Tag Archives: launch

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

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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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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