New Boats
Graham has a small full time workforce supplemented by a team of specialists on whom he can call as the building and fitting of our process develops. Despite having many calls on his time, Graham remains “hands on” in the workshop. He specialises in producing the bows of the shell.
Norton Canes Boats are based on the elegant lines of traditional working craft by Fellows, Morton & Clayton. These ‘Joshers’ (after Joshua Fellows) were the most graceful of the old working boats. While many modern builders claim Josher lines, Grahams are among the most graceful with detail rarely seen on other builder’s bows.
Tony and Graham are aided by boat builder Neil Butlin. Neil is another fabricator with 30 years experience in building steel shells and his superb welding skills ensures that every shell is ripple free.
His skills are complemented by Tony Bate whose boiler making background ensures flawless fabrication of the stern end. Tony pulls the swim plates together, adds an elliptical counter and carefully bends in gunwales, decks, dollies and bulkheads before adding roof and cabin sides. He also fabricates keel and skin tanks and installs the engine.
Around three months is spent creating each new shell. During this period, the engine is fitted, all detailing completed on steelwork and spray foam insulation is added if required.