Small Boats -   We've followed the progress of Arbee's Wherry in your Weekender Boatbuilding album.  What can you tell us about the design and why you chose it? 

Arbee -   I got the urge to build a rowboat because I wanted a bigger boat than the canoe I was using for fishing.  I choose the Cosine Wherry after researching rowboat plans and settled on the design after receiving the book Rip, Strip, and Row!; A Builder´s Guide to the Cosine Wherry (Brown, Pickett, Hartstock).  Their introduction proclaiming the Wherry to be "light, an easy rower, stable, tough and capable of handling plenty of passengers and gear" convinced me that this was the boat for me.  It met all of my requirements, especially in the fact that it was light and can be cartopped.  It is very easy to load on my SUV single-handed.

Small Boats -   Have you built other boats?  Were they strip built as well, or have you used other techniques?

Arbee -   In 1994, a friend and I decided to build canoes.  We were quite successful in this endeavor, turning out two 16 ½ foot Micmac Canoes.  These were built from plans from David Hazen´s book, Stripper´s Guide to Canoe Building   It took us over 140 hours to build the first one, but a mere 106 hours to build the second as we learned the technique.  Both boats turned out beautiful and are still in active service and being enjoyed today.

Years ago, I restored an old plywood rowboat that had been given to me.  It served well for the time I had it. 

After the two experiences of building with Cedar Strips, I´m converted!  I´ll continue to build "strippers" with any small boat design I decide to build.

Small Boats -   How about the plans, were they easy to understand?

Arbee -   One thing I can say about the plans is that they were written for the beginner.  They thoroughly explain every step in succession as one proceeds with the construction.  Through a friend, I met another chap who is legally blind, with peripheral vision only.  He, as a first time boat builder, has decided to build the Wherry.  He has called numerous times with questions and is really enjoying it thus far.  Rip, Strip, and Row! is a "10" for it´s simple and easy to understand instructions.

The only other material I referenced in building the Wherry was the manufacturer´s literature on fiberglass.  I used System Three epoxy on the Wherry, whereas we used Polyester Resin on the canoes.  I prefer the epoxy for the reason that you do not have to seal the cedar before applying it; unlike using the polyester resins that will not adhere to the cedar because of the natural oil in the wood.

Small Boats -   How long did it take to build Arbee's Wherry? 

Arbee -   I began in February 2001 by cutting out the station formers.  By the end of March, it was still chilly out in the carport, but I had the strongback up and the formers applied.  Shortly after the first of April, the form was "faired" and complete.

Regular employment of six days on and three off saw me in the carport applying strips and fiberglass until the later part of August on all of those 3 day periods; for 2 to 4 hours every day.  (Other household chores got in the way of my boat building.)  In total, I spent 21 ½ hours on the strongback & formers and 116 hours building the boat.  I´m rather fussy when it comes to this type of work and like to do things right the first time around.
 

Small Boats -   Was there a point where you experienced any frustration in the process?

Arbee -   There were periods of frustration that I didn´t have it in the water yet, but the wait was well worth the extra effort I applied.  I´m very happy with the outcome, and so is everyone that has seen the boat.
 

Small Boats -   What tools are needed to build a Cosine Wherry?

Arbee -   The tools required to build are normal woodworking tools.  Plane, hammer, level, square, saw(s); all found in any well-equipped handyman´s toolbox.  The exception to this is the number of clamps that I acquired. 

I have over three dozen 6" spring clamps (the more the better), as I found two clamps at each station on the form, down the complete length of the cedar strip edge glued in, was perfect to hold all until the glue set up.  Bar clamps, at least 24" long are quite beneficial too.  Use these to pull the coved & beaded strips together as you progress up from the sheer line.  I ended up with 8 of these!  But, one can use any method imaginable to hold the strips together and tight to the formers.

Arbee tells us you just can't have too many clamps.

Small Boats -   What was the most rewarding part of building her? 

Arbee -   When the bottom of the upside-down boat was finally closed in with strips, I knew I´d made it.  It was now a boat instead of a bunch of sticks.  Once it was sanded and fiberglassed on the outside, and came off the formers, I was really surprised at how light it was.  Two of us lifted it and agreed that it couldn´t be more than 40 - 45 pounds at that point. 

Small Boats -   Any other surprises?

Arbee -   When it was right side up, I was surprised at how big it looked.  At 14 feet by 54 inches wide, it indeed filled the carport.   Just what I wanted, it even looked stable.  I think the most rewarding part of the construction was putting the finishing touches on it.  The Cherry wood breast hook, quarter knees and transom knee and the Inwale & outwhale with the spacer blocks really defined the shape and appearance of the boat. 
 

Small Boats -   What was launch day like? 

Arbee -   September 1st, 2001 was launch day.   Our annual foray to Piney Point Resort on beautiful Sheridan Lake was the site.  Our group of 8 was present and watched her slip into the water and me take the first pull on the oars.  It rows like a dream, responds well, and tracks very straight.   I was very happy as I returned to shore to the compliments of all that witnessed Splinters´ "first wet".  There weren´t any fish caught that weekend but I just enjoyed being out in it, finally.

Small Boats -  Are you planning any modifications now that she's finished? 

Arbee -   The Wherry´s original plans called for five seats and three sets of oarlocks to allow for multiple rowers.  I fish sometimes alone, sometimes with my fishing partner using a small 2-hp outboard.  I changed the seating of the original plans to place three seats, further apart to give extra room and only one set of oar locks, as I´ve only got one set of arms.

With me on the rear seat, with the outboard motor, she is a little stern heavy.  I have to use ballast forward of the front seat to maintain level trim.  This will be cured this season using a handle extension on the outboard to allow me to sit on the middle seat while alone, using the motor.
 

Small Boats -   What advice would you have for someone considering building a "stripper" for the first time?

Arbee -   The only advice I can give to someone building a stripper for the first time is; FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.  I have developed my own little shortcuts now that I´ve built the three strippers, but this came from experience.  Follow the instructions in the book, and you´ll have a beautiful, seaworthy craft.  There are many fine publications out there for canoes, kayaks and the Wherry, which will see you to a successful conclusion of your stripper projects.
 

Small Boats -   Are there any more boat projects for you in the near future?

Arbee -   I am planning on building a D-4 Dinghy using cedar strip construction this year.  A friend has inquired about a Cedar Strip Kayak; which I am contemplating building too.  I would like to supplement my retirement income (when retirement happens) by building strippers and selling them.  I have a supplier milling the cedar strips and gunwale kits for me now, and that is coming into line with the retirement idea.

I have the plans for spooned 9 foot oars that have to be built this spring to give the added pull to the Wherry.  Other than that, we´ll see what happens with my boat building in the future.  I really want go fishing though.

  Others who have built a Cosine Wherry are encouraged to Click Here! to email me their experiences.