Small Boat Forum

Posted by Thom V (i) on October 08, 2002 at 18:02:02

In Reply to: arno day lobster boat posted by booklady on October 04, 2002 at 15:16:29:

To try and explain all the parts and pieces to look at for wear and tear on a plank on frame boat is beyond most people’s experience, anyway. The suggestion then becomes to find a local boat surveyor that is familiar with this construction technique and hire him/her to survey the boat. This will require the boat to be hauled to dry dock and reviewed. One can set the ‘deal’ up so that based on survey (paid for by the buyer) an offer to purchase will be made. The most important thing is the buyer ends up with a complete review of the vessel and its parts in writing. This paper work becomes a learning tool and a ‘bible’ guiding one on any repairs.

As to Arno Day as a boat builder, the 1st story on the SBF Small Boat Adventures page, ”Sleepless at Anchor” by Sandra Colvard, is aboard an Arno Day vessel. We spent 3 weeks aboard from Minstrel Island (came in by plane to meet the boat) to Campbell River BC Canada and got a first hand feel for a stout (29,000 lbs) beautifully built Down East Lobster Style Power Cruiser. Arno knows how to design and build a sturdy long lasting craft using the plank on frame method. This boat is still going strong today here in Seattle after almost 40 years!

Good luck with your efforts! Arno can build’em, and if the owners maintain’em, then you should have a nice craft.