Category Archives: Boat Building

Birthday for Roeboats

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Starting a business in the middle of a recession is not easy but people will still want to enjoy the unique unparalleled freedom offered by being captain of your own boat. Yes it has been difficult but I’ve wanted to be a boat builder since I was thirteen when I started maintaining and repairing racing dinghies. After nearly 25 years of learning and honing the skills needed I finally decided to start Roeboats and follow that dream. So far I have been successful and I’m hoping that clients will recognise the value and beauty of the boats that Roeboats build. I’m building boats that were designed during the golden age of yachting and building them using eco-friendly and low maintenance techniques so clients can have beautiful classic boats without the headaches of traditional construction and benefit from their sea-kindly and fuel efficient hull forms.” It all started with the building of an optimist dinghy with my father see the picture below.

wooden optimist dinghy

Mo Bháidín (My little boat) 1983

To celebrate Roeboats first anniversary in business I’m offering a free tender with every boat ordered over 20’ before the end of April 2010. Launched with the commencement of the building of hull number one a John Atkin designed 22’ eco-friendly fuel efficient powerboat Roeboats have not only survived the recent economic maelstrom but are implementing plans to grow the business in the coming years. I’m currently discussing custom built boat projects, both power and sail, with prospective owners both here in Ireland and abroad. We’ve teamed up with two boat dealerships in Ireland, I’ll be announcing details soon, and I’m also beginning to target the UK and northern Europe. Initial contacts with specialist brokers have been very positive.
Official celebrations are being postponed slightly to coincide with the Baltimore Wooden Boat Festival at the end of May where Roeboats first boat will be making it’s debut where clients can get a chance to see the fine craftsmanship and excellent sea keeping of the Ninigret. So if you’d like to have a look at what Roeboats are up to why not head to Baltimore for the 28-30th. of May

The most beautiful boat in the world?

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Dark Harbor 17 classic gentleman's gaff rigged wooden one design day boat designed by B. B. Crowninshield

If I could build one boat for myself I would build a Dark Harbor 17. Twenty-five feet overall with a 17.5′ waterline, this gaff rigged beauty is the quintessential gentleman’s day boat. Those graceful overhangs and fine hull shape combined with her long keel and simple cuddy all combine into something incredibly beautiful. You couldn’t name this boat after your wife or husband; they could get very jealous. You could very easily start to spend all your free time out sailing in the best looking boat in the bay. Designed in 1910 by B.B. Crowninshield for the members of the Manchester Yacht Club as a one design racer, they are still being built to this day, a real example of how style never goes out of fashion. It doesn’t look like my wife will let me build one of these for myself, I already spend too much time in the workshop. So if you would like your own Dark Harbor 17 there is no better time to order yours now. I’m offering a free classic tender with each of these boats so hurry before the offer is over. I was thinking of building a new version strip planking and epoxy sheathing for low maintenance and durability. This would result in a lightweight and low maintenance classic wooden gentleman’s day sailor that will give many many years of enjoyable and reliable service.

Wooden boat magazine did a feature article on this beauty in issue 196 May/June 2007 which has some good photos and information about the designer.

Roeboats, Ballydehob, Co. Cork, t:+353 (0)28 38973 m: +353 (0)86 158 69 37 e:roeboats@ymail.com

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5 Reasons to order your Ninigret 22 now

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Classic 22' wooden power boat at speed, custom built in Cork Ireland by Roeboats

The Roeboats Ninigret 22 :

  1. exudes all the style and elegance that you could wish for
  2. is affordable and ready to go for only €29,500
  3. has Low maintenance costs due to fuel efficiency and durable, eco-friendly construction
  4. is comfortable with its sea kindly hull form and large deep cockpit with seating for 6 .
  5. and Worldwide Shipping can be arranged.

Order now by calling Tiernan Roe on +353 (0)86 158 69 37 or by using the contact form below.

For more information on why wood is the best boat building material look here

For more photos of the finished boat see hereClassic 22' 2 berth powerboat aft view, custom built in Cork Ireland, For Sale

Roeboats, Ballydehob, Co. Cork, t:+353 (0)28 38973 m: +353 (0)86 158 69 37 e:roeboats@ymail.com

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Building Ninigret the book.

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Well the picture book of the building of Shena Christina is done. It arrived in the post today and looks pretty good. Of course all I can see are the bits that I could have done better, but that’s always the way isn’t it. You can have a preview of the book here. The masters of English literature needn’t worry but thankfully there’s lots of pictures. This is for the client to have as a memento of the project. I hope he likes it.

Epilogue: The client contacted me moments after receiving the book in the post, to say how delighted he was with it.

Roeboats, Ballydehob, Co. Cork, t:+353 (0)28 38973 m: +353 (0)86 158 69 37 e:roeboats@ymail.com

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Roeboats featured in Marine Times

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I was delighted to see that Roeboats’ recently launched Ninigret was featured in the November issue of The Marine Times. Local journalist Carol Gilbert was kind enough to do a piece about me and Roeboats so it’s great to get some recognition. Hopefully it will lead to some more boat sales. Just as an aside, apparently this is the first Ninigret built in Ireland and I’m sure it won’t be the last. If there are any other journalists who might be interested in doing a piece about Roeboats don’t hesitate to contact me, as I have a few more interesting projects to talk about. I see Carol mentions the J class boats. Well I might not be able to build you one of those just yet, but here’s a much more modest and very competitive smaller sister, the International One Design, I’d build one of these oh yeah.

