Description
You will become confident in scarfing plywood and assembling the boat using the free-form method. The stem post, frames and transom will be installed to the marked side panels in a sequence that causes the boat to take shape and assume its natural rocker. You’ll see why a strongback or building jig is not needed. You will craft and install the inside chine, affix the bottom panel, the rowing and guest seats, inside and outside rails, chine caps, rub rail, and fly line deck and oar blocks. At the end of this five-day workshop, you will have the confidence, knowledge and skills necessary to build your own McKenzie River Drift Boat or any similar small skiff or dory from a kit.
The McKenzie River Discovery Center (MRDC) is pleased to offer this workshop through the talented hands of Jayson Hayes of Hayes Custom Boats. He is a skilled and artful boat builder. This will be his fifth workshop for the MRDC and his popularity results from his proficient approach to boat building, and his congenial and comfortable teaching style. Jayson builds for some of the most experienced guides in Oregon and Idaho including Helfrich River Outfitters. His work is both highly respected and valued. Jayson’s home eddy is Cedar Flat on the McKenzie.
Due to 2025 construction at the McKenzie River Discovery, this class will be held in workshop space at a nearby property. It is the home ranch of one of our well-known McKenzie Guides, Roy Pruitt. Though he has passed, his generous wife, Shelly is providing the space as well as lodging and camping options on the property. The 2020 Holiday Farm fire that devastated 170,000 acres along the McKenzie River also struck the Pruitt property. In its aftermath, and as a tribute to Roy, Shelly built his dream shop space – space in which you will build Roy’s favorite boat, the McKenzie drift boat.
Registration, Tuition, Cancellation
Registration and tuition are handled online. This 5-day workshop tuition is $850, payable when you register. You will receive a confirmation email upon registration. If you must cancel or withdraw, the following policies apply:
- A refund will be granted if you cancel within 30 days of the workshop (Not later than March 21, 2025)
- If your notice of cancellation or withdrawal is received between 15 and 30 days of the workshop, your tuition is not refundable. However, it may be applied to a future workshop.
- If you cancel within 15 days of the workshop, we cannot refund your tuition or apply it to a future workshop.
- In the event of an unforeseen emergency beyond anyone’s control, MRDC reserves the right to cancel the workshop. Registrants will receive a full refund.
Although lodging is on your own a list of options will accompany your confirmation notice after you register. These will include options onsite and others nearby.