Sean Hogben learned boat building in Tasmania directly from its world-famous builders. This linear learning was refined by John and Ruth Young who established the Shipwrights Point School of Wooden Boat Building at Franklin in the Huon Valley. Sean was in its first diploma course intake in 1995.
mostly, traditional building was done there ‘the Muir way’, as perfected by Hobart yachting legend Jock Muir
Jock's nephew, former apprentice, boat builder and designer Bill Foster, was Sean and his six fellow students’ key mentor. Other highly-respected Tasmanian boat craftsman shared all their trade secrets during an intense course leading to a Diploma in Wooden Boat Building, the first nationally-accredited Level 5 diploma in the craft.
This direct, linear path of knowledge reaches back to MARITIME MASTERS, the Phoenicians
Captivated by the challenging waters of Moreton Bay and offshore, Sean builds boats suited to them. they are seaworthy and strong
Modern techniques are woven into traditional designs where appropriate. All but the rigging hardware is handcrafted, including bronze fittings. The boats are always wood because the qualities of Australia's native timbers are the best in the world for boat building.
AN IDEAL BOAT FOR BEACH LAUNCHING AND EXPLORING THE BANKS AND CHANNELS OF MORETON BAY IS AUSTRALIAN DESIGNER IAIN OUGHTRED’S Mcgregor sailing canoe
The first McGregor sailing canoe out of the Australian Pure Island Boats shop carries a long legacy of curated timbers. The stems, knees, floors and deck beams are laminated from bone dry Douglas Fir which once lined Sean and Suzi’s Californian bungalow in Bondi.
It is over 100 years old, with perfect old-growth grain and well worth its storage of nearly 30 years. There are silver quandong coamings, sole boards, breasthooks and gunwales, the odd piece of ancient teak and celery top pine and a Queensland maple keel. The planking is 5mm Mourikis Gaboon ply, the best and lightest quality.
Sean also has painstakingly gathered Huon pine, celery top pine and exquisite Australian cedar, all of great age, to build this delightful sports boat traditionally with steam-bent ribs and bronze and copper fastenings. This would be a museum-quality build that could last 1000 years.
At 4.77 metres, the McGregor is a quick and agile vessel which will float in 100mm of water. A snug two-person cockpit is well protected by side decks and coamings and her free-standing 5.75sq m balanced lug rig drives her fast.
Single line reefing systems can reduce sail in seconds and she lands well on a surf beach (it’s all in the technique!). It’s a robust, unsinkable car-top boat which Sean has tailored for Australian waters. All up weight is only 40kg.
Which came first, boats or boards?
Sean has been afloat since he was a toddler and has been surfing for more than 50 years. Every minute in salt water informs these pursuits and saturates the boats he builds. When conditions dictate, waves come calling.
While the detailing might often be very fine, all Sean’s boats demand regular use. If a boat has integrity, good design and materials, vessels some would send to the bonfire can be saved and restored.
Work boats with a rough and ready finish are frequently fine examples of craft built for purpose. Sean has restored quite a few and would consider the right candidates.
Most surfers have strong views on what makes a good surfboard and how designs have evolved. It is the same with boats; their history is ancient and their designs define our first transport technology. Most would agree that a beautiful boat is not just craft, it is art.
Nearly every nation on the planet has a native boat, even the land-locked ones, and there are very few Sean wouldn’t build - as long as they are wood. It just so happens that Australian timbers, boat designers and builders are known throughout the world as being of the highest quality.
Only in Australia, and especially on its islands.
If you want to discuss a commission, particular design, timber construction alternatives, please use the contact form below or send us an email.
