Projects: Your Projects: celebrating the very best of the boat building community
At epoxycraft we like nothing more than sharing your boat building stories, which is exactly what Your Projects are all about. From big to small projects, novice to professional boat builders — we welcome contributions from everyone, the only requirement is that you’re passionate about your craft and eager to share your experience. What makes a good Your Project? Well, really it’s the people behind the project; the ones who want to innovate and challenge themselves. Here, we share with you our pick of the Top 5 Your Projects so far.
1. ‘Collective Spirit’: a showcase boat to celebrate the Olympics
This unique project was a real crowd-pleaser, using the latest yacht building techniques to turn 1,2000 pieces of donated wooden objects into an impressive 30ft wooden yacht, as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. The team, including between 50 and 60 volunteers, built with donated pieces of wood that told a story, including pieces from the Mary Rose and Jimi Hendrix’s guitar. Read the full story.
2. Landing the project of a lifetime
We love to hear when someone’s passion means they just can’t say no to a project. Boatbuilder Dan Mill visited Ireland on an initial 6 month holiday visa from New Zealand but after meeting a yacht owner with a vision, he ended up working on the biggest boat building project of his life. Four years on and against all odds, Nimmo was complete: a stunning 68ft cruiser that was worth every effort of this colossal project. Find out more.
3. The traditional smuggler boat
It’s amazing when you see the origins and transformation of a boat build. We’ve put together this fantastic photo story which follows the building of a 1940s-style smuggler boat by a Finnish boat company. It’s the level of detail and the fine craftmanship that made this Your Project really stand out. See this incredible build for yourself.
4. A boat that shines in the sun
Your projects are all about the most passionate boat builders. Carpenter Paul Allsop had no previous knowledge of boatbuilding but he didn’t let that stop him once his imagination was captured by a stunning cedar strip boat in Hawaii. We loved the dedication Paul showed in creating the boat of his dreams, utilising all the help that was on offer from more experienced boat builders and showing anyone can do it. Discover Paul’s story.
5. Learning a new craft
This project proved the value of learning new skills and putting them to the test with challenging designs. Wanting to learn how to build a boat of his own, sailing enthusiast Gary Hunt enrolled in the Boat Building Academy to start his journey. Not deterred by a challenge, Gary decided to build a curved lined kayak for his first boat. Learn how Gary got on.
Our thanks again to all of our contributors.
If you’re using WEST SYSTEM® or PRO-SET® products in your boat building project and you want to see it featured in epoxycraft for free, then we want to hear from you.
Discover more Your Projects here.