M J Taylor

10/06/2025

One of a pair of ash chairs assembled and ready for an oil finish.

06/07/2024

‘Flo’ was finally launched last weekend. Putting a boat in the water for the first time is always a nerve-racking experience, however, a brief first outing demonstrated she rows very well and sits on her waterline perfectly with a couple aboard, plus lifting the sole boards revealed a dry bilge.

Dinghy and oars built by me, but credit must also go to the following:

Design – Stirling and Son
Timber – Stones Boatyard Salcombe
Fastenings – Anglia Stainless
Adhesives – WEST SYSTEM Epoxy
Exterior paint – International yacht paint Europe
Interior oil – Owatrol UK

10/03/2024

Many thanks to Epoxycraft for taking an interest in my work and writing an article about how it all began - read it here:

Twelve years ago Mat Taylor began a career in teaching Design and Technology, finally putting his degree in Product Design to use. This quickly instilled a fascination for woodworking; he found himself irresistibly drawn to the neglected planes and chisels in the tool cupboard, eager to master the s...

09/01/2024

Something different to start the year with! A few workshop pics of a variation of Sheffield cutler stool, with tapering octagonal legs and a few extra bevels. Some pieces I saw by a few years back used sloping bevels in a really creative way, and its been something I've wanted to play with since. They're only subtle here, but help remove visual weight from the rear of the seat. In situ pics to follow...

25/10/2023

This photo shows two things:

1. A workshop that is long overdue a good sort out and tidy

2. An almost finished dinghy - just a couple of bronze fairleads to fix to the bow and she's good to go

11/07/2023

11' pulling / rowing dinghy. Replica of a Bristol channel pilot cutter's punt. Traditional clinker construction, planked in khaya with a khaya backbone and oak timbers. Plans drawn by Will Stirling.

28/04/2023

We're on the road! The dinghy will be on display as part of event at Port Waterhouse, East Portlemouth, this Sunday between 12 and 5pm. There will be a bar, BBQ and beautiful boats!

25/04/2023

THIS SUNDAY! Port Waterhouse, East Portlemouth. Master boat builder John Mcshea is exibiting a collection of boats he has built and restored. The Port Waterhouse bar will also be open, so will be the perfect opportunity to grab a drink and admire the Salcombe Estuary and some beautify built boats.

25/04/2023

Here's the invitation for all and anyone to come along and see what I get up to in my workshop. There's more than just me and some boats, East Portlemouth is the best place to spend a day, we have lovely beaches and the beauty of the estuary without so much the crowds.

25/04/2023

This Sunday, 12-5pm at Port Waterhouse...

An exhibition of the work of John McShea, boatbuilder with food and bar...

Come and see the very latest wooden launch alongside previously built and restored boats as well as a presentation of John’s back catalogue of work and how the boats are built.

Hot food will be available, and the boathouse bar will be open for drinks. Naturemake will also be there - where children and adults alike will be able to build their own boats.

Everybody welcome, arrive by car or boat, or we are a short walk from the ferry

10/04/2023

Master boat builder John Mcshea is holding an exhibition of his work on the 30th of April. This will be a rare opportunity to view some of the most finely crafted clinker launches built in recent years. Whether you are thinking about commissioning a new boat or simply appreciate beautifully built things, it will be well worth a visit. The exhibition is being held at Port Waterhouse near Salcombe, South Devon.