Scarlet the Fairhaven Flyer

Two-seated Devlin Design Row Boat

One September evening we were returning from English camp to our boat Windsong in Westcott Bay by dingy.  We sighted a familiar boat from Anacortes anchored in the bay.
Walt Gutterbock and his wife, Susan were returning from their summer sailing in parts north and making their way back to home port. We stopped by for a friendly chat. Walt and Susan mentioned that they would be interested in some day having Emerald Marine build a row boat for the two of them. It was agreed that the conversation would continue later, in Anacortes. Within a year, Devlin Designing's, Fairhaven Flyer 20 was chosen.

Greg McCroskey began construction in February 2016 using 'stitch and glue' method, in which thin plywood panels are joined, cut to shape, "stitched" together with bailing wire and epoxied bonded using fiberglass cloth and taped fillets.  Those familiar with this construction method know it can be both strong, durable and lightweight. The Fairhaven Flyer is 20' 3 3/4 " in length x 4' 1 3/4" at the beam.

The last temporary stitching pulls the two hull sides together to form the bow.

Sheets 6mm plywood are scarfed 
 to create the lengths for this 20 foot hull. 

The stitching is complete and the shape has been formed.

Transom view

Frames where the seats will be constructed.

This shows the stitching where the hull sides meet the bottom of the boat at the bow. The wires will be removed as epoxy and fiberglass are applied.

Here the stern and transom seams are filleted and covered in fiberglass cloth and epoxy. An epoxy and wood dust mixture is smoothed into the seams.  The fillet further strengthens the fiberglass tape and glue connection.

The outside of the hull sanded epoxy and fiberglass, the interior and deck plywood has been sealed with epoxy alone.  Good marine "paint" will protect the surfaces further.

Greg prepares to install the aft deck

Seam fillets are sanded smooth

Rub rail  glued, screwed and plugged.  Blocks are installed for the inwales.

Decking, thwart seats and flotation boxes all provide further stability besides the obvious functions.

Nearly ready to be sent to the painters.

The inwhale is dry-fit.  It will be taken off and varnished. Then a final fastening will come after paint is applied.

Fresh back from the painter's.  Ready for hatch covers, inwhales, hardware and  oarlocks

Initial launch day for a sea trial.

Walt and Susan rowing in unison.  Sliding seats maybe installed at a later date.