Wooden Drascombes
John Watkinson
John Elliott Boat Builder
Initially, the first production "Drascombe Luggers" were built in marine plywood as inexpensive boats. The cost was under £400 - running rigging was sisal rope, the standing rigging was stranded galvanised wire, some softwoods were used for the floors and scantlings etc, the centreplate and rudder were only painted, not galvanised. Over time, owners requested more refinement and more extras, until by the time Kelly and Hall had ceased trading through financial difficulties, the boats were being built to a much higher standard. John Elliott decided at this time that he would venture out and start his own business as he knew there was a great demand for the "Drascombe Lugger" and negotiated with John Watkinson to grant him an exclusive licence to build them in wood. This was welcomed and encouraged, so "John Elliott Boat Builder" was now the name of the company building the "Drascombe Lugger" a 2 man business with his brother Doug.
The "Drascombe Lugger" was the first in the line, this was followed by the "Drascombe Longboat" which is essentially a stretched "Lugger", even being built on the same jig which was cut in half and a 3ft centre section added.
The next boat in the line was the "Drascombe Skiff" a 14ft double ender with a standing lug main on an unstayed mast, a very simple boat and great fun to sail with no complications at all.
Last updated: 9 November, 2006
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