Wood Duck

Wood Duck was found in the weeds in Bellevue in the early 1970s . What my father found was an open boat of Poulsbo design, 16 ’long, radical shear, tumblehome stern, and an inboard 5 horse engine. He borrowed a trailer, paid the owner $45, and we had a family putt putt around Salmon Bay. Taking on a bit of water, gas tank was like a lawnmower, and exhaust in our faces, it began a forty year project. Survey, sketches, consultations, drawings, and a model were built. I watched a tree turned into mast, spars, and bowsprit and brought home on a VW roof. What emerged was a transformation into stout a gaff rigged sailboat. Boat work was on a time-available basis. My dad lavishly detailed parts while gathering ideas, friendships, and vintage marine hardware. Retirement stepped up shop time and he engaged professional help. Jensen Boat Company completed a sole, step, deck, and engine house. Failing health prevented the long awaited launch, but pictures pleased him as he saw her in the water. She was left to me as an almost completed “kit”. I began to attend boat shows looking at standing and running rigging, and finding applications for the box of collected brass I inherited. I even added more brass, being more of a gear-head than rag sailor, but I tried to keep the appearance of 1930’s. It is an honor to be with others who also enjoy fine workmanship, polish, and varnish. Sailing is only PART of the journey!