
At Lakeland Wooden Boats we work with each client to their individual and unique requirements, ensuring that the end result is a perfect combination of the clients’ wishes, our craftsmanship and close attention to what is logical, feasible and safe. Do get in touch or pop in to have a chat about your requirements, we will make time to offer advice and assistance at the planning stage and look forward to making your imaginings, into reality. The following are examples of craft from our portfolio of work – work we are very proud of and enjoy sharing.
Suffolk Beach Punt
“A stable, family dayboat, light enough to launch and recover easily, yet able to cope with the seas off the west coast of Scotland.”
When Paul Fisher and Ian Page wanted a boat that suited their individual needs and specific requirements that it be as suitable on a tranquil lake, as off the wilder west coast of Scotland, they approached us here at Lakeland Wooden Boats; and as a team, we created this versatile, comfortable and attractive Suffolk Beach Punt. The original Suffolk Beach Punts that fished in the North Sea off open beaches in the late 19th century were usually made entirely of oak and driven by two dipping lugsails. Boats like this which are easy to sail off a beach are can be transformed into ideal trail and launch boats with modern, lighter construction. With Paul and Ian’s inspired ideas, lots of consideration for the functionality of the new design and our craftsmanship, ‘Peregrine’ was delivered in October 1996. It is all they had hoped for and more, serving family holidays, sailing challenges and coping admirably in all conditions and waters. We are incredibly proud of ‘Peregrine’ and honoured to have been a part of her creation.
The Mallard (PDF)
“Produce a larger Coot with ‘Swallows and Amazons’ appeal that will be a good sailing boat which will also row well.”
Designed by Andrew Wolstenholme and built by us here at Lakeland Wooden Boats, this adaptation of Andrew’s 11’ Coot became the personalised, attractive and excellent performer ‘Mallard’. We maintained the classic character of this craft but utilised more modern methods and stable materials to ensure she was light enough to be handled easily by two people and would combine good performance with easy maintenance. Further modifications, additional design changes and a clear vision of what Andrew conceived and we could deliver, came together and ‘Mallard’ was presented to her new owners, Heather and Alan. Both keen walkers, they were seeking a classic looking boat that they could trail easily around the country to sail up and down the numerous creeks they had so far only seen from the shore. Their one stipulation was that it be light enough to easily launch and man-handle on and off the road trailer. We met this requirement and exceeded expectation to everyone’s delight.
Cape Cod (PDF)
“For fishing, dive, work or leisure, a craft as versatile as it is easy to handle.”
Designed by Paul Fisher, the 16’ Cape Cod was made to handle many uses and serve many purposes. This versatile craft handles well for dives, work, fishing or simply leisure uses and is capable of taking an outboard motor up to 52kg in weight ie: 25hp 2 stroke of 15hp 4 stroke. With a starting price of £6,850, this is an affordable and pleasurable craft for those just entering the world of wooden boats, as well as veterans of the pleasure.
The Swallow (PDF)
“A character that is classic and reflects the beauty of designs from bygone times.”
Another wonderful design by Andrew Wolstenholme, The Swallow is a classic beauty with heaps of character and charm. At just 14’6” she is also a dream to handle and is built to be lightweight and easily maintained. She gives a brilliant performance too and is versatile enough for many uses.
The Oyster
“Spacious and stable and quick to respond, with easy handling for one and room for a family.”
From an original design by John Leather, Kevin has adapted this to make a craft more easily handled and that performs above its league. The Oyster was in fact Kevin’s first project and is reminiscent of the Essex oyster brigs of old. On the water, Kevin’s version has all the qualities associated with traditional wooden boats, plus some extra handling; a sturdy, clinker dayboat, beamy, firm-bilge, wonderfully spacious and stable and surprisingly quick to respond when anything of a breeze comes through. She is easily handled by one, but also makes an ideal craft for schools, clubs, families and groups.
The Ptarmigan
“Small, light, appealing little sister for The Oyster.”
Iain Oughtred’s design of The Ptarmigan is similar to a 19th century ship’s boat, with classic good looks and versatility. A sleeker version than her big sister ‘The Oyster’, she is small enough to sail single-handed with ease and capable of carrying up to five adults. Handy and responsive under sail and with a low hull weight, a dream to row without undue effort.