O.J. Gonzalez
Teche Sketches

Owning a boat is great, isn’t it?

But when the owner has also designed and built his craft, it becomes truly noteworthy. Especially so when that person is in his early twenties.

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Last week I saw a remarkable boat constructed by Grant Rogers from Jeanerette. The craft, sleek as well as sturdy, is a testament to this young designer’s artistic and technical skills.

Grant has B.S. in manufacturing and engineering technology from Nicholls State University. And after I saw his finely-made creation, it was obvious that his studies had been put to good use.

“My vision in designing and building this boat, “Grant admitted,” was overall simplicity by using the finer points of existing boat-building techniques.”

He added, “ I designed this boat primarily for saltwater fishing. Also...this is not a type that you usually see around here.”

Grant explained that this craft is unusual because it contains no nails. It’s actually bonded together with a special epoxy resin.

Furthermore, the boat is high efficient because any water that comes in exits through a self-bailing hull design.

I noticed several other interesting features. In the stern is an elevated poling platform that can be used for spotting fish as well as for moving the craft through very shallow water.

Also, all of the hardware on the boat’s deck is recessed in order to eliminate snags.

“I believe in simplicity coupled with maneuverability,” Grant said.

Incidentally, this attractive, fairly light-weight vessel is propelled by a 90 hp two-stroke Yamaha engine. When I inquired about the kind of wood that he had used, Grant’s eyes brightened.

He told me that he wanted a unique type that was flexible as well as tough. In Raceland, he found some Douglas Fir Marine Plywood, which he felt would enhance both the beauty and the durability of his boat.

As I looked at the craft, I wondered how long it had taken him to build it. I asked him and he confessed that he had spent about 900 hours in its construction.

But what about the time used to plan and design it. Can the complex and magical process of creative thought actual be determined? I honestly don’t know if there’s and answer.

By the way, Grant’s dad, Roland (better known ad “Boo”), was also a boat builder in his youth. Father and son both enjoy the outdoors.

Currently employed as a project manager at Island Boats, Grant’s workplace environment undoubtedly encourages him in his off-hour hobby of building pleasure craft.

“I’d like to design a catamaran and also a foot-propelled kayak that would allow me to keep my hands free for fishing,” he said.

Grant passed his hand along the boat’s bow and added, “You learn a lot about yourself when you undertake a job like this.”

Best wishes to all,

O.J. Gonzalez