Nick Smith has been building and repairing wooden boats since 1976. He builds redominantly wooden clinker, but can turn his hand to other traditional builds as well. He builds wooden motor, sailing and rowing dinghies from 8 foot to 28 foot from his workshop in Salcombe Devon.
Nick grew up in Salcombe Devon, and served a 4 year apprenticeship at Edgar Cove Ltd. Most of his builds are West Country influenced including many replicas and historic vessels. He uses mostly the old methods of construction and fit out but does embrace the modern methods and materials that have proved themselves over the last 30 years. for example, polysulphide sealant/glue, epoxy resin and occasionally plywood. He does however still use copper fastenings and brass and bronze screws, and a sensible use of good quality stainless steel.
His boats have a traditional look and feel, visually they are almost identical to that launch your father used to have when you were kids, or that sailing dinghy you hired as a family all those years ago, they smell the same too, varnish, leather, sea water and Stockholm tar.
If you would like to speak to Nick about your project, please don't hesitate to get in touch!
