Stitch and Glue

While I flew home from Seattle for a doctor's appointment, Ken stayed in Olympia, Washington to take a class offered by the Wooden Boat Center. He's been wanting to build his own wooden boat for several years now, and last April he spotted a class being taught by world renowned Sam Devlin this summer. Sam, himself, has built over 400 wooden boats. The technique that he has developed is called "Stitch and Glue" and that technique is what Ken wanted to learn from the pro before he starts construction of his own boat. The class was small, only four students, so he was able to enjoy a real hands-on learning experience and get answers to his the questions. Here are pictures he took while building two boats in class, so you'll notice that he isn't in any of them, but they'll give you an idea of what the class was all about.

The instructor and boat builder Sam Devlin evaluates the first seam.

Sam demonstrating the stapling process.

Laying a cloth on top of wet fiber glass which soaks up the extra epoxy, so that when the cloth is lifted the excess epoxy is removed and makes for a smoother finish.

Hand sanding to smooth the joints.

The "stem" is set in place.

The class met 9 to 5 for five days. After each day of hard work, they would gather in a cedar grove for a cold beer and a cigar (for those who chose to partake) and talk about the day.

We were apart for nearly two weeks, the longest we've ever been apart. I really missed him but I loved knowing he was enjoying something he's been looking forward to for so long. Ken learned a lot and is excited about building his own boat now. He was anxious to get home and surprised me by arriving a day early. It's good to have him home!

Life is good!