12-16 August At Terengganu Back to Malaysia East Coast Cruise 2005
WOODEN BOAT BUILDING at Terengganu
Terry took the one oar left after the loss of one at Pulau Tenggol to the master boat builder, Abdullah bin Muda at his International Shipyard. A pair of oars have been ordered with the promise of a two week completion. Shown on the left is a motor vessel under construction at Abdullah's yard. No plans exist for the vessels except in the memory of the builder. The local wood is iron wood (chani). The hull is fastened entirely with wood pegs and caulking of paper mulberry tree bark between the plank edges as shown in the photo on the right. Abdullah has made custom wooden yachts over the past thirty years for overseas customers.
Not far away is a sailing vessel under construction at The Naga Pelangi Project (www.naga-pelangi.de). This 70 foot traditional design (Pinis) vessel is fastened with both wood pegs, tree bark and bronze bolts. The project was begun by master builder Che Ali bin Ngah and is being finished by his son Hassan bin Ali.