During the last 30 years, my boatbuilding and restoration work has ranged from clinker dinghies and dayboats (many to the designs of Iain Oughtred) to yachts,  and the smacks and spritsail barges of the East Coast. I have rebuilt and restored the designs of Albert Strange, Summers and Payne, and William Fife, among others.

I  undertake the design and construction of interior joinery, deck joinery, spars and fittings, as well as extensive structural hull work, working with interior designers, riggers, and all other associated trades, in managing restoration projects.

I am based in Maldon, Essex, at the top of the Blackwater estuary, with a workshop in Tollesbury.

In a yacht restoration, my aim is to lose nothing of the original aesthetics, and to preserve authentic, period detail. I believe that the lack of attention to such detail can often erode away at the finished result to the extent that the whole character of the original boat, in both appearance and even performance, can be diminished or lost. 

I strive to build a trust, understanding and sympathy of aims with each customer, to produce not only the best possible boat, but the best experience for them -  and that means the greatest job satisfaction for me!

photo Kathy Mansfield

    ...a cushion cover will do

Work on the bolting of Kismet’s after deadwood

ABOUT THIS WEBSITE

The website is organised into the sections you see on the Navigation Bar at the top of each page - you are invited to  go to the OVERVIEW of WORK page now,  or directly to a  particular section for greater detail, where you will find examples of both New Builds and Restorations and the odd Replica I have undertaken, and thereby hopefully get an idea as to whether I may be able to help with your particular project plans.

The FUTURE PROJECTS are only in the future because they are looking for owners - they are FOR SALE! - as packages completed to the owner’s specification and tastes.

Firefly was built in 1922, an Albert Strange design modified by Harrison Butler. She was bought by my grandfather in 1934.

I am a founder member of the Wooden Boatbuilders’ Trade Association, committee member and past chairman.