Building a Stitch and Glue Rowboat

[James S]

I'm tentatively scheduled to attend a week long class in Annapolis, Maryland to build/assemble a stitch and glue row boat.
The class is from the 23rd to the 28th of March.
Generally the participants purchase the kit (but not always), pay a tuition and at the end of the week take home their boat.
I want to build my own design in Leb and so I have no need for the boat.
They do allow "helpers" and have a reduced tuition and of course don't need to buy the kit.
Participants in this class all build one design 18ft...but there is a tandem version of this design 19ft 10in that can be built during this class...and is strongly recommended to be done with a helper.
I'm wondering if any of our members have been considering building one of these.
I offer myself as that helper...I will of course pay my own tuition.
They have no problem allowing me to attend without a specific boat or partner.

[James S]

The boats look like this.

[Old Snipe]

I have built a few stitch and glue boats over the years. The last one was from a set of plans from Glen L. It was a 15' 6" long.......... wide bottom skiff. I went with my own "schedule of materials" because the boat was going to used around oyster beds in some of the local inlets.

Stitch and glue boats are a lot of fun to put together. Most any person, even with limited experience can do a nice job with the assembly.

I would still be building some today if the cost of materials had not sky rocketed.

[onestepcsy37]

I have practically no woodworking skills, or tools, at all, but was able to build a stitch and glue boat in my garage from just the simple plans and instructions I bought for $20.

Sent from my SCH-I200PP using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[James S]

Should be a walk in the park then...these guys have you assemble their pre cut kits...looking forward to it!

[keepondancin]

Have you gone on the company's Builder's Forum and ask there if anyone is looking for a helper. I am familiar with the company, and have built two of their designs, one hybrid and one cedar strip. They are great to deal with, and you will surely enjoy yourself.

[James S]

Thanks for the tip keepondancin...I will do that!

[Blue Stocking]

Good to hear from you. Did you ever get the radar station built ?

[HopCar]

How about a link to the company?

I've built three stitch and glue boats and am finishing up my fourth.

I think a beginner can learn the basics from building a very simple S & G boat without any instructions.

This was a practice boat my friend Snapper and I built from free plans. It was a fun quick build.
free plans for a canoe

[James S]

Hey Blue..thanks buddy....You know we've had some challenges here in Yemen over the last few years, causing the project to stop mid stream.
The radar station on the island managed to stay unmolested...unfortunately several of the others weren't so lucky ...we've been back at it since the first quarter of the year.... the dhow is still fine...haha...

Hopcar ...nice little boat! Here is the link Chesapeake Light Craft | Boat Plans, Boat Kits, Boatbuilding Supplies, Boat Kit, Kayak Kit, Canoe Kit, Sailboat Kit

[kentobin]

Hello James,

There are times I really appreciate youtube. They have a number of stitch and glue tutorials that are very good. I really liked the CLC kayak series:
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...itch+and+glue+

You can also download the youtube videos to your computer so you can play them without an internet connection using utility software like:
YTD Video Converter
Catch all of your favorite videos! | aTube Catcher Official Web Site

Have fun.

Ken

[James S]

Thanks Ken...i've looked at several of their tutorials....they are well done...I'm sure i could manage without the class...but the possibility of spending a week with a bunch of like minded folks building boats its just drawing me in...I have a daughter in university in Montreal so already have a good reason to cross the pond....and would love to see the Smithsonian..so i'm all in when it comes to taking the class...haha

[HopCar]

"...but the possibility of spending a week with a bunch of like minded folks building boats its just drawing me in..."

Excellent reason to take the class.