Beginnings of a new Water Wag

 The sailing season is almost over... it's time to return to the workshop!

We are in the process of starting a new Water Wag. The keel had to be cut out of a huge, heavy piece of oak - a bit of a heavy start to the working week!

You can follow the progress of this build on our instagram page: westcorkboats , where we'll be posting daily reels of our workshop and progress updates.

Alpha Restoration: Shaping the keel

Alpha Restoration

We are delighted to be entrusted with the restoration of Alpha, one of the first Water Wags ever built, sometime in the 19th century! Below are some pictures showing the removal of the keel and hog, and the shaping of a new one.

The Water wag

This winter we have got to build two new Water Wags.

Dublin Bay Water Wag class has been since1887 as the world's first One-Design fleet.

For more information press link below:

Dun Laoghaire’s Classic Water Wags Continue To Increase With Two New-Builds In West Cork (afloat.ie)

Eileen

 

Eileen

The inside fitting out is back on it.

Eileen

Frames and floor straps are now fastened.

She is starting to feel solid.

Eileen

Eileen is progressing well. 

After a close inspection if the hull, the major frames are rotten and after so many years of trying  to fix them with several different  fastenings it is now a challenge to remove them without damaging the planking.

Eileen

Howth 17, built in 1908 back in the workshop for some repairs.

Start building or restoring your own wooden boat now!

 Due to the amount of people ringing me about advice on restoring their own boats, We are now offering consultation services to guide you step by step through the various stages of your project.

Do you have an old wooden boat which you would like to restore to its former glory, but are not sure how to go about it?

Have you been dreaming about building your own wooden boat from scratch?

We can guide you step by step on your own boatbuilding adventure:

• make a comprehensive list of materials and tools needed and where to source them
• make an effective plan on how to set up a workshop space for your building/restoration project
• make a step by step plan of your project from start to launching day
• guidance and advice available every step of the way

To get started, please send me an email with a short description of your project. I will then set up a free introductory consultation.

Launching of International 12'

 A busy winter turns into a busy summer! Here some pictures of the launching of "Hard Tack", the first wooden International 12' ever built in Ireland, by Rui Ferreira with the help of Barry Rogerson.

Water Wag "Hilda" getting ready for the sailing season 2019

It has been an absolute delight to build another clinker boat from scratch - and an honour to build a new addition to the wonderful fleet of Dublin Bay Water Wags. Construction began during summer 2018. Can't wait to see it sailing in the fleet!

Flying Fish R emerging from shed... one step closre to launching

Long restoration projects tend to become part of the furniture of a workshop... they leave a gaping hole when they finally move out for launching!
There are still some niggly jobs to do now before the big day: checking all the plumbing (this was difficult to do inside the workshop with water) and solar electrics etc.
Props had to be built to transport the spars on top of the boat.

Flying Fish R is getting ready for sail trials!

The new sailing season is fast approaching. We're delighted to say that after months and months of meticulous work, Flying Fish R is getting ready to go back to sea, with several glorious sailing months ahead!