Episode #133: Jeff Rutherford on Wooden Boat Restoration

This week’s host, John Arndt, is joined by Jeff Rutherford to chat all things wooden boat restoration. Jeff is a wooden boat restoration specialist who’s been bringing classics back to life since 1982.

Hear about Jeff’s journey starting out as an island trader, the dues he paid to eventually start his own business, his favorite boat projects, how the technology has changed over the years, and how we can generate more interest in older boats.

This episode covers everything from wooden boats to sailing tech. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

• How was Jeff’s time as an island trader?
• What type of dockside work did he do?
• How did he get interested in building boats?
• What are his favorite boat projects?
• How has wooden boat-building changed over the years?
• Who will step in when Jeff’s retired?
• How do we keep people interested in wooden boats?
• Short Tacks: Does Jeff have a favorite varnish?

Learn more at RutherfordBoats.com.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots — follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!

Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

• Jeff Rutherford on Wooden Boat Restoration
  • [0:22] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
  • [0:24] John Arndt
  • [0:26] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [0:47] Learn more at RutherfordBoats.com
  • [2:12] What’s a story that shaped Jeff as a sailor?
  • [3:05] San Juan, PR
  • [4:25] How was Jeff’s time as an island trader?
  • [6:05] How did he get interested in building boats?
  • [7:38] How long did he work on the schooner?
  • [11:11] What type of dockside work did he do?
  • [13:25] How did Jeff do his first boat restoration?
  • [21:42] Mystic Seaport Museum
  • [25:43] Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
  • [26:29] Where is that boat now?
  • [27:15] The 3rd Annual Spring Fling Marine Expo hosted by Svendsen’s Marine & Industrial Supply takes place April 12-13, 2024 in Alameda. Grab your tickets at SpringFlingBoatShow.com
  • Wooden Boats
  • [27:58] What are Jeff’s favorite boat projects?
  • [30:41] How has wooden boat-building changed over the years?
  • [33:46] Who will step in when Jeff’s retired?
  • [35:51] How do you find wooden boat owners?
  • [38:52] Route du Rhum
  • [41:03] How do we keep people interested in wooden boats?
  • [44:12] The 3rd Annual Spring Fling Marine Expo hosted by Svendsen’s Marine & Industrial Supply takes place April 12-13, 2024 in Alameda. Bring the kids along for some family fun! Grab your tickets at SpringFlingBoatShow.com
  • Short Tacks
  • [45:04] What is Jeff’s favorite sailboat make and model?
  • [46:35] What’s his favorite wooden boat regatta?
  • [47:37] What’s his longest voyage?
  • [48:05] What’s a wooden boat event he’d like to attend?
  • [48:49] How often do you need to varnish?
  • [49:19] Does Jeff have a favorite varnish?
  • [49:48] What’s the best part about owning a wooden boat?
  • [51:12] What keeps people away from owning a wooden boat?
  • [54:18] What Final Thoughts does Jeff have?
  • [55:35] Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
  • [55:42] Learn more at RutherfordBoats.com
  • [55:47] Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
  • [55:53] Got a great sailing story to submit? Do so at [email protected]
  • [56:01] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
  • [56:03] Email [email protected] to advertise on this podcast or in Latitude 38 sailing magazine
  • [56:12] Check out the March 2024 issue of Latitude 38
  • Theme Song: “Pineapple Dream” by Solxis