Projects: New beginnings: starting again as a boat builder
Despite being connected to the industry, it’s only recently that Stuart McGowan decided to leave his job as an engineer in order to develop his skills as a boat builder. Joining the Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy has given Stuart this chance to take his career down a new route.
Firstly, tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a chartered mechanical engineer, with many years of experience in the water industry, but I felt I needed a change in career. I decided to enroll on the 38 week Boat Building Course at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis.
How did the project come about?
I began the build as part of the course at the academy, as building a boat is an important step on the road to becoming a boat-builder.
Which WEST SYSTEM or PRO-SET epoxy products did you use? How did they help?
Together with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy, I used two different fillers from the WEST SYSTEM product range in the build of my boat – WEST SYSTEM epoxy plus 406 Colloidal Silica for general assembly, and WEST SYSTEM epoxy plus 409 Microsphere for filleting and fairing. Both filled mixes have been of great assistance to me during the build.
What was the most rewarding part of the project?
The process of seeing the boat come together into a build I could be proud of was extremely rewarding – and I was happy to see the finished project.
What’s your top tip for boatbuilders looking to start a similar project?
My one tip is to always add more filler to WEST SYSTEM epoxy to make it thicker than you think you need it be – or you won’t get the results expected.
Choosing to enrol on the 38 week Boat Building Course at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis, has enabled Stuart to learn all the new skills necessary for becoming a qualified boat builder. We hope that he continues to enjoy his new career!
