Dyer Dhow

[mitch f]

Hello all. I just came into "Cyclops" a 9' dyer dhow sailing dinghy in need of some serious restoration including a new gunwhale. Parts are available from the dyer website, but are costly so I was considering making a new rail myself for her both inside and out. My question is how does one go about bending wood? How difficult is it to steam wood for bending and what is the process? Will I even need to steam a 1/2" X 1" slat? The original was oak but I'm considering teak. Is this a bad idea?
Any info you could supply to improve my rudimentary woodworking skills would be greatly appreciated as would any info regarding dyer dinghies in general. How do they sail? Anything to look out for?
Thanks.

-Mitch
Ty Galatea



mitchfeeney@yahoo.com

[Vic Galgano]

Hi Mitch: I just came across your inquiry about the Dyer Dhow. I also have a Dhow that needs to be restored but I think I will bite the bullet and spring for the original parts from Dyer. I had a friend that steamed his own rub rails -- the most difficult part is building a steam box. I would stick to oak though -- probably easier to bend. As for sailing -- the boat is veeery tender. If you are any taller than 5'9" moving around during a tack can be quite interesting. And if you do capsize, forget about bailing, just head for the beach. They do make great tenders though, but I would hesitate to sail one in anything other than a gentle breeze. Let me know how your restoration progresses. Regards, Vic



vgalgano@msn.com