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.

Waterman poling a double-ended skiff at Tangier



















































