The small work.  

Yes, it’s reached that time where all the fiddly bits have to be made. The thole pins have been made and shaved to fit; the seats have been cut, sanded and shaped so that they will fit snugly fit into the boat. The bow and stern breast hooks are being inlaid with Huon pine and Mahogany and will do the boat proudly, while the pennant will fly well from the bow, now that the mounting hole has been drilled for it.  

Then the seats have to be put in place with the supports underneath them and at the same time the bung holes (the drains) have to be drilled and fitted on and that meant lifting the entire boat up so that there was room to get at it from the underneath. It’s a never-ending process and once we have finished the fit-out, then the boat will have to be primed with Everdure, finished on the inside with a platinum grey and then the rudder can be slung from the stern and final touches added to her with the paint pot at the ready.  

During this time, we also have to select the oars from the stash we have made and ensure that they are the right length for each position on the boat. The rudder I spoke about earlier has been shaped and will have the yoke attached to it and the pair will be given a good treatment with Everdure and then finished in a gloss lacquer. At the same time, the gunwales will be given a similar treatment as they need to be given several coats to build up a coating thick enough to protect the timber.    

We are looking forward to the teams from the various fleets putting their names forward to go for a practice row in the coming weeks and we can work with you to get out on the water. But you will need 5 of you- the Cox and four willing rowers.  

When using the skiffs, the Cox of the rowing team will be the responsible person to make sure that the skiff is left in an appropriate state for the next team to use. (Think, neat, tidy, oars stored properly etc) A short session will be arranged with prospective Coxes to show them the ropes prior to their first row. 

Once we have them both finished, then there will be the chance to race the boats, after you’ve done a bit of practice on the water. 

Get yourselves together and come down to book a ride.   

Rick Steuart for the Bosuns Club.