The 1805 Cutter Under Construction

Left:

The first stage of construction is to draw out the cutter full-size on the lofting floor.

Right:

Patterns are taken from the lofting floor and transferred to chipboard bases for laminating the stem and frames.

Left:

Then the laminated frames are temporarily screwed to the mould frames.

Right:

Backbone with laminated stem set up and the mid-section mould going into position.

Left:

All the moulds in position and attached to them the laminated frames which correspond to the sawn frames in the original construction.

Right:

Left:

Planking up in progress. The wide ends of the two lower planks permit those above them to be narrower and more uniformly shaped.

Right:

Although the Cutter is of glued clinker plywood construction, traditional boat nails and roves are for an authentic appearance, and for the added touch of professionalism. A marking baton is used to ensure they are evenly spaced. The larger spacing beneath the shipwright's left hand allows for the addition of the intermediate frame between the moulds.

Left:

All the moulds in position with the laminated frames, fully braced.

Right:

With the moulds removed, the laminated frames are left in situ.

Left:

All planked up and taking shape.

Right:

The finished Cutter painted and ready to go to sea. (Click on the picture for a look at the Cutter working)

Above:

Former Sailing Master David Page with a guest crew pulling up the River Medina in Cowes IOW 1995.