Views of the Neighborhood – Plywooden Boat Festival

~ John W. Howell

The sign below says it all. This is the Plywooden (Not plywood. Thank you, autocorrect) Boat Festival.

Plywooden Boat

This is an annual event that brings boat builders from all over Texas. The main material in the boats is plywood but since that word gives visions of poor quality the correct term is Plywooden. As you will see there is a whole host of different boats and all built by hand.

Plywooden boats

This first photo is of a unique sailboat. It has the look of a 1950’s Studebaker. Also take a look at the little bay boats to the right. The next photo shows one under construction.

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Here is a long-boat that is powered by oars

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If you want a cozy sailing yacht here would be your choice. (Watch your head when you go below)

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For a quick run about this may do the trick. You will have to be careful you don’t go airborne.

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Here is another compact sailboat. You could even put it on top to the SUV with grandma.

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Now for real crusin’ here is a fully outfitted salon.

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Here is a guy working on his kyack. Looks beautiful in the natural color.

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For the fisherman here is a bay fisherman. All hand-made.

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

44 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood – Plywooden Boat Festival”

  7. When you mentioned this last week, John, I was expecting small simple boats. Some of these are quite sophisticated for a backyard project. Great photos! I’m partial to the kyack. I had a friend who built a canoe, and bending the wood is a challenge.

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  9. Oh, I loved this! That’s one event that I would like to have attended, homebody that I am. Thanks for taking us along with you, John. What fun. I enjoy seeing handcrafted things, but I’m particularly amazed by woodwork. Who knew plywood could hold up for boats? I guess it’s all in what the materials are treated with… I was even impressed with the tiny bay boats. My favorite is the “fully outfitted salon.” It reminds me of 1920s stories. Thanks for the neighborhood stroll. Mega hugs.

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  14. You live in the neatest neighborhood, John!! In land-locked Central Illinois, anybody who rides along with a boat attached to his car or truck can count on more than a few stares. I’m fascinated with the long boat — safety in numbers, I guess!

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