Back in Action

As of December 19, 2012, I quit the the corporate compliance effort and am now a full-time purveyor of all things nautical that the tradition-minded rower simply cannot live without (or, I fervently hope they can't).
Quality of life took a marked upturn beginning December 20th so it appears my decision was a good one : )!

Swanson Boat Company has added an array of new products (go to www.oarsmanmarinetallow.com)
and I'm busy filling orders.  This is usually a slow time of year so I'm grateful.

We'll be attending the Maine Boat Builder's Show in Portland, ME, in March; the WoodenBoat Show
in Mystic, CT, the end of June; and, the Maine Boats, Homes, and Harbors Show in Rockland, ME,
in August.  Besides being productive venues, we like the settings and appreciate the opportunity to catch up with friends we don't see during the rest of the year.

The two most exciting projects are production of a 15' St Lawrence River Skiff in cooperation with
the renowned Adirondack Guide-Boats company of Vermont, and a 16' Mackinaw rowboat with
the assistance of John Stuart @ Arbor Vitae Woodworking of South Yarmouth, MA.  We'll keep you
posted.

Spring is coming soon and it's wise to have a good boat available (or, another good boat available,
for that matter).  So . . . go to WoodenBoat Magazine's home page , click on Boats for Sale and scroll down to:

                                                       16' Old Wharf Dory

I've seen this boat and it's truly excellent--top quality workmanship, pleasing lines, and great performance
under a wide range of rowing conditions.  Built by Walter Baron of Old Wharf Dory Company (170 Old
Chequessett Neck Road, Wellfleet, MA  02667 www.oldwharfdory.com ) it's a cross between  a
Glouceser Gull and Lowell's Coast Guard Dory.  LOA-15'6", beam 4'6", weight 150 lb.  Comes with.8' Shaw and Tenney oars.  It's fairly (and affordably) priced at $6,000.00.

                                     

Back to Blogging

My current committment is to resume blogging.

I have resumed.

Now, to keep it up . . .

Skua

Posted photo of my friend Andy Stroude rowing the Skua @ Mystic this past June. I've only
had her out for a good row twice. Am determined to get in (at least) a 3rd before year's end.
For one thing, I want to fit Clint's oar buttons to a pair of Shaw & Tenney 7 1/2 footers & see
how I like them compared to the Douglas "buttons" shown in the same photo.

Spent a great Saturday with Clint Chase getting out material needed to start turning the looms for his oars and discussing various "matters maritime." Also able to add some photos related
to this new activity for Water Witch Woodworking. Life is good : )!

I mentioned leather bailers. Added photo of prototype model. Aesthetically, a world class step
beyond the ubiquitous Clorox bottle! Functionally, outstanding--doesn't scratch or mar the
interior of a wooden boat, "ergonomically correct" fit and balance allow for extended use without
excessive tiring or muscle cramping (on a comparative basis, of course) and, it's efficient: A full
pint + of water per "throw." All thanks to Ben Fuller, who's been using his for 30 years and was
kind enough to share the design with us.

2011 has been a very good year. Tallow sales continue to increase. Product line has expanded
to include oar leather kits, custom wood turnings, additional "comfort zone" products and custom oars and rowing accessories. Newest addtions included Med Chandler's hand-forged
rigger's knives and Ben Fuller designed Leather Bailers. Website upgrade efforts continue.
Also, the boatbuilder now has (after too many years without) his very own excellent rowing
craft, a woodstrip Skua. Have had it on the water twice and am thoroughly delighted with it.
Hope for at least one more outing before Winter sets in.