Mike James

I developed an interest in building wooden boats in the mid-90s, after having (regretfully) sold my late grandfather's Chris Craft Sea Skiff, a 22-foot clinker-built boat he kept at his lake camp in the Adirondacks. Started out, thank goodness, with one of the old Midwest kits, the lobster smack, and went on from there. Thank goodness because it was ideal for a novice. The Midwest kits were relatively easy, and the instructions were phenomenal. I learned a lot. My first POB kit was the MS Katy of Norfolk (since then redesigned as solid hull). The result was regrettable but the ensuing Viking funeral was spectacular. Eventually I tried again with the AL Bluenose, which yielded satisfactory results although in hindsight one can see what should have been done differently. Favorite build was the Mamoli Puritan -- one of the loveliest boats ever. Among the chief challenges to that project was comprehending the imperfectly translated instructions. I've also done a Mayflower, Taurus tug, Swampscott dory and a couple of others. I also built a full-sized kayak from a Chesapeake Light Craft kit. Tons of fun. It seems my tastes run counter to the majority of builders in that I like small craft and working boats more than ships of war. Also, I invariably skip the second planking and paint my hulls. I don't want my models to look like varnished walnut furniture. I want them to look like real boats -- at least as much so as my limited skill can make them. I stalled on my current project, the Mamoli Britannia, a few years back because of medical issues. Since recovering, I've remained sidetracked with restoration projects on our 130-year-old house taking priority. I've done some desultory work on the Britannia over the last couple years but now hope to get back to it and finish up. It's also a beautiful boat. If I can get up a little momentum and can assure myself I will get it done, I'll start a build log. I've fussed around with a few plastic airplanes, and while plastic has its challenges and I respect those with the skill to work with the medium, I prefer ships and I prefer wood. And that's why I'm here.