Boat Building: A Journey into the Boat Industry
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 boat industry.
Mat stated, “Although my degree involved designing consumer products typically made from plastics or metals, I had never had any formal training in woodwork. However, the more student projects I supported the more I wanted to learn and work with timber.”
The Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis
The prospect of enrolling in a cabinet making course was on his mind when his brother suggested the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis. After Matthew Law, one of the tutors, gave him an enlightening tour of the workshop, he became convinced that this was the right path for him. He reasoned, “If I can build a boat out of wood, surely I can tackle most things?”
The course fulfilled all his expectations, imparting him with the skills he had longed to learn and develop. He said, “Learning to create curved forms using steam bending or laminating, plus taught application of traditional hand tools had been exactly what I had been yearning for.”
Returning to Teaching
Upon completion, he returned to teaching, but the allure of boat building had taken root. He knew he needed to start a build as soon as possible.
During his time at the Boat Building Academy, he commissioned a boat, a 14’ Paul Gartside ‘Skylark’. He managed the build and made key decisions about material choices. He said, “I knew I wanted to work with natural timber as much as possible, as well as get to grips with the clinker planking.”
For his inaugural solo build, he chose a manageable clinker dinghy. He planned to construct it single-handedly during weekends and school holidays in a modest workshop. Selecting a design of an 11’ 19th century pilot cutter’s punt, drawn by Will Stirling of Stirling & Son, Plymouth. He said, “I chose this design for two reasons: firstly, it promised to be a very pretty boat. Secondly, it had a planked tuck at the stern.”
With the plans for the boat settled, Mat Taylor turned his attention to sourcing the materials. As luck would have it, Stones Boatyard, also running Stones Marine Timber, was based in the same village where he grew up. Tristan Stone was incredibly helpful with the Khaya supply for the Gartside build planking. This positive experience led to the successful assembly of an order of the same material. He also organised the machining of larger stock. Additionally, he put together an order of the same material for almost the entire build.
Suppliers and Tools
Mat said, “Gary Sawyer of Anglia Stainless supplied all the copper nails and roves.” He added “a mate, Mark, very kindly turned a dolly and some rove punches on his lathe for me. All paints and finishes were supplied by Jon Squire of the Salcombe Boat Store.”
When asked about his selection of materials and tools for the builds, Mat provided detailed explanations. He discussed not only what he used, but also why he chose them. He said, “As well as being a lovely timber to work with, Khaya steam bends well. It finishes well and is very durable in a marine environment. Oak was selected for the ribs for its strength and again steam bending properties.”
Fastening Methods and Adhesives Used
On both boats, Mat was keen to follow traditional fastening methods where possible. He was attracted to the idea that he could disassemble the boat for repairs if necessary. The ease of this process was particularly appealing to him. However, for key joins of structural components, an epoxy-based adhesive was the clear choice.
He said, “On both builds, WEST SYSTEM105 Epoxy Resin® combined with either a 205 Fast Hardener® or 206 Slow Hardener® (depending on working time requirements) and 406 Colloidal Silica Filler provided insurance that those joints would last longer than me. However, for the scarf joints on the planks that required them I chose WEST SYSTEM G/5® ; a curing time of 5 minutes meant that I could get the plank fitted and fastened shortly after the glue-up and then crack-on with the next. Also, G5 is probably the most useful adhesive to have around the workshop for those odd-jobs or quick fixes. It quickly got me out of trouble a few times!”
Finishes
In terms of finishes, Mat wanted to keep things as low maintenance as possible. He said, “For the punt I wanted to keep things as low maintenance as possible: a single pack gloss paint by International on the topsides and a simple to apply and reapply oil for a matt finish on the interior, rub rails and sheer planks (Owatrol Deks Olje D1.).”
When asked about any specific boat designs or styles that he was particularly interested in building, Mat expressed his interest. He said, “My interest in clinker boats came from having grown up on the Kingsbridge Estuary in South Devon, with its fleet of Salcombe Yawls and traditional harbour launches. At some point it would be a pleasure to work on those, whether as a restoration or new build.”
As a first solo build, there were many challenges. It was down to Mat to find his own solutions. He said, “As a first solo build, there were many head-scratching moments. However, with no tutors on hand to ask advice, it was down to me to problem solve.”
Community in South Devon
In South Devon, Mat found more than just a place to build boats. He found a community of like-minded individuals who share his passion. He said, “Having relocated back to South Devon, I am fortunate to have a number of builders and restorers of wooden boats, such as Nick Smith in Salcombe, and timber suppliers like Stones Marine Timber in East Portlemouth. There are also well-renowned yards such as Stirling & Son in Plymouth and H.J.Mears & Son in Axmouth just along the coast, all of which have provided some advice or encouragement along the way.”
Influence of John McShea
Among these connections, one person stands out for Mat – John McShea. He shared, “I must acknowledge John McShea who has been incredibly supportive, even allowing me to exhibit the punt at a show of his own work. John is a true craftsman and can turn his hand to anything, whether boats, fine furniture or sculpture. As a boatbuilder, he leaves no detail to chance and his level of craftsmanship is second to none; many details would be missed by those who wouldn’t know to look for them. But for those that do, his launches are simply a joy to observe. John is also very innovative in his approach to the building process and I always take away an idea or two any time I visit his shop.”
Current Work and Interests
Mat Taylor, now teaching part-time, has the opportunity to accept dinghy commissions and restorations in his small workshop just across the estuary from Salcombe. At present, he is exploring other products he has wanted to try his hand at, namely stools and chairs. He said, “Compared to a boat they are refreshing quick to see through to fruition! As a drummer, I would also like to build myself a new kit at some point. However, I am very much looking forward to getting stuck into a build before long.”
When asked about the most rewarding aspects of his boat-building experience, Mat shared his thoughts. He also discussed what satisfaction it brings to him personally. He said, ‘You could probably say this about anything you build, but just taking a moment to look over the day’s progress before switching off the lights and locking up, and seeing what was once a pile of material take another step towards becoming something that will hopefully bring a lot of joy to someone for years to come.’
Rewarding Aspects of Boat-Building
Mat also had some advice for someone who is just starting out with boat building or a similar DIY project. He said, “It’s amazing what you can achieve with a little more than a jigsaw, block plane and three-quarter inch chisel! Yes, when you walk into a workshop or yard you are greeted by big bandsaws, planer-thicknessers, table saws and all those other machines you don’t yet have the space or wallet for, but as long as you’re not planning to build the next replica of the Golden Hind then actually you can get far on a modest set of hand and power tools.”
He further added, “And yes, when your winning bid on Ebay is accepted for that slightly beaten-up but still perfectly serviceable Axminster Tools band saw, it will make many tasks much faster and easier. However, having managed to survive without one is only going to have given you invaluable skills and ways of working that will only but serve you well in the future.”
To follow Mat’s journey, see his social handles below:
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