Wooden Boat Restoration Projects
Over the years, the workshop has undertaken a variety of wooden boat restoration, repair and refinishing projects—from structural rebuilds to detailed varnishing and final fit-out. Although restoration is no longer a core focus of the business, this gallery brings together a selection of previous projects, along with occasional work currently taking place in the workshop
Tideway Dinghy
A traditional wooden sailing dinghy restoration.
A neglected and leaking Tideway dinghy came to us to be taken up to a concourse condition, bright finished boat. Fitted out with the finest bronze hardware, a construction modernisation and thorough restoration. She proudly won a first place award for unpowered craft at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival following her launch.
Stapley
A 1970s ski race boat restoration.
Pisces was a well known water ski race boat from the 70’s. Now used solely for pleasure, she came in to have a new deck and bubble built, alterations to spray rails made and a reinforcement of her hull undertaken. That was coupled with a complete refinish taking her to perhaps the best condition she has ever been in.
Healey 75
A classic speedboat restoration.
This is the only fibreglass boat we have worked on here. Throughout a tough life this boat was sunk, dropped and then poorly repaired as an insurance job. We straightened out her hull, reinforced the bottom and reinstated all internal framing and stringers. She also had a new deck and complete refinish. Upon her re launch she became an award winning boat at the Windermere Classic Motor Boat Rally.
These projects represent just part of the restoration and finishing work completed by Dan Lee Boatbuilding over the years. More workshop projects, techniques and behind-the-scenes footage can be found on the YouTube channel.
Restoration Advice and Consultancy
While complete restoration commissions are not a regular part of the workshop schedule, Dan offers one-to-one consultancy for owners and builders looking for practical guidance with wooden boat restoration, repair and finishing projects.