admin Date , September 14, 2025 Sailing Previous Blog Sally in Charge Last Comments (0)
An update from the shed, with Don McDermott from “Building a Trading Wherry”
We took another look at Vanessa, the last-known Thames B‑Rater, now quietly resting in the boat shed — and showing her age in both elegant and wobbly ways.
This week’s inspection was joined by Don McDermott, master craftsman and wherry builder, whose eye for traditional boats is unmatched. Together, we took a closer look at her hull, ribs, and recent repair work — and asked the question every boat owner dreads:
“What’s next?”
At the moment, Vanessa is undergoing a crucial phase of her restoration: The old calking is being removed and replaced. This traditional sealing process — using fibres like cotton or oakum hammered between planks and then sealed with pitch — is essential to keeping wooden boats watertight. And in Vanessa’s case? It’s long overdue. Last time Don took her out, she was taking on a worrying amount of water — enough to warrant pulling her out for inspection. That led to the current assessment and, we hope, a return to the river in time.
Despite being built in 1902, the hull appears sound, with no major cracks or rot. That alone is impressive — a testament to her original craftsmanship.
However, some issues have crept in over her 120+ years:
Several ribs are damaged — not snapped, but with small sections missing
A few rib ends may need to be replaced entirely
Floorboard supports are loose or wobbly, which isn’t surprising after years out of the water
The wood has dried significantly, making now an ideal time to repair or replace internal framing
Fun fact: boats that have been out of the water for years often shrink and open up — but that also means they’re easier to repair before swelling back into shape.
Planning a Restoration the Right Way
Before you take on a restoration like this, it’s essential to:
With Don’s expertise, we were able to get a clear sense of both the possibility and the challenge ahead.
🧭 A Boat Worth Saving
Vanessa is more than just an old hull — she’s a piece of Thames history. She represents a class of boat that tried to offer accessibility and grace, just slightly in the shadow of the famous A‑Rater. And now, with some care, she may sail again.
Final Thought
Boats age like people.
They creak. They sag. Bits fall off. But with time, care, and the right hands, they can come back to life.
Vanessa has spent over a century afloat. She deserves another chapter. And thanks to people like Don — and everyone who appreciates the beauty of traditional sailing craft — that chapter might be just around the bend in the river.
