With over thirty years experience building tenders, skiffs and dinghies, Rick has refined his craft and can make a one-off in about six weeks. While he has built craft from many designers, he is most often called upon to fabricate a variation of the classic Whitehall rowing design. Usually in the 12’ – 15’ range, these elegant boats are of the same general model that was used in fast pulling boats, the wherry, cutter, and gig from 1690 or earlier, on to the end of the nineteenth century. While many made today are carvel planked or even fiberglass, Rick stills employs the traditional lap-strake approach. Quoting John Gardner, "The Whitehall was not a ship’s boat, but a vehicle of harbor and coastwise transportation.
Specifications for a typical build:
Cedar lap-strake construction
Steam bent white oak frames
Bronze / Copper Riveted
Hard wood keel timber
Laminated stem
Traditional Breasthook & Quarter knees
Three thwarts (seats)
Bright or Painted finish
