BUILDS AND RESTORATIONS
Over the years the Bayles Boat Shop has undertaken many small wooden boat projects. These projects, whether contracted with individuals, families or initiated by us as a fund raising effort, have ranged from full restorations of classic wooden boats to individual one-time repairs whether it be a rotted transom or a cracked hull. In addition to the above, we allot space each year to building a small wooden boat of a selected design which is raffled off each Summer at the culmination of our annual Quick & Dirty Boat Building Competition. Our current years raffle boat can be viewed under current and recent projects.
In Fall of 2018 we started our Student & Youth Boat Building Program. Working under close supervision with several of our dedicated volunteers, the program is designed to introduce 14 to 18 year-olds to basic boat building skills and techniques. We are excited about this new program and look forward to expanding it to include more complex building projects and required skillsets. This student boat build can also be seen below in our current projects.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Shown below are the projects currently underway in our shop. We invite you to stop by and we'll be more than happy to give you a tour and explain each build. In the mean time, simply click on any of the photos to see highlights of that projects progress.
 1949 Old Town CanoeThis vintage Old Town HW (Heavy Water) Model canoe was in poor shape when she came to us. Built with red cedar planking over white cedar ribs and canvas wrapped she has open gunwales of spruce. The HW model design has an extra fullness at bow and stern enabling it to ride over large waves instead of cutting through them as well as more draft below the waterline for steadiness in windy waters. This near-total restoration will (hopefully) keep her paddling for another 70+ years. |  Sassafras 16 CanoeThis Chesapeake Light Craft kit is one of their most popular designs. It is constructed of okoume plywood using a modified stitch & glue technique called Lapstitch which provides the canoe with its traditional clinker built look. Designed for stability and larger payloads (up to 500 lbs combined) you can throw the entire family in this canoe for casual outings or load it up with gear for overnights. THE SASSAFRAS 16 IS OUR 2022 RAFFLE BOAT |  Chester YawlThis Chesapeake Light Craft design is definitely one that makes you turn back for one last look as you walk down the dock or beach. With her distinctive wine glass transom, she's as pretty a fixed-seat rowing boat as you'll find on the waterfront and if speed is your game she's definitely fast enough to benefit from a sliding seat. Constructed using okoume hull and bulkhead parts and mahogany gunwales she features three rowing stations allowing solo or tandem rowing or rowing with a passenger. |
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 Wood Duck 12 KayakThis Chesapeake Light Craft kit was selected as our 2021-2022 Student/Youth Boat building project due to its easy building technique particularly for first time boatbuilders. It is constructed of okoume marine ply with a contrasting sapele plywood deck. Designed for a single paddler and fairly light (40 pounds), the Wood Duck 12 is easy to transport and offers brisk, responsive handling. This is probably the closest thing to an all-things-to-everybody kayak in this corner of the universe. |
PAST PROJECTS
Shown are just some of the watercraft Bayles Boat Shop has built, restored or repaired over the years. If you see a particular design that sparks your interest or maybe dreamed of building someday please contact us or stop by. We will be happy to discuss with you how to make your dream become a reality. There are so many design possibilities to get excited about!
Beautiful Ian Oughtred design. Built from plans
Fully restored classic sloop indigenous to Long Island's Great South Bay. Completed boat was sold at auction for a mere $3500 with proceeds going towards a new wood stove for the shop. A win win project for all parties!
The Wagemaker Company was extremely popular in the 1950's within the DIY boat building community. This 12' speedster was brought in for some much needed repairs.
Beautiful Ian Oughtred design. Built from plans