HOWB 041 – Smith’s Boat Shop, 50 years of building wooden boats – Interview with Fred & Ron - 06.28.12

This week I interviewed Fred Smith and Ron Downs of Smith’s Boat Shop on Samish Island, WA. Fred and his brother Don built their first boat in 1960 – a 24ʹ plywood catamaran that could be beached easily on the tide flats in front of their house. Next they built an 8ʹ dinghy with plans they bought from US Plywood for 50 cents. Soon the neighbors began noticing the boats Fred and Don had built and started placing orders for 8ʹ, 12ʹ and 14ʹ prams that were well suited for fly fishing, duck hunting, rowing, and having a generally good time. Next the Smith Brothers went to the local sporting goods stores and made deals to sell their boats on consignment. The Smith Boat Shop was officially born!

Don and Fred built boats together from 1962 until 2003 when Don passed away. At that time, Ron Downs joined his father in law Fred, and they have continued the tradition of building plywood prams for the last 10 years. Over the years, more than 2000 El Toro’s have been built, along with a multitude of Pelican sailboats, and prams.

If you would like to read a great article on the history of the Smith’s Boat Shop, click here: Smith’s Boat Shop History.

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You can contact me at [email protected] to share your comments, feedback, stories, and wooden boat adventures.

 

Keep the bright side up and the barnacled side down - Wooden Boat Dan over and out :D

 

PS  Please note this podcast was recorded several years ago - some of the links, email addresses, phone numbers, and promos mentioned are outdated and no longer valid.