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John
M. MacAulay - Flodabay, - Isle of Harris. - HS3
3HA.
Tel:01859 530340
Builder
of the Hebridean`Birlinn` model
`COASTAL
AND ISLAND BOATS`
The
following is an article written by John MacAulay
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...
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