Shelter Island Boat Works

When I am thinking of building a boat, I make a model of it first. It assures me that I have made the right choice, given that building a full scale boat takes a lot of time, thought, and cost. I build them to a scale of 1″ = 1′. The Annapolis Wherry was no exception. However, in this instance, there was no need to build from scratch. Chesapeake Light Craft not only offered a kit for the full size boat, but also had a model kit. This would be easy!

The model construction was identical to the full-size build – plywood lapstrake hull, “puzzle” scarfs, “lapstitch” planking with copper wire ties, frames, transom, seats and “fillets” for strength. They even provided a kit for a sliding seat rig with oars.

The model went together rapidly. Using CA glue there was no waiting time for drying!

A half day’s work, and I had a hull.

I finished the boat in two days. As it always does, the painting and varnish took longer. This time I needed to wait for it to dry!

I had rowed crew at Cornell so it was fitting to paint the oar blades with the Cornell oar emblem – the “Red Wave.”

Cornell Oar Blades. You can also see the “puzzle” scarfs ion the hull planking.

After it was finished, I was more than convinced building the full-scale boat was the right idea. She was long, elegant, and wide enough for added stability. I had rowed single shells in college and they were meant for calm water. They were fast, light, but extremely tippy. With it’s wider beam, flatter bottom the Annapolis Wherry promised to be more stable and take wave action better. It would be perfect for Coecles Harbor (where I would be rowing), which sees varying weather conditions.