Roeboats, Ballydehob, Co. Cork, t:+353 (0)28 38973 m: +353 (0)86 158 69 37 e:roeboats@ymail.com

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John Alden 1938 Quill 32′ motor cruiser / day boat

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Just look at this beauty of a boat. You’ll be the envy of every boater in an Alden Quill. Designed when boats where built to be used not just marketed as the biggest caravan available for a given length. This is a 32′ boat with two berths, a small galley and a head, is powered by two modest 96 hp diesel engines and will go 22 knots. Yes it’s another semi-planning hull but you have to admire this type for it’s fuel efficiency and sea kindly attributes. It’s not just the beautiful classic looks that make this boat attractive to a modern boater it’s the large cockpit and open wheelhouse. Two things that you want when you’re entertaining friends or fishing. Nobody likes being shut away at the helm missing out on all the fun and passengers can duck in out of the weather without having to risk mal de mer by being enclosed below.

32' Quill photo by kind permission of Aldendesign.com

32' Quill photo by kind permission of Aldendesign.com

Designed by John Alden in 1938 Quill is a boat that would be a stunning and easily maintained modern classic, which you would be proud and privileged to own. If you are looking for a capable and stylish day boat or weekend camper contact Tiernan Roe at +353 28 38973 or use the comment form below. For more information on John Alden see here

Roeboats, Ballydehob, Co. Cork, t:+353 (0)28 38973 m: +353 (0)86 158 69 37 e:roeboats@ymail.com

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West Cork Launch Site No. 3 Ahakista

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Here’s another launch site in west Cork on the Sheep’s Head peninsula a very secluded and remote part of west Cork. Located approximately half way along Dunmanus bay it is the perfect place to start exploring this beautiful part of the country.The pier here is busy with both private and fishing boats and it boasts an excellently maintained and wide slip. The harbour itself is quite sheltered and Kitchen Cove proper is well protected from most points of the compass. ahakista

As you can see in the picture above tenders are tied up to railings at the head of the slip but don’t really interfere with launching and retrieving your boat. ahakista1

There is water available at the pier and a difibulator if you’re in need of one. There’s a pub just up from the pier with a beer garden overlooking the water and is a fine place for a few sunny pints.ahakista2

This will Shena Christinas home port and I spent a few beautiful days there putting the boat through some sea trials, unfortunately I was too busy to take any photos.

Roeboats, Ballydehob, Co. Cork, t:+353 (0)28 38973 m: +353 (0)86 158 69 37 e:roeboats@ymail.com

18’classic runabout with 20hp goes 18mph

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I think everybody would like to have a classic wooden runabout to go blasting about in. I know I would; but often these runabouts are really really expensive, have large thirsty engines and have a tendency to slam in a chop. So much so that one may spill ones drink (Tut tut). Well this boat designed by William Hand in the 1920s solves those problems and when built by Roeboats will be the most economical and low maintenance wooden runabout available today. New or antique.

WH_Jane1profile

At 18’long, Jane will carry 4 or 5 passengers in classic luxury, surrounded by the beautiful wooden hull and fitted with polished stainless deck hardware this will be a jewel of a boat. But the good news doesn’t stop there. When Jane was designed, engines were big and heavy, so even a modest 20hp engine was a behemoth, by replacing this with a modern diesel not only will the weight be reduced ( leaving room for a bigger drinks cabinet and modern conveniences ) but also fuel efficiency and noise. Of course modern diesels are extremely reliable and parts for most are easy to source ( they are mostly marinised versions of industrial engines). What’s more William Hands design is literally revolutionary, because I think we have to look to boats of the past to build the boats of the future. Boats that require modest horsepower to achieve speeds that are realistic for the average boater. William Hand was a master of this type of seakindly, good looking boats that will look even better when built new by Roeboats.

WH_Jane1plan

If you would like a Jane of your own why not contact Tiernan Roe at +353 86 1586937 or at roeboats(at)ymail.com. I’m always interested in talking about boats. or use the contact form below.

Roeboats, Ballydehob, Co. Cork, t:+353 (0)28 38973 m: +353 (0)86 158 69 37 e:roeboats@ymail.com

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All done

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Here's me giving her full throttle

Well she’s finished and if I don’t mind saying so myself it looks great. The client was delighted which is really all that matters. I am so impressed with how Ninigret handles, she will literally turn in just over her own length and at full throttle there is no, not a bit, of cavitation when she’s turned hard over and she feels solid ( there’s no fear of being tossed out of the boat). No wonder Ninigrets designer John Atkin built one for his retirement. A Ninigret would be your perfect day-boat or even tender to a larger boat. Powered by a 30 hp outboard motor in a well she is lightweight, stylish and blissfully quiet.

aftview

Specification:
22′ Length overall
20′ Waterline length
6′ 8″ Beam
12″ Draught
Berths 2
Manual toilet
25-40 hp Outboard
Price incl. Engine and trailer 29,500 euro
Price:24,500 euro boat only

E-mail Tiernan for more details or call +353 (0)28 38973

Built using the finest Bruynzeel Okoume Marine plywood which is then encapsulated in West System Epoxy and finished with two part epoxy and polyurethane paint. A Roeboats built Ninigret will be your perfect low maintenance and low fuel consuming stylish day-boat or camp cruiser.

Just the right amount of throttle for the weight

STOP PRESS: Ninigret was chosen as Wooden Boat Magazine’s Boat of the week see here.

Minimal wake means all the power is used to go forward.

Helm

cockpit

Roeboats, Ballydehob, Co. Cork, t:+353 (0)28 38973 m: +353 (0)86 158 69 37 e:roeboats@ymail.com

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A boat is born

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Here’s a short slide show of the boat being winched up on to the trailer. It went very smoothly i just put some wooden rollers under the keel for the first half and then a piece of greased melamine coated chipboard for the last few feet. I subsequently spread the aft rollers a little to increase the distance between the chine and the rails on the trailer.

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Roeboats, Ballydehob, Co. Cork, t:+353 (0)28 38973 m: +353 (0)86 158 69 37 e:roeboats@ymail.com

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