Re-Fit of ISEA's Motor Whaleboat Nearing Completion

Work continues on ISEA's ex-Navy motor whaleboat Lake Sturgeon. We are installing the new oak rub rails this week.  The rails were built for us by George Powell and Bruce Lehmann at their shop in Suttons Bay.  We still have a lot to do before our final US Coast Guard inspection, so if you would like to help contact Tom Kelly or Chuck Dickerson at 231-271-3077. 

George, Bruce and Tony trial-fit the new rub rails

Installation today.  Ben Clark, new ISEA Intern, is assisting Bruce and Chuck Dickerson.

Ben, Chuck and Jerry Battle. 

------Tom K.

Pram Class Graduation Day

Today ISEA graduated ten students in its Pram Build and Sail Program.  These young students have been working in the ISEA Boat Shop since February to learn how to safely work with tools, how to work cooperatively, and how to have fun gaining new skills. 

Instructors are recognized for their dedication.  John M., Bill E., Terry S. , Mike C. , Sandy S. & Chuck D.
Not present were Sandy K., Larry W., Toni D., Scott M., & Paul M. 

Graduates with diplomas

Graduates with new life jackets provided by ISEA

Build and Sail graduates will attend TACS sailing school this summer to learn how to sail the boats they built.

Special thanks to Chuck Dickerson for his leadership in this program.

--Tom K. 

Pram Building Class, Week 8

This week our students applied the first top coat of paint to the prams.  One is blue (M blue!) and one is green (for that other school?).  The interiors are white.  A second coat will be applied next week.

Following the painting, Chuck gave a short lesson on boat terminology.  Each student got handouts to help them learn the names of all the parts of a boat. 

Pram Building Class, Week 6

This week our pram-building students installed the daggerboard trunk, quarter and bow knees, seats.  They also epoxy-puttied the many screw heads used to attach the bottom and sides. 

Pram Building Class, Week 5

Pram bottoms are installed by students using epoxy and stainless steel screws.

Pram Building Class - Week 4 - February 23, 2013

This week students glued and fastened the plywood hull sides to the prams. This required a lot of precision drilling and teamwork. Next week the bottom!

Pram Building Class #3 - Framing

The students and staff are excited to see the form of the boats taking shape.  We had a great day Saturday fitting and gluing the stringers in place.

Thanks to our Boat Shop Volunteer Instructors for their dedication and leadership:

Chuck Dickerson - Lead

Terry Ciesielski, Sandy Ciesielski, Toni DeRose, Bill Emerson, Scott Myers,  Paul McEwen, John Bailey, Sandy Kushner, Larry Weingar, Mike Cherry, Larry Peyton, Jerry Battle.

--Tom Kelly

Pram Building Class #3

This past Saturday our Pram Building Crew was hard at it again:

ISEA's Pram Building Class is a great example of how we transfer skills and positive attitudes from one generation to the next.  All Boat Shop Instructors are volunteers who gladly give their time to help these youngsters experience the planning, team work and skill development needed to build a boat.

This program is provided to the students at no cost.  The Pram Building Class costs ISEA about $3,800 to put on (for materials and supplies).  We are seeking corporate and/or individual partners who would like to help cover this cost.  Please contact Kathy Lievense, ISEA Development Director, for more information.  (231-271-3077).