
The Boat that Guy Built
After two years, “Fish” is row-able.
I started the build in March 2016 and worked very part time on it mainly weekends and the odd evening, but in fits and starts with a four month break over the cold/damp winter months 2017/18.
The Drake 19 was picked mainly for its looks and fine lines, and because it can be rowed as a single or double sculling boat.
Designed by Clint Chase from Maine, USA and cut by Alec Jordan of Jordan boats, the Drake 19 looks less traditional than most of the normal UK kit skiff boat designs and to date is only the second or third to be built in the UK.
Clint is in the process of updating his Drake 19 Manual based on learnings from existing builds – which will make the kit build easier and more clever than ever (ready mid summer 2018)
Cut using quality marine ply, and assembled on a MDF jig, the boat is effectively a large Airfix model.
I’ve had the boat checked over by Mark Edwards of Richmond Boat House, (main builder of The Royal Barge Glorianna) and it’s been declared sea-worthy and insurable!
To the purist, there would be too many epoxy dribbles and not so great workmanship, and so long as she does not fall apart on me, she will get used more than many, I hope.
Guy Fisher – May 2018
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