Community boat shed
Neighbours restoring and building small wooden boats by hand. Come in and hold a plane. We'll show you the rest.
Common Keel started when a few people rescued a dinghy nobody wanted and found they needed more hands than they had. The shed now keeps one restoration and one new build going at the same time.
No experience is needed. Every session is led by someone who has done the job before, and every boat goes back on the water for anyone to use.
Short notes behind each link, written by the people who keep the shed running.
Featured · Autumn
On the first two weekends of every autumn month the doors stay open from late morning until the light goes. This season we are planking Wren. You will steam, bend and clamp cedar strips alongside a lead builder.
Come for an hour or the whole day. Nobody signs in and there is no charge. Just tell whoever is at the bench that you are new.
Back to links01 · Build log
Wren is a 12-foot clinker-style rowing boat for the shed's own use. The backbone and moulds are set up, the first garboard planks are hung, and the sheer line has been faired twice until everyone agreed it looked right.
Next up: planks three to six, then turning her over for the first time.
Back to links02 · Weekly
A smaller, quieter evening for steady work: sanding, fairing, fitting thwarts and oiling oars. Each evening has a lead who sets out the tasks, so you can walk in and start.
Bench space is limited, so regulars rotate. If the shed is full, you are welcome to watch and learn a knot or two.
Back to links03 · Before you come
Dust masks, ear defenders and safety glasses hang by the door. Please use them.
Back to links04 · Volunteering
Not everyone wants to hold a chisel, and the shed needs more than builders. Current open roles:
Mention the role you'd like at any open-build weekend.
Back to links05 · Support
Timber is the one thing we can't volunteer our way around. Sponsoring a single cedar strake covers its wood, glue and fastenings. Your name, or the name of someone you'd like remembered, is pencilled on the inside face before it goes on the boat.
Ask a lead builder at the shed, and they'll show you which plank is next.
Back to links06 · Launch
When a boat is finished, the shed walks her down to the water on a trailer, with everyone who worked on her. The youngest volunteer names her aloud, and the oldest takes her out first.
Launches are announced in The Tide Sheet about a month ahead. Bring warm layers.
Back to links07 · Monthly letter
One short letter at the start of each month covers the session dates, how far the current build has come, a tool or technique explained plainly, and whatever odd thing turned up inside the last restoration.
Add your name to the paper list on the shed noticeboard. We never share it.
Back to links