The longevity of well-constructed and maintained wooden vessels is a testament to the advantages of wood. In terms of strength, stiffness, insulating properties, cost, and workability, wood is hard to beat. To many boaters, the "feel" of a wooden hull sets the standard by which all other materials are compared.

But as with any material, wood needs to be maintained, repaired, and sometimes replaced. The Co-op shipwrights have the skills, knowledge, and experience for those tasks, whether the vessel is a heavily built fishing trawler or a small, lightweight daysailer. Their craftsmanship extends equally well to new construction, with projects ranging in size from a hatch cover to a brand new boat.

A vessel's structure is perhaps the most important element to consider when purchasing a boat. The Co-op can provide you with a rigorous assessment of the exterior hull structure (frames, planks, keel, stem, transom, deck, bulwarks, and hatches), the interior (floors and bulkheads), and the fastenings (nails, screws, rivets, and bolts). They'll look for signs of problems, such as cracks, rot, rust, and delamination. And they'll give you a realistic estimate of the repair or restoration costs. A well-cared-for wooden boat will give you many years of service.