Andrew rediscovered Norwegian boats after he was commissioned by his uncle on Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, to build a simple rowing boat. He suggested a Norwegian Pram, built by eye. His uncle agreed.

Unlