Resident Wes Eddison of Noddy Bay proudly shows me his old-fashioned motor boat, which he has made by his own design and primarily by hand. The boat is a result of many weeks of hard labour – a labour of love.
Wes is eager to take his old-fashioned motor boat on the water. He was waiting on the shaft to make the appropriate connection to the old-fashion make-and-break motor and the handmade rudder.
The boat is certainly not Wes’ first, but at 73 years of age he claims it will be his final creation. A project that started in February is now nearing completion and Wes looks forward to taking everyone out for a ride across the Bay.
It takes great talent and skill to craft such a boat. I am always impressed by what our local residents are capable of doing. We must do more to ensure that boat building as a past time and as a way of life does not die in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. We need more people to take up this great trade.
Wes Eddison is a prime example of a local resident that exudes what it means to live rural. I hope others will follow his direction and see a renewal in boat building, especially those that model the trap-skiff.
Happy travels Wes!
Live Rural NL –
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay North
That’s my grandfather! So proud with what he does. Great job, poppy! Hope to have a ride on the boat soon!
You certainly should be proud of your grandfather. He is keeping tradition alive and will certainly bring much joy to anyone who gets the pleasure of riding in the old-fashioned motor boat.
That I am, and also, much thanks for writing such a nice article about him! Good job, love this blog! Makes me miss home, thats for sure!
Thank you so much on doing this article on my father….now that he had passed on Wednesday I’m sure his legacy will go on with the boat mentioned…..thanking you from his daughter Tanya Baker