The old man and the sea (-master)

I have been into wooden boats all my life. I was born into it - as my maternal grandfather was a boatbuilder of some (good) repute - locally. I spent a lot of time with him when I was young. I was restoring vintage wooden boats for myself between the age of 20 and 50. I sold my "last one", a 1929 Chris Craft 22ft runabout, about 10 years ago and it was actually supposed to be the last wooden boat.

Then this little thing came along last fall. It is only 14ft and here in Sweden they are called "jaktkanot". A direct interpretation would be "hunting canoe". The canoe part being misleading as they are not paddled but rowed using oars. They are small traditional hunting- and fishing boats over here. They were built very fast and simple - using cheap materials. Utility boats in coastal/sea archipelago’s. First they used oars only, then some started sailing them with spritsails and finally small engines were fitted. A jaktkanot is very seaworthy for its size. Anyone versed in boats can see that.

This is a jaktkanot. With a twist. It is built "all in"! Oak for the structure and garboards, the absolute best pinewood for the hull and mahogany for the deck and interior. A4 stainless and copper for fasteners. It is a crazy build! It has the oars of course, a spritsail rig and a small Honda 4-stroke engine. It has it all. And it is not vintage... It was built in 2018!

So here I am - the old man and the sea. Fishing in a "new vintage" boat.

I spent some time restoring it this winter, as previous owners had not fully done what is needed every year, and it has been a wonderful task. It is such a small boat and not tiresome at all, compared to what I have done earlier with boats.

It met the sea about two weeks ago and I have not rigged it yet or started the engine. Just using the oars. Having a wonderful vacation together with my wife and my 92 year old mother - in the outer archipelago - at the place she was born and where her father built his boats.

Putting in some serious rowing every second day - out at sea. I can do an hour at a fast pace - and/but then I am wasted. But I still go out for more after a days rest. It is the most fun I have had in a boat since I was a kid. Back to basics.

Long rant. Here it is. And a Seamaster.

Any other wooden boat lovers out there?





Spliced some (taught by grandfather when I was a kid)



Out at sea





I also (Sea-) Dwell on things during late summer evenings...

Wow. Awesome photos.

Holy smokes, that boat is something.

I've canoed off and on most of my life and I really admire boats like the one you've pictured, but I've (regrettably) never owned a wooden boat.

Thank you all for your kind words!


The boat was in good condition as it was built as late as in 2018. But as with many new things they do get old quick if one does not maintain them - and the finish on wooden boats deteriorate extremely fast if not doing what you are supposed to do - every year (and/or have it covered from the sun). The varnish has to be fresh and supple/flexible to cope with the moving of the wood. Once water gets in under the varnish there is a fast downslope... This boat did not get anything done to its finish since it was new - and when new it had too little varnish to begin with.

My restoration, if one could call it that, was just starting over with the varnish and overall finish. Much of the varnish was still intact and where it was not - I could build up layers to get it up to even. Then all of it got three full coats (with sanding inbetween). The finish on the hull needed attention and I took the opportunity to change the colour. Nothing dramatic - but going from white to a warmer looking ivory felt important to me. Under water body got two layers of much needed antifouling paint.







It also had to stand on the trailer for some hours before I could trust the pump to cope with the incoming water. I do not believe they had the boat in water for a couple of years before I bought it. Anyway - two days later it did not leak at all.

Beautiful little boat and a great story!

I'm into old cars, and these 2 hobbies often cross paths. Nothing I've ever had my hands into, but I have nothing but respect for craftsmanship like yours.

Nothing more beautiful in the world than a wooden boat.