Boat Building: Preserving Nautical Heritage
“My name is Carl Berlin and I’m a boatbuilder originally from a small town called Pojo in Finland. I studied wooden boatbuilding from 2009 to 2011 at ‘Kuggomskolan’ in Lovisa.” Carl continued to practice his craft as a subcontractor for several years, building his reputation and expertise in preserving nautical heritage. This journey culminated in his dream of owning his own workshop and operating as a fully independent boatbuilder, which he achieved approximately two years ago.
Demonstrating a keen entrepreneurial spirit, Carl swiftly transitioned to a professional role in the field. With a year and a half of valuable experience under his belt, he launched CB Craft.
How Did You Discover Your Passion for Boat Construction?
The Berlin family had a long history of boat ownership, and repairs were always a part of the equation. This tradition created great enthusiasm within boat restoration. The family had a wooden cabin cruiser that had been neglected for years, and they dreamed of bringing it back to life. However, a quote from a local boatbuilder shattered those hopes, as the cost of restoration was prohibitive.
Determined to see the project through, Carl decided to learn the necessary skills himself. This decision also aligned with his desire for a more hands-on career, as he had previously studied engineering. The discovery of a boatbuilding school felt like a perfect fit.
Can You Describe the Types of Boat Work You Specialise In?
He primarily focuses on restoring wooden boats, rarely dealing with lapstrake planking and almost never building new ones. His rebuilds often involve extensive work, comparable to constructing a new boat.
“I guess I’m somewhat specialised in classic carvel planked yachts. Scandinavian yachts are built with tight fitting seams and the planks have been glued since the introduction of water-resistant adhesives. A very common repair I do is splining plank seams where the original glue has failed.”
Epoxy is a highly effective material for these types of repairs. It allows for the replacement of specific parts of a structure, rather than requiring the entire piece to be changed. This approach is particularly beneficial for preserving the original character of the yacht.
What’s the Biggest Challenge You’ve Faced in Building a Boat?
Carl breathed new life into a 1959 Riva Super Florida, exhaustively restoring its weathered hull and worn interior. The boat received 14 coats of varnish, a rebuilt engine, and new chrome.
With a limited timeframe and budget, he poured over 1500 hours into this project. The challenge was to deliver excellent results without compromising on cost.
WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy was the backbone of the rebuild. The hullsides, decks, and interior panels were carefully sealed and bonded using a vacuum-bagging process. Full-length, book-matched veneers were applied, eliminating the need for fasteners.
What Are the Best Materials and Techniques for Building High-Quality Boats?
“Sharp tools and a good eye. Attention to detail.”
Carl explains that specific techniques and materials often come down to personal preference. Individuals must discover what works best for their own projects. He explains how finishing, for example, can involve a variety of varnishes, brushes, and application methods. What works for one person may not be ideal for another. Through experimentation, individuals can find techniques and materials that they are comfortable with and that consistently produce the desired results.
Can You Discuss Your Experience with WEST SYSTEM Products?
He began using epoxy on a larger scale when he built his own boat, a 20-foot mahogany runabout. The styling is reminiscent of 1930s Chris Craft, but the boat is cold moulded and encapsulated in epoxy.
Initially, he used a competitor’s product. While not unsatisfactory, this epoxy performed less
effectively in cooler temperatures and exhibited more pronounced amine blush. About ten years ago, Carl switched to WEST SYSTEM Epoxy.
He found that WEST SYSTEM Epoxy works exceptionally well for his needs. Primarily using 105 Epoxy Resin® with 205 Fast Hardener® but also utilising Six10® cartridges and PRO-SET® 5-Minute Epoxy for quicker jobs.
Recently, he’s also been employing G/flex® Epoxy, which is particularly effective when working with teak and other oily woods.
”I haven’t had any problems with any of the WEST SYSTEM products. As long as mixing and prep work are correctly done, I know I’m going to get a good bond.”
Have You Faced Any Unexpected Challenges?
“Oh, absolutely. I’ve had a few re-starts where the current location or situation didn’t work out for one reason or another. There was also a period when I had very little work and actually considered quitting. There have been a few jobs where I offered a fixed price and really ended up making no money at all. Pretty basic really. I think most people can relate.”
What Advice Would You Give To Someone Who Is New To Boat Building Or Considering A Restoration Project?
Carl explains that starting a large boat-building or restoration project requires a certain degree of optimism. The sheer scale and complexity of the undertaking can be daunting. If you were to fully comprehend the amount of labour involved beforehand, you may not want to proceed. However, for those with a deep-seated passion for boats, the challenges can be a driving force. The end result of your own beautifully crafted boat is often worth the arduous effort.
Mistakes are inevitable in such projects. But these missteps can be valuable learning experiences. By understanding the causes of errors, individuals can refine their techniques and avoid repeating them in the future.
Looking Ahead, What Excites You Most About The Future Of Boat Building?
Each new boat-building or restoration project offers a unique sense of excitement for Carl. Regardless of the scale, whether it’s a new construction or a restoration, the anticipation is palpable. With every project, there’s an opportunity to refine skills.
A focus on classic yachts, particularly the Int5M, 6mR, and 8mR classes, has been growing in Finland. The upcoming 8mR World Championship in Turku is a great example of this.
Have You Ever Participated in Any Boat Shows or Exhibitions?
“I have been at two shows with my own boat, one in Turku and one in Helsinki. I’m not sure if I got any work as a direct result of those shows, but the exposure didn’t hurt of course.”
Participating in boat shows requires a significant investment of time and resources. Given that the majority of his work is generated through word-of-mouth referrals, he doesn’t feel compelled to regularly attend these events. However, if he were to build or restore a boat on speculation, showcasing it at a boat show would be a strategic decision to attract potential clients and something he would definitely consider.
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