Vietnam
Wooden Boat FoundationVietnam
Wooden Boat Foundation
Sewn Plank Boat Building Project
March-April 2004, Dong Ha, Quang Tri Province
Page 2 (page 1 shows the initial stages of construction)
( The "sewn plank" boat was built in central Vietnam up through the 60's and early 70's. As with all traditional wooden boats built in Vietnam, the boat builders had no boat drawings to build the boats with, but rather a knowledge and skill handed down from generation to generation. This boat type was a high maintenance boat, could not tolerate the vibrations of engines and therefore was used primarily in inland waterways for people and cargo transport. Depending on the size and use, these boats were sometimes fitted with a sail or two. The boat shown being built below and on page 1 is the only known replica of this boat in existence.) (Click on the pictures below to enlarge picture) (Click here to see pictures of old sewn plank boats from the 60's.)
 Work
continues on sewing the fifth plank. |
The correct amount of tension must
be applied to the cables to hold the planks at the correct angle for
sewing. |
 |
 |
 Tension
is moved down the plank by Mr. Quang Le's son. |
 The
top plank/gunnel (upside down) has slots pre-drilled for sewing &
lacing. |
 Another
angle on maintaining tension. |
 The
sewing progresses towards the bow. |
 |
 |
 Lots
of interest from other workers in the area. |
 Sewn
joints in various stages of construction. |
 More
shims are prepared for insertion. |
 Steve
Jones, project photographer to the right, seems to draw the children. |
 The
boat's lines are shaped and the five major planks assembled. |
 View
from the stern. |
 Fusion
of the joints forward. |
 The
sewn bundle is trimmed as it is completed. |
 |
 Nine
bolts were used on the hull to strengthen three of the plank joints. |
 |
 |
 Mr.
Quang Le saws one of the two paddles for the boat. |
 |
 A
close-up view of the joint construction. |
 The
bow has carved eyes typical to Quang Tri province boats. |
 Special
braid for the bow. |
 |
 |
 |
 The
completed boat is being fitted for a crate for shipping. |
 |
 |
 The
stern is solid. |
 Mr.
Khan, Head of Dept. of Industries, inspects the boat with VNWBF pres. John
Doney |
 Mr.
Quang Le (76) and his younger brother (72) pose with their boat, likely
the last of this type they will build. |
 The
builders with John Doney & Mr. Hai, the factory owner who arranged the
boatbuilding. |
 |
 The
hull shape is interesting and graceful. |
 Mr.
Tran Phong (left) from the provincial Foreign Relations Dept. helped
coordinate the project. |
Most of the photos on these two pages were taken by Steve Jones of Nha Trang and a few by John Doney. |
 Huong
Jones, wife of Steve Jones, was key in helping to interpret during the
project. |
Email: Vietnam Wooden Boat Foundation
John Doney, President
Mail:
Vietnam Wooden Boat Foundation
412 Logan St
Port Townsend, WA 09368