After the launch of the family vessel, "Meandering On" in 2000, Vanessa Hendren (8 at the time), 'caught the antique/wooden
boat bug.' It was thus decided that she should have a wooden boat of her own.  A few years later, and after some online research, John discovered the plans for this sweet boat - that had Vanessa's name written all over it! A 10ft. 'gentle(wo)man's racer' look, a bit of a challenge to build, and a perfect vessel for an 11 year old.  In December of 2002, all other projects were put on hold while the construction of the Glen L plan's for a "Squirt" began.
   Her fascination at the time for Scotland's Loch Ness monster, commonly referred to as "Nessy" by locals, as well as being called    that exact name by family members since she was a toddler, led to the immediate christening of this fine little vessel, "L'il Nessy."

A template was made to frame the boat. Construction begins...

Living up to his motto, "you can never have too many clamps," the hull frames start to resemble a boat. The shear and the chine was difficult to construct - to bend it from the most forward frame to the stem - to get it to bend without breaking. John ended up laminating the shear out of 2 pieces, and laminated the chine out of 4 to get more flexibility. (see clamps!) Fir was used for this, but for "the next Squirt" white oak, using a steamer would be the better way to go.

1/4 " mahogany ply was used for the hull; entire hull was epoxied with 6 oz. cloth, and 3 coats of West System epoxy.

Getting its first coat of paint (primer)

The cockpit was moved back 4 inches from the original plan, to increase the deck - to give it more of a    "gentleman's racer" look. The size of the motor well was reduced also.  So that you don't see the gas tank, John made a hatch    cover to conceal seeing the tank.

  The decking was made by putting down 1/4" plywood, and then cutting strips of mahogany 1 3/4" x 1/4" thick, and having a 1/8"   dado down the length of each deck board (one side), which makes the spacing between each deck seam.  

Vanessa decided on a black hull, with a wood inset. Very sleek! Varnishing begins.

June 2003 - Heading out to Ship n Shore Upholstery in Dunsford, Ont. to get upholstery work.

Water test - Little Lake, Peterborough July 19th, 2003.

    First major event - an Antique Boat Rendezvous in Stoney Lake - August 2003. She (both Vanessa and the Squirt!) was quite a hit, and she could certainly keep up with the boats!

Proudly displayed at the Peterborough Antique Boat Show - 2004 - where "L'il Nessy" took the People's Choice Award for 18ft. and under category.

Taking big sister, Jess, for a ride at the show .....

2005 Antique Boat Rendezvous on the Otonabee River ... "L'il Nessy" still going strong!

Vanessa enjoys the Squirt in the pond at our new place!

pond movie

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John's Little Boat Shop
1195 Meadowview Rd.   R. R. # 2
Omemee, Ont.       K0L 2W0
705.799.2222
toll free 1.877.750.2189
email: antiqueboats@hughes.net

Maintained by The Hendrens