A Fast, Light Pulling Boat Part Two: Finishing Touches

I'm near completion, just a couple more tweaks which I will save until spring. Hope you enjoy the photos.

A coat of paint or two is spread on the bottom. The top strakes and the transom  are left  bright (with no stain) and varnished clear

The inside is also painted. I normally wouldn't do this, but  it  will be a nice way to show off the custom built rowing unit. The two mahogany bulk heads (or ribs) are placed a little forward and a little aft of the original specifications. This will allow for the seats to be relocated to distribute the weight more evenly.

The completed shell seen from a different angle. The Annapolis Wherry is as elegant as it is functional.

The wherry with the rowing unit mounted in place. It rests directly on the bulkheads in order to lower the center of gravity and render the boat more seaworthy. The rowing seat is clamped at the exact center of buoyancy. Unlike standard rowing units, the outriggers are designed to unlock and swing inboard for docking or transportation.

A closeup of the passenger's seat. Note how the entire unit can be clamped in place  without  using any tools.

The seats are curved along the same radius as the boat hull. The two thumb screws  can be loosened  so that the  seat can be repositioned.

The rear seat will also serve a second function when the rower is alone. If you have been reading this blog, you may have noticed that a lot of the city lakes are connected by narrow bridges and channels, rendering oars useless. So, to negotiate these waters, the rower can stow the oars inside the boat, move to the rear, and paddle the wherry like a canoe.

The forward bracket is also clamped in place with a thumbscrew. No tools required!

The Annapolis Wherry has proved to be a lot of fun. Along the way, I have learned something about myself: I enjoy building boats as much as I enjoy rowing them!

The details about my boat building class should be published next week. If you are interested, feel free to check back then.

The boat is supported by an extra long trailer. I bought an older model on Craigslist and welded on an extra five feet.