12 May 2026 | CBMM Small Boat Conservation

We’re ramping up for summer work at the Small Boat Shed. We’re finishing Cinnamon Girl and the Ducker and starting work on the seaside bateau, Bessie Lee. We still have lots to do on the Smith Island power skiff. And the work table is ready for the poling skiff build.

Sam would like to shift into a higher gear, possibly working two days each week. Willem and Don agreed to help Sam with task planning, provisioning, and scheduling.

We will:

  • Meet weekly with Sam to understand the objectives and schedule for each project.
  • Order supplies needed for the upcoming work week.
  • Provide guidance and direction when Sam is away.
  • Send out a weekly email and web post about work we completed and what’s planned for next week.

Our idea of a weekly work report appears below. Let us know your ideas about this.

Thanks.
Willem and Don


Next Week’s Tasks:

  • Finish CG floors.
  • Install ducker tiller.
  • Find the ducker rig and decide permanent storage place.
  • Remove port side planks from power skiff.
  • Build movable partition for BL parts in the corn crib storage area
  • Make a plan to remove BL foremast

Supplies on Order

  • Brush head for Ridgid vac, 2″ inside dia.
  • 1 plywood sheet for moveable partition in corn crib for Bessie Lee parts.
  • Plank stock for power skiff.

Notes from Sam

Sam showed how to rig “Culler snotters” , which are adjustable sprit tension devices designed by Pete Culler. Here on Cinnamon Girl’s foremast:

Sam is planning to do a demo on how to fashion leather collars for the mast partners on Cinnamon Girl.

Cinnamon Girl

Work done this week:

  • Stepped the masts and rigged the sprits and sails.
  • Continued on the floor boards.

Next work day:

  • Finish the floors

After that:

  • Fashion and install mast/sprit cleats
  • Move to the floating dockLaunch in two weeks?
  • Measure, design, and install cockpit cover

Delaware Ducker

Work done this week:

Willem took home stock to fashion the tiller.

Next Week:

  • Install tiller
  • Find the rig and decide permanent storage place

After That:

  • Measure, design, and install cockpit cover
  • Make dock roller to prevent damage during launch/recovery
  • Move to the floating dock

Smith Island Power Skiff

Work done this week:

Willem used a batten to lay out the cut line to remove bad plank on port side.

Next week:

  • Remove bad planks on port side

After that:

  • Decide about replacing bottom planks

Bessie Lee

Work done this week:

  • Removed mainmast, floors, rudder, oars, scooper, and stored them in the corn crib.

Next week:

  • Build movable partition in the corn crib storage area to discourage removal
  • Make a plan to remove the foremast (limited head room)

After that:

  • Publish objectives, work plan, and schedule.

Poling Skiff

Next:

Publish objectives, work plan, and schedule.

CBMM Cat. No. 0927.0029
Waterman poling a double-ended skiff at Tangier

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