Traditional Wood
Plank-on-frame craftsmanship with a soul
Planks fastened over sawn or steamed frames, caulked and varnished. Wooden boats are beautiful and have a lovely motion at sea. They need regular, skilled care to stay sound.
Strengths
- Beautiful and full of character
- Gentle motion and good insulation
- Old boats can be cheap to buy
Weaknesses
- Very high maintenance
- Rot, worm and fastening decay
- Few yards have the skills; low resale
Ratings
5
10
4
4
5
3
Buying used: what to check
Have a specialist wooden-boat surveyor check the planks, frames, fastenings, the keel bolts and the stem for rot or worm. A cheap wooden boat can cost a fortune to restore.