Abernethy & Gaudin Boatbuilders
Oct 26, 2017
Rob Abernethy and Jean Gaudin have honed their craft of wooden boat building for many years. Jean gained experience through example working alongside some of the finest joiners and boatbuilders the Island has to offer. He has extensive experience in cold mould construction and laminating.
Rob found his passion for boats while attending Sheridan College for furniture design. He then attended the Wooden Boat School in Port Townsend, WA, followed by years of servicing the wooden boat community on southern Vancouver Island. His entrepreneurial endeavors lead him to form a partnership with Jean. Rob is also a Judge at the Victoria Classic Boat Festival.
Abernethy & Gaudin Boatbuilders, located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, is a devoted wooden boat repair facility servicing wooden boats of all kinds, shapes and sizes. They are dedicated to the preservation of boats using a variety of contemporary and traditional techniques. Classic and vintage power or sailboats are prime candidates for their traditional 30 tonne ways. With 120 feet of working dock space, their shop is ideal for both long and short-term projects.
Most wood boat owners prefer the older system using the ways because of its minimal impact to the hull structure. The ways are 36 feet long. Five 12 x 12 H-beams over 10 mining cart wheels ride along the railroad track. There are 4 upright bunks that adjust to the shape of the hull and ultimately support the boat as it is extracted from the water.
The winch is a 10hp 3-phase electric motor. There is a 4-speed transmission. In the lowest gear the ways travels at 1 foot per minute.
To quote Rob and Jean, “Abernethy & Gaudin Boatbuilders is a shop with dedicated builders craftsmen and women. The images below show our quality and passion for wood. We feel that using wood as a medium is a privilege as it is a limited resource. We care about boats, the environment and the craftsmanship. Mostly we care about our relationships with our customers.”
One of their projects was Euphemia, a 50 foot wooden boat built in 1927. Euphemia is a great example of a boat that will never get the title “restored” Since her beginning she has been maintained to a high degree. Every year a section of the boat would be serviced with great craftsmanship.
Carlotta a the 55ft Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter built in 1899, originally named Solway, was restored in Brentwood Bay, BC, between 2016 2017.
For complete information about Abernethy & Gaudin go to, http://www.agboats.com/
