This article documents the construction of the 'Maid of Martha' a classic wooden motorsailer ketch built by Alec Lacco assisted by his son Rod. The work on the boat commenced in 1968, in the front yard of the owner John Bowen on the corner of Ailsa Street, Mount Martha. In this rare compendium of images, documented and recorded by the owner and his family, you can follow a week by week progress of the boat building. Classic Wooden boat are priveleged indeed to become the custodians of this historical record.

Building the Maid of Martha.

This record of building commences with the construction and laying of the keel, right through to the launching of 'The Maid' by boat transporter Alan Martin, across the Western Port Bay Tidal flats at Jack's Beach, Victoria, in 1970. The boat construction spread out to include part of John's neighbours block and also the wooded nature strip, along the side of the dirt road. The set of 40 original images have been restored, blemishes and fading retouched and the images sepia tinted to compensate for the chemical staining of the photographs in the album.

When referenced in conjunction with our Glossary of Wooden Boatbuilding terms, Wooden boat lovers and amatuer builders will be able to better understand boat building jargon and the complexities and skill, required to build a classic carvel 'plank on frame' wooden boat. 

Maid of Martha is constructed of Huon Pine planking and ribbing, Yellow Stringy Bark keel, Horn timber and Stem Posts. The transom is 5 inch African Mahogany. The cabin sides are also African Mahogany. John Bowen assisted in the building of the boat as did his son David. 

1. The view of the keel showing the Rabbet, Stem Post and Stem Knee.

2. The After end of the keel, showing the Stern Post, Horn Timber and Transom Knee.

3. The Frames in position, and a classical boat beginning to take shape.

4. The frames, taken from the starboard bow angle.

5. The Framing Battens, which give the boat it's shape, nailed over the frames.

6. Two hundred laminated ribs, with the Garboards (first planks from the keel) and the first few planks fixed.

7. Bow view of Ribs and Planks, the irregular shape below the bow is a reflection.

8. Stern view of Ribs and Planks with transom fitted.