Bespoke work away from masts and oars

With a proven pedigree in the world of wooden yacht masts and oars, our skills and knowledge have often been called upon within similar industries. As a glue-lam specialist and with the flexibility and facilities to take on a wide range of projects, diversification has become common place.

With the growing demand for traditional and sustainable materials within modern architecture, internal and external columns, both structural and cosmetic, have become regular work to satisfy this growing market. With the ability to turn almost any size of column from a variety of materials, there is little we cannot accommodate. 

The link below will highlight some of the bespoke projects we have undertaken over the years. 

The logical progression into wooden masts

Over the years Collars' spars have been used in Olympic competition, crossed all of the worlds Oceans, and can be found on nearly all wooden sparred production boats ever made. With a capacity of producing any wooden mast or spar up to 100' in length....

Oars

Having made our name in producing the finest quality wooden rowing oars for crews throughout the world, it is hardly surprising that we are still producing a comprehensive range today. At the lower end of the range are the standard wooden oars, offering quality and value for everyday use. Using the skills from three generations of the Collar family, a pair of Spruce spoon or skiff oars can be produced individually to the customer's requirements.

Flagpoles

Whether looking to replace an historical flagpole, or raising a celebratory flag, our pedigree in producing the finest quality wooden masts for over 80 years makes Collars the obvious choice for making any flagpole. Using the finest quality timber available, our skilled craftsmen are able turn by hand, any size or configuration required. With our bespoke service, we will guide you throughout the complete process, from an initial consultation to erecting the finished product.

Projects

With a history dating back over 80 years, we have produced mast and spars for some of the most beautiful yachts in existence. Specialising in producing the finest quality yacht masts and spars, we pride ourselves on a personal, tailored service and maintain a close and constant contact with our customers. From the critical choice of timber to the final stages of smoothing and varnishing, a Collars product has over eighty years of experience and expertise put into it, making us the number one choice time and time again.

The following links are a small selection of the some of projects we have been proud to be part of in recent years.

Contact us

Frequently Asked Questions

Click a question to reveal the answer.

Oars FAQ's

Answer:

Leathering a pair of oars is not as difficult as one may think. With the aid of sharp hand plane and tack hammer, together with a little skill, a professional looking result can easily be archived. Every boatbuilder or shipwright will have their own particular way, but all follow these basic steps in attaching the leather to the oars.

First the leather needs to be skived which involves feathering out the edges so there is no step or ridge. Place the leather on the edge of a flat surface and using the plane carefully par down the underside edge on all 4 sides to an angle about 25o. Care needs to be taken not to break through on to the top side as it will be seen when in place. The leather now needs to be submerged overnight in water to help soften it so that it can be stretched tight onto the oar.

Wrap the leather round the oar, lining the join with the flat of the blade. Starting on the opposite side of the join, insert a copper tack to each edge of the leather locating it in position and square on the oar. Stretching each side round the oar, insert another two tacks in each edge at 90o form the first tack. Stretching it round further, the leather will now overlap where it is to be joined. Pulling it as tight as possible insert the copper tacks through both layers working across the join but maintaining the tension as you go. Leaving it overnight to dry and harden off, a clear boot polish can then be applied, after which it will not only be ready for use but look traditional as well.

Do you have a question?

If there is anything you would like to ask us, about our services, our work or how we can help you, then click the button below.

Tools