We can’t think of a better way to spend a midwinter’s school day than building small boats…
Wed 24 Feb 2016
Winter Boatbuilding
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Discovery Boatbuilding
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Thu 22 Oct 2015
Planing
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Discovery Boatbuilding
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Mon 19 Oct 2015
Monday morning activity
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Uncategorized
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Wed 6 May 2015
Morning Lecture
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Discovery Boatbuilding
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The Discovery Boatbuilding program is a hands on, comprehensive, experiential learning environment, but sometimes sitting and looking at the board is necessary. We try to limit using the whiteboard to a few minutes in the morning, or as long as we can hold the crowd’s attention.
Wed 1 Apr 2015
Keep on Plankin’
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Discovery Boatbuilding
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Only a couple more planks need to be made on the two Yankee Tender skiffs built by our Woolwich middle school students. We anticipate having the boats right side up by the open house (please join us!) on Wednesday, April 15 at 10:30am.
Tue 31 Mar 2015
Moving Day
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Galbraith Launch
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Work on the Galbraith launch continues as we moved the engine in to position. The day was spent aligning the engine with the propeller shaft, not an easy task!
Putting the boat on a moveable cradle really helps with this step.
Using a chain fall allows one person to easily lift the more than 700lb engine.
Lowering the engine into place doesn’t need to be difficult, as long as you do it slowly.
Wed 25 Mar 2015
Kids working on boats
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Discovery Boatbuilding
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7th & 8th graders making boats.
Tue 24 Mar 2015
Spray Painting
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Galbraith Launch
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Getting into all the nooks and crannies to paint a lapstrake boat can be tricky with just a paintbrush, so we decided to employ the services of a volunteer’s spray gun. Because the boatshop is now so well insulated and airtight, we needed to use an outside air supply for breathing. Luckily we decided to paint a similar color as the original, so the paint went on nicely with two thin coats.
Fri 20 Mar 2015
Discovery boat builders
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Discovery Boatbuilding
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Lots of folks doing lots of work!
Tue 17 Mar 2015
Cleaning the interior
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Galbraith Launch
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Before we can begin sanding and preparing for the new paint job, all the dirt, grease and grime need to be removed. A gentle cleaning solution works well with a garden spray jug. It’s amazing what a bit of scrubbing can do. Once the interior is free of dirt each frame bay will be sanded to prepare the surface for enamel paint.
Mon 16 Mar 2015
Galbraith Launch
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Galbraith Launch
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We’ve been working on this donated powerboat for most of the winter, and the varnishing of its mahogany is underway. Once the wood is sealed we’ll begin painting the interior and putting all the parts and pieces back inside. From the scant information available we know she was built in the 1950’s in Keyport, New Jersey by the C.C Galbraith and Son company. Her power is a Gray Marine 106hp six cylinder gas engine, which we are rebuilding.
Tue 3 Mar 2015
Planer Fix
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Uncategorized
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Our 24″ planer has sat idle for the past 4 weeks. It’s a great tool to have and we definitely miss it when it’s on vacation. Luckily the part came in and we are back in business!! Thanks to the engineering crew that put everything back together.
Mon 2 Mar 2015
Shop Work
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Day-to-Day
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Working on the hull of the circa 1950s launch donated to the museum in the fall. A complete restoration is scheduled to finish early summer 2015.
Finishing the hood ends on a John Gardner peapod.
Adding oak plugs to the stem bolts of the launch.
Wed 25 Feb 2015
Boatbuilding: Planking and bending chine logs
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Bunging cedar planks
Plank spiling
clamping chines
Fri 13 Feb 2015
February sunrise
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Wed 11 Feb 2015
Boatbuilding crew, Working hard!
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Discovery Boatbuilding
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Wed 4 Feb 2015
WCS Students Begin Building Spectacular Boats
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Discovery Boatbuilding
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Thu 29 Jan 2015
Men at Work
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Day-to-Day
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Wed 1 Oct 2014
New Discovery Boat Building Classes
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Discovery Boatbuilding
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Fri 28 Mar 2014
Fast Friday
Posted by Kurt Spiridakis under Discovery Boatbuilding
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When it’s tough to capture in one picture what’s really going on in the boatshop, a thousand sure can tell a lot more. This is this current 8th grade class from South Bristol School working on two Yankee Tender Skiffs.