Chris Goldson
New member
I need to build an oar for a Joppa flats sneak boat. Any information would greatly appreciated
Oar
- Thread starter Chris Goldson
- Start date
Steve Sanford
Well-known member
Chris~
I have some photos - but dinner guests arriving any minute now. Will post innthe morning.
Stay tuned!
SJS
Steve Sanford
Well-known member
Chris~
Here is the vessel I have been told is a Joppa Flats Gunning Float - built by Pert Lowell.
The work I did was mostly cosmetic maintenance. The owner kept the oar with him for safe-keeping. I wish I had measured it for copying.....
This gives you some idea of the size. This was back in 2021. The young oarsman is much taller now.
The sculling port through the transom....
From the outside - after restoration.
The owner brought a quart of Pettit Steel Gray - to which I added some flattening agent to lessen the shine.
The ballast weighs 55 pounds.
Among other things, I devised a "keeper" for the ballast - so it could not be lost when she was not actively gunning.
I also built a new cockpit cover (and a frame with canvas cover for storage.)
Here she is afloat.
The last thing the birds see..... Her beam is only 34 inches. The location is here in the Empire State - on a lake in the lower Hudson Valley.
As you know doubt know, the Joppa Flats are on the Merrimack River, downstream from Newburyport, Mass. I have never been there - but it sure looks like it deserves a visit!
Pert himself has passed, but I wonder if the company might have some information about his oar.
Hope this helps!
SJS
Here is the vessel I have been told is a Joppa Flats Gunning Float - built by Pert Lowell.
The work I did was mostly cosmetic maintenance. The owner kept the oar with him for safe-keeping. I wish I had measured it for copying.....
This gives you some idea of the size. This was back in 2021. The young oarsman is much taller now.
The sculling port through the transom....
From the outside - after restoration.
The owner brought a quart of Pettit Steel Gray - to which I added some flattening agent to lessen the shine.
The ballast weighs 55 pounds.
Among other things, I devised a "keeper" for the ballast - so it could not be lost when she was not actively gunning.
I also built a new cockpit cover (and a frame with canvas cover for storage.)
Here she is afloat.
The last thing the birds see..... Her beam is only 34 inches. The location is here in the Empire State - on a lake in the lower Hudson Valley.
As you know doubt know, the Joppa Flats are on the Merrimack River, downstream from Newburyport, Mass. I have never been there - but it sure looks like it deserves a visit!
Pert himself has passed, but I wonder if the company might have some information about his oar.
Hope this helps!
SJS
Last edited:
Richard Lathrop
Well-known member
I think this video is dated. it mentions an employee was taking over the business.
Chris Goldson
New member
Geoff Pike
Active member
This may help you get started: https://duckboats.net/community/threads/scull-boat-oars.105528/