I was browsing the marine section of a local book store and saw the The
Expectant Father's Cradle
Boat Book. It held particular interest since my wife was
pregnant with our first child. Of course when my wife looked at the
book, she wanted something a little more labor-intensive than the plans
featured in the book. This boat was designed by Warren Jordan; plans
were obtained from Jordan Wood
Boats.
Unfortunately, my son came a little bit earlier than planned and I did
not have the boat ready...
Particulars:
Length: 45"
Beam: 22"
The materials had sentimental overtones. The planking was Jersey
cedar obtained at a local (New Jersey) sawmill. The white oak for
the frames, keel and stem were from my father's land in Maine. The
mahogany transom, gunwales and cradle came from a table my grandfather had
built in high school shop class. The bedding was made by my wife and
her mom.
Profile
Interior
Barely visible on the transom is a brass nameplate that the folks at
work gave us as part of a baby shower.
Bottom of boat
Bow
Stern
My wife didn't want the white-painted hull so the boat was just coated
with a couple of coats of shellac. Perhaps it will get varnished
someday.
Detail of gunwale showing copper rivets.
Cradle for cradle boat. The plans call for hanging the boat from
davits, but that took up too much room for us.
Bunting tied in.
Foam bottom and bunting.
Questions or comments welcome - send email to "boats" at "sheepisland.com"....
John
Welcome!
