Professional: Boats, Baths, and Bespoke Builds
Tasmanian Shipwrights & Co. was founded by a group of young shipwrights from southern Tasmania who sought to create a company dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of wooden boat building. Nathan O’Neill and Matt Stevens founded and now lead the company. Their team currently comprises three individuals, a mix of full-time and casual employees, and they are excited to welcome their first apprentice in the coming year.
“We have such a rich history of boatbuilding in Tasmania, and it has slowed down dramatically in the past 50 years. Tas shipwright’s main objective is to keep these skills alive and pass them on to the preceding generations.” – Matt Stevens
A Gentleman’s Yacht
Floki is a 1976, 32-foot motor launch, originally constructed by Cayzer Boat Yard in Victoria. Her carvel planking is made of durable New Zealand Kauri. Recently, Floki has undergone a substantial restoration, transforming her into an inimitable and luxurious gentleman’s cruiser.
A Huon Pine Classic Restored
The 1984 Tradition, a historic Huon Pine boat and the final one to be built at the famous Creese’s boatyard in Battery Point, is currently undergoing a careful restoration. Commissioned by the present owner’s father, this project carries deep personal meaning.
As the Tradition returns to its birthplace for a major refit, it aims to compete in the 80th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 2025.
A key part of the restoration involves repairing damaged planks and strengthening the hull below the waterline with E-Glass and WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy.
This large-scale work reflects the owner’s dedication to preserving this cherished boat and guaranteeing its story continues for years to come.
Mermaid Restored
Mermaid, a historic Derwent class yacht with sail number D11, is a significant part of Australia’s maritime history. This esteemed class, founded in 1927 by renowned Hobart yachtsman Edwin H. Webster, was designed to bridge the gap between smaller dinghies and larger racing yachts.
Constructed in 1944 by A.C. Smith, Mermaid has recently endured a vast restoration. The project involved a thorough renovation, including the removal of her deadwood and keel.
A new structural framework was painstakingly constructed with 62 ribs, and the hull was refastened with thousands of copper nails and screws.
The restoration also involved replacing six planks, repairing several others, and refurbishing the stem. A new cold-moulded transom was fitted, and the stringers and sheer clamps were replaced. The deck was completely reframed, and new Oregon spars and a Huon Pine cabin are currently under construction.
To enhance the hull’s strength and durability, WEST SYSTEM G/flex® Epoxy was used to spline the hull. As Mermaid emerges from this restoration, she stands as a great example of the enduring legacy of the Derwent class.
The Wooden Tub
“The Shipwrights bath was born when Nathan mentioned that he wanted to build a wooden bath for his friends. They were building an interesting hempcrete house in the Huon Valley. I quickly encouraged the idea as it was something I had thought about many times in the past and had a firm idea of how I would construct one.” – Matt Stevens
The proprietary bath making process begins with a core of vertical Paulownia staves. To achieve the desired curvature, 4mm veneers are carefully steamed, bent into shape, and applied to the interior and exterior surfaces. The entire piece is then securely bonded using WEST SYSTEM Epoxy. The result is a beautiful and incredibly durable bath. The insulating properties of the timber significantly extend water temperature, offering a truly indulgent bathing experience.
They use a mix of old-school and new-age techniques and exclusively use WEST SYSTEM epoxies for the job.
“We find the range of hardeners and filler powders to be perfect for the work we do.” – Matt Stevens
Historical Accuracy in Restoration
They’re always trying to do their best for their customers. Sometimes that means using old-school methods, and sometimes it’s all about the latest tech. A lot of the boats they work on are real classics (50+ years), so they must be vigilant about the task at hand.
They undertake each boating project with diligence, employing strategic methods to complete the task without compromising the boat or the client’s expectations.
Client Collaboration
“We work closely with all our clients getting them involved in most of the decision making throughout the project. This way they have a firm understanding of the work being done and the pros and cons. We love being able to bring their dreams to fruition.” – Matt Stevens
Unexpected Twists & Triumphs
The company work with a variety of timber species, each with unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Timber is a dynamic material, and its natural movement influences their approach and product selection.
Sustainable Sourcing & Charting Their Course
The company is committed to sustainable practices that benefit future generations. For instance, they’ve adopted corn starch mixing cups as an eco-friendlier alternative to plastic, whenever possible.
The company’s vision extends beyond its founders (Matthew and Nathan). They aspire to build a legacy of quality craft expertise and to nurture skilled shipwrights.
The upcoming year promises to be exciting, with several smaller projects and potential involvement in larger restoration activities. The company is also thrilled to welcome its first apprentice, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
