John M. MacAulay - Fernhaven, - Flodabay, - Isle of Harris. - HS3 3HA. Tel:01859 530340

Builder of the Hebridean`Birlinn` model

`COASTAL AND ISLAND BOATS`
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inch difference at any point of measurement on either side despite having been built entirely 'by eye' and having been worked hard for around sixty years before being laid up. When newly built by the Stewarts of Kenary and fully fitted out, she cost the handsome sum of thirty two pounds and ten shillings. The Welcome Home is now laid up ashore undercover. awaiting restoration.

The Sgoth Niseach and the Grimsay boats are outstanding in the Hebrides in that they are identified with a distinct locality and both evolved to meet the requirements of their individual enviromnent In other areas ofthe islands and the Scottish coast there were designs that reflected certain needs and working conditions, but they have succumbed to modern influences to a greater degree than those in the very remote regions.

The building of traditional clinker planiced boats has changed little since Vilcing times, and. apart from the use of modern machinery to cut and shape the wood. the actual building process remains the same. Many ofthe builders worked entirely from experience gained over many years. without the use of elaborate moulds to guide them. The building of a clinker boat, that is where each strake overlaps the previous lower one commences with the laying of the keel and the raising of the stem and stern posts. These main structural members, usually of oak, have a rebate carved out along each side where the first or garboard strake fits snugly into the keel and where the hood-ends of each strake meet the stem and stern post. The width and shape of each strake varies throughout the boat, as does the amount of winding or twist applied as the hull is shaped. It is necessary to steam the wood in order to soften its fibres, after which it is possible to create complex twisting curves without...

Books by John MacAulay:
Birlinn, Longships of the Hebrides
(White Horse Press)

Seal-folk and Ocean Paddlers
( White Horse Press)

click on icon to view line
drawing of 19ft sailing boat

Glossary of Terms used
in this article