. Unlike traditional schools ... Sailing Towards Learning: Circles Alternative Education’s Boat Project Empowers Youth with Community-Based Education More
Ever wondered what goes into making a sport boat using Epoxy Resin? Here’s how WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy inventors Jan and Meade Gougeon and their team of Technical Experts did it. All in all, it took about 700 hours of work but, we’re guessing you don’t have that kind of time to spare. Instead, take the ... From Plank of Wood to i550 Sport Boat in 3 Minutes Using Epoxy Resin More
Learn the basic techniques! Whether you plan on bonding, laminating, filleting, fairing, or applying fabrics, the success of the application depends not only on the strength of the epoxy, but also on how well the epoxy adheres to the surface to which it is being applied. Why is Surface Preparation Important? “Surface preparation is one ... Basic Techniques of Surface Prep for Repairs on Wooden Boats? More
Are you working on some DIY projects and looking for ideas to make things go more smoothly? Why Use Cable Ties for Stitching? When it comes to stitch-and-glue boat construction, the traditional method involves using copper for stitching. But Hanneke Boon from James Wharram Designs suggests a different approach: cable ties. “They’re cheap, easy to ... How Can Epoxy Improve Your DIY Projects? More
How can you safely dispose of epoxy? Getting rid of PRO-SET® and WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy is straightforward if you follow these simple guidelines (and if you waste as little as possible in the first place…) How can you minimise epoxy waste? Not having to dispose of epoxy is easier than having to dispose of epoxy – ... How Can You Safely Dispose Of Epoxy? More
Don’t panic! It’s easily done and, thankfully, pretty easy to fix too. Follow the 11 steps in this video to see how you can use the WEST SYSTEM® 406 Colloidal Silica epoxy and several patches of reinforcing fabric cut to size to fill in holes in a fibreglass boat. Once you’ve painted it or applied ... What to do when you get a hole in a fibreglass boat More
How do you stop the mattress on your boat from getting mouldy and damp? Strategically placed ventilation holes in the plywood bunk bases have long been used a strategy for preventing this. But, before long, the veneer on the plywood often starts to split. Classic Boat has run a feature on how you can guard ... Prevent plywood from splitting with coats of epoxy resin More