GLBBS

Learning Curves…GLBBS Commissioned Boats

By: Patrick Mahon, Education Director

Over the years GLBBS has had the opportunity to build a remarkable variety of craft. Several of these have brought national recognition, starting with the authentically constructed 28-foot whaleboat that accompanied the Charles W Morgan on her historic 38th voyage in 2013.  This was an exceptional opportunity for our students to experience both a uniquely American building method and be part of a new chapter in our national maritime history.  Following the Mystic Seaport commission, we were contacted by Captain Sean Kearns of the USS Constitution and after a few short conversations we had another commission for a historic craft.  The U.S. navy commissioned GLBBS to build a 32-foot Pilot Gig to be used by the crew of “Old Ironsides” during their rotation on the ship.  We delivered the Gig to the Boston Navy Yard early this summer. These two commissions have been a source of pride for the school and will always be an important part of fulfilling our mission.

Lesser recognized boats have also been commissioned over the years but are equally important to the continuation of our programs and student experience.  Second-year Diploma Program students are now building our third 26-foot Hacker Gold Cup Racer replica.  The first Hacker has been seen on the waters of Maryland and Florida, and the second is being finished at Runabout Restorations of Guntersville, Alabama.

Lance Wilson, owner of Runabout Restorations and a well-respected boat builder, finished the first Hacker in 2011 and is now working on a custom runabout design to be built by they 2016-17 class.

Other commissions that we wish to recognize:

  • 2010 – Wittholz dingy (cat boat) for Tom Darton
  • 2011 – Replica “Petoskey Boat” for David Young
  • 2012 – Electric-powered “Rescue Minor” for Bill Hunt
  • 2013 – Outboard speed boat “Ewe Two” for Steve Upham
  • 2014 – Electric fantail launch for Hank Vander Werp
  • 2015 – 30-foot fantail launch for the Inland Water Route Historical Society

All of these commissions are important to our continuing success, both for the student experience and for the financial security these projects bring us.  Without commissions it becomes necessary to build a boat on speculation.  This is always tricky as we must then speculate on what type of boat will meet the curriculum requirements and yet potentially sell in a reasonable time line.  Some of the criteria we look for are:

Appropriate building method: this can either be traditional plank on frame construction or a modern epoxy/wood craft.

Sail Boats: this gives us the opportunity to make spars in a variety of methods, solid or hollow. We also have the capability to make the sails and rigging which adds another dimension to the student experience.

Power Boats: Part of the curriculum for our second-year Diploma Program students is the Marine Systems Section where they install engines and the related systems.

Time Line: depending on the complexity of the build, our projects can either be a one-or two-year building time line.

Vessel Size: we have build boats up to 32 feet in length, but there is no limit so long as the client recognizes that we do not operate as expected in a professional shop. Students in our first-year Certificate Program spend six months on their large craft project and our second-year Diploma students have nine months each year.  Many of our first year projects hold over for the next class, this giving them projects that have the complete spectrum of construction.

Level of Completion: although we are capable of building a finished boat, some (the Hacker for example) have been delivered with the intention of being completed by the buyer.  This has worked well for both GLBBS and the owner.

As we look to the coming years we will be seeking commissions from museums and other organizations with similar missions that, like the Whaleboat and the Pilot Gig, desire craft that are historically important, but we will certainly remain open to private interests as well.  If you or someone you know is looking to own a custom-built quality boat, contact us anytime to begin the conversation that will ultimately benefit both GLBBS and you.