Please scroll for photos of recent projects.
Drop-in Rowing Unit
I designed and constructed this ultra-lightweight drop-in rowing unit (sculling system). The system allows me to turn a canoe, row boat, or paddle board into a sliding-seat scull.
The rowing unit is epoxy/fiberglass, cored with blue foam insulation.
The rowing unit is epoxy/fiberglass, cored with blue foam insulation.
The rowing unit is epoxy/fiberglass, cored with blue foam insulation.
The rowing unit is epoxy/fiberglass, cored with blue foam insulation.
The rowing unit is attached to a 14' paddle board.
Hollow D-shaped 9'-6" Sitka Spruce oars.
Great Lakes Boat Building School
While attending Great Lakes Boat Building School in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to several projects including traditional new-builds and restorations, and modern wood-composite construction.
We took scantlings from a historic rowing skiff, lofted the entire boat, built a mold, and completed a traditionally-built lapstrake rowing skiff.
Lofting the lapstrake rowing skiff.
Sanding, fairing, priming, sanding ...
Fresh from the mold: Lapstrake rowing skiff.
I made the aft thwart using sapele and added a cypress inlay for the school's logo. Bronze fasteners were used throughout.
I designed Osage oarlock risers that sit on top of and in between the inner and outer gunnels.
I designed Osage oarlock risers that sit on top of and in between the inner and outer gunnels.
Lyman restoration in progress - I replanked part of the bottom and helped to steam bend in new frames.
Lyman restoration in progress.
Construction continues on a wood-composite center console.
Exercise in cold molding.
Homemade lapstrake clamp.
Stool incorporating dovetails, mortises and tenons. A knot was filled with epoxy and floating copper nails.
Stool incorporating dovetails, mortises and tenons. A knot was filled with epoxy and floating copper nails.
Beautiful Lake Huron where I attended Great Lakes Boat Building School.
Wood-Composite Skiff
This wood-composite rowing skiff is entirely encapsulated in epoxy with almost no metal fasteners. I took pride in designing, building, installing and finishing the slatted aft thwart, forward thwarts, laminated knees, oarlocks, foot braces and moveable cupholder. I installed the inwhales and outwhales without fasteners. The thwarts and the outer keel are removable using the drill-fill-drill technique. I varnished/painted the entire boat in time to be displayed at the Les Cheneaux Antique and Wooden Boat Show in Hessel, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula.
PeeWee Rock Star Project
A comprehensive Boy Scout camp lakefront revitalization project.
The PeeWee Rock Star project brought new life to the lakefront at Camp Falling Rock. The project included construction of a new permanent dock, boat racks and perimeter fence, repairs to the shelter and instruction area, restoration of boats and oars, and procurement of safety equipment.
Signage was procured to help promote safe boating practices.
This aluminum boat was stripped and restored. A two-part epoxy-based paint was applied, new oak benches were installed, floatation was added and proper lights were installed.
A lifeguard chair was constructed at the end of the dock providing lifeguards with an unobstructed view of the boating area.
Landscaping of the shore and instructional areas reduces water erosion, adds weed control and allows participants to walk barefoot.
Sand was laid on top of the landscape fabric on in the boat landing area.
A breakwater separates the open water from the beachfront to prevent the water from washing the sand away.
Part of the PeeWee Rock Star project included the restoration of a dilapidated canoe trailer. We licensed six canoes to allow Scouts to go on canoe trips down the Licking River.
A side hike on the canoe trip takes Scouts through an abandoned train tunnel.
Leftover project funds paid for rescue equipment at the swimming pool as well as new lifeguard chairs of my design.
The 'Hit House was constructed to sell strawberry floats to Scouts three nights a week. The soda is stored in kegs and dispensed using a tap. The structure has speakers and plays hits. Scouts get a kick out of drinking from an "outhouse." The proceeds make the lakefront project possible.
Small-Boat Construction
A Chesapeake Light Craft Kaholo Stand-up Paddle board was my first build. This project sparked my interest into expanding my experience and knowledge of boat construction and the various methods used.
While my brother visited from out of state, we decided to construct a quick one-sheeter. It went together nicely and I decided to deck it over like a sit-on-top kayak and allow Scouts to use it at camp.
This is a 15' sliding seat rowboat carved from a solid piece of foam and fiberglassed.
This 15' aluminum rowboat was completely overhauled and is now used to teach basic motorboat handling for Boy Scouts.
This 15' aluminum rowboat was completely overhauled and is now used to teach basic motorboat handling for Boy Scouts.
Epic Van Build
My daily driver and permanent home.
I converted a Mercedes Sprinter van to an efficient tiny home. I have lived in the van full-time for the past three years while working full-time as a graphic designer and attending boat building school. The van is well equipped with a kitchen, recliner, standup desk, bathroom with toilet, sink and shower, storage, and two births.
I converted a Mercedes Sprinter van to an efficient tiny home. I have lived in the van full-time for the past three years while working full-time as a graphic designer and attending boat building school. The van is well equipped with a kitchen, recliner, standup desk, bathroom with toilet, sink and shower, storage, and two births.
The van is equipped with a diesel generator, AC shore power and a 12-volt system with 290 watts of solar power.
The interior is well insulated, from floor to ceiling, for year-round use.
The utility cabinets, bathroom and walls are constructed using fastener-free plywood, epoxy and painted/buffed to a black-mirror finish.
I designed and constructed a freestanding steel bed frame that includes two cot-sized beds. The top bed folds up when not in use. The bottom bunk quickly converts into a two-seat dinette.
I designed and constructed a freestanding steel bed frame that includes two cot-sized beds. The top bed folds up when not in use. The bottom bunk quickly converts into a two-seat dinette.
I designed and constructed a freestanding steel bed frame that includes two cot-sized beds. The top bed folds up when not in use. The bottom bunk quickly converts into a two-seat dinette.
I designed and constructed a freestanding steel bed frame that includes two cot-sized beds. The top bed folds up when not in use. The bottom bunk quickly converts into a two-seat dinette.
I designed and constructed a freestanding steel bed frame that includes two cot-sized beds. The top bed folds up when not in use. The bottom bunk quickly converts into a two-seat dinette.
I designed a plumbing system contained in an aluminum cage. The cage parts in half for easy cleaning and repairs. Fresh water and gray water is stored inside for warmth and year-round use. The plumbing supports a shower and sink.