An old Trade.

[KenworthBudd]

I'm a new member to the forum, my name is Kenworth.
I live in Long Beach, California. My Father is a Shipwright, Dennis Budd, and he works at most of the Marinas in this area. I'm doing a research paper on what my father does for a living, and come to find out it is hard to find people like him. My question is, are all Shipwrights gone in Southern California? Is this a dying trade? Is there still a need for Shipwrights?
Talking with my father, there is a shortage. I would like to see if anyone out there has an opinion on this topic?

[Dave Fleming]

Nah, we are all gone. Just a sittin' and a rockin' on the porch with a pipe and dram o'rum.

I agree true shipwrights are thin on the ground in So Cal.. But are flourishing in other parts of the country.

Does he consider himself a shipwright, a boatbuilder or a joiner?

Did your father serve an apprenticeship?

[ 09-12-2003, 06:19 PM: Message edited by: Dave Fleming ]

[ahp]

There are shipwrights who have found a berth at the museums, such as Mystic Seaport, in Mystic Connecticut.

[Gary E]

Kenworth,

Although this is not boat related, you last name reminds me of manufacturing in Philadelphia PA.

Maybe you are related?

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/bv/budd.htm

Good luck in your search

G

[Art Read]

Shipwrights aren't a "dying" breed. They're just doing some differently described "jobs" these days. The gentlemen who make their livings commercially are often engaged in tasks that would surprise their predecesors, but they are still providing the same basic product. A vessel in which one can safely and profitably make one's own living on the water.

Some few still practice the techniques that have stood the test of time and perpetuate a long followed and hard earned tradition, while most take advantage of relatively recent advances in material science and design to gain percieved and realised commercial advantage. Neither are ALWAYS ultimately successful, profitable or even safe, but neither is there anything inherently "wrong" with either approach. Both are STILL viable answers to the specific needs of the user.

As long as people desire to venture out on big waters, there will always be "shipwrights". What they build may change, but we would always do well to heed their advice should we want to "venture out" ourselves.