wooden shells

[Ticom]

I was wondering what is the opinion of the people who read this group
about the art or craftsmanship of building a wooden shell.
Does any serious shell maker built wood shells any more? Is making
wooden shells a dying art?
Please let me know, as I enjoy working with wood, and I am wondering
about the posibility to learn how to make a wooden shell.

Miguel Perez

aka addicted rower

[Laurent Pouvreau]

Almost every (European) shell maker is still making wooden shell, this includes
Salani, Empacher, Aylings... For sure it's not what they sell most anymore.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laurent Pouvreau tel : (+33) 62-17-85-35
ENSAE R1 Ch449 Laurent....@supaero.fr
10 av. Ed. Belin
31055 Toulouse Cedex
France
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[Nick Buffinger]

Unfortunately, I do think it is a dying art. My impression is that this
is mostly due to the low numbers of orders for wooden boats. If you want
to learn to build a wooden shell, you might try contacting Ron Owen. A
guy in my club ordered a 1x from him (a composite boat). My (second-hand)
understanding is that Ron said that if this fellow ordered a wooden boat,
and had a couple of weeks free, he would show him how the boat is built.
I don't know how universal this offer is, but it sorely tempted my
friend. Unfortunately, outside boat storage plus rowing on salt water =
way too much maintenance.

Nick
Stanford RC

[Donald Stowe]

It really is a dying art. But there is no mistake that it is an art.
The wooden shells, if take care of finish wise, last for a very long time.
They do not become as flexible, as fast as composite boats usually (or
so I have heard!). I have a 1973 Pocock racing single made of wood, and
it is beautiful. It still has all original decking, and stainless steel
riggers, with hand made brass oarlocks, (which I elected to save by
replacing with concept II locks). Pocock stopped making their wooden
boats last year I think, as well as their longtime and historic
competitor in Worcester, MA whose name is eluding me at this moment. The
only maker left as far as I know is Grahame King up in Putney, VT. His #
is 802-387-5373, and I am not sure about finding out how to do it. It is
largely due to the fact that the market for the wooden shells has moved
to the artificial materials. If I were to seriously race, I would likely
switch over as well, but I do not know of a well kept wooden boat that is
1) not competitive with a good rower at the oars, and 2) does not fail to
bring oos and aahs of appreciation when in its slings at the river side!
Good luck!
Dug

[Louise Calibo]

Owen Racing Shells in Oregon makes glass & wood shells.
They not only produce a quality shell, but one that is
esthetically pleasing as well. Actually, wood Owen shells
are among the most beautiful shells I've ever seen. Owen
is a small company who's employee number is based upon
their orders. I'm sure if you called, you could learn
alot about wood shell making from Mr. Owen.

Louise