topcoating with International Paint’s system followed normal practice. The accented sheerstrake really sets off the fine lines of this delightful boat.

The anticipated few days helping put a kit together turned into a fascinating five weeks. I had started in some ignorance of CNC-cut boat kits, imagining that they had little to offer an increasingly experienced scratch builder. However, over my time with Alec, I became convinced that the accuracy and simplicity of the build process makes the use of kits really worthwhile for my future efforts. A very great deal of thought has gone into producing a system in which components will go together with great precision, from the simple slotting together of the moulds to the astonishing accuracy of the planking. The resultant boat was so even in its weight distribution that it happily balanced on its narrow keel; I doubt that would happen with one of my scratch builds.

As for my downsizing dream... Well, I have a model St Ayles Skiff kit on order to keep me busy over the winter but I am so taken by the Scottish Coastal Rowing Project that when I returned home and found that an Ullapool syndicate build had been proposed, I quickly put my name down for it. So it looks like I shall be building big again and actually going on the water; at least there will be four swimmers to pull me out if I get an inadvertent ducking. It should also help in reducing the effects of all those steamed puds.CONTACTSStAylesSkiffkit:JordanBoats,Orr Cottage, 8 School Wynd, East Wemyss, Kirkcaldy KY1 4RN Tel: +44 (0)1592 560162 www.jordanboats.co.ukLarch:CromartieTimber Ltd, Achterneed, Strathpeffer IV14 9AA Tel: +44 (0)1997 421013 WEST System epoxies: Wessex Resins & Adhesives Ltd, Cupernham House, Cupernham Lane, Romsey SO51 7LF Tel: +44 (0)1794 521111 www.wessex-resins.comBalcotan:MelcoBonding Supplies, Fiddler’s Green, Shop Lane, Congleton CW12 3AW Tel: +44 (0)1260 276997

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www.watercraft-magazine.com The WORKSHOP Adventures in ingenuity. Nick Coppin presents the infinitely adjustable footrests and wooden boat builder Adrian Noyes fights the Dragon and wins.

Nick Coppin’s adjustable foot rests for sail and oar dinghies If, like us, you enjoy rowing as well as sailing your boat, here is an idea for a fully adjustable footrest that is comfortable to use. When rowing a reasonable distance, it is nice to be able to rest your foot from the heel up to the ball rather than just hooking your heel onto a skinny square or round stretcher. It is also good to be able to choose the distance the footrest is from the edge of the thwart, rather than relying on a position determined by the designer. You may be tall or small and resent having to bend your knees or slide off the back of the thwart. Conversely, you may have to stretch your toes to reach the footrest or slide off the front of the thwart.

This design depends upon having reasonably strong floorboards that are not too wide. Having said that, in our Tammie Norrie the floorboards are yellow cedar which is fairly soft and not renowned for its strength! The principle is the same as a mastic gun or those wonderful Solo clamps. When the footrest is tilted forwards, it comes loose and can be moved to whatever position you desire.

When returned to its normal position, the bar under the front of the footrest which runs beneath the floorboard locks the foot rest. The harder you push against the footrest when rowing, the tighter it is locked to the floorboard. In three years, I have not had a footrest move under pressure.

The wooden block needs to be a little wider than the floorboard. If the footrest is not wide enough, when the

Tilting the footrest towards the bow slackens the grip of the stirrup on the bottom board, allowing it to slide along the plank. Once it is in the right position, foot pressure locks it firmly in place.

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