The page headings above provide links to each section of the website. They are listed approximately in order of how this project has developed, and describe the process with captioned pictures.
Lion is a fishing boat measuring 40 feet and approximately 22 tons. She is typical of small fishing schooners found in New England waters around 1800.
The timing of the project to date has been about like this:
– 1990’s – Shop construction
– Early 2000’s – Gathering plans, wood and other materials
– 2010-11 – Lofting and first wood cut
– 2012-14 – Keel laying, stem, sternpost and deadwood construction
– 2015-17 – Frame construction and setup
– 2017-21 – Planking (about half complete)
– 2022-Present – Deck structure
The Gantt chart below lists the tasks yet to be completed as of April 2024 (click on it to enlarge). Although the timeline is inaccurate, the list of tasks is pretty complete and is of value in guiding my efforts.
Journalist Michael Hill of NJTV (the local PBS TV Station) produced and aired the following video in 2017. It provides a good summary of the project at that time. As this website documents, progress has been slow since, but still moving along.
In 2025, I had to pause work due to health problems (two operations). Now, in early 2026, work is starting again slowly, with another pause due to a fall off a ladder inside the boat. I sustained 3 broken ribs, a punctured lung and a 2″ gash to my forehead. After three days in the hospital, I’m rearing to go!
. See the Deck page for the most current work.
Comments on either the website or the boat will be greatly appreciated. You can contact me (Mike Danesi) at mnldanesi@gmail.com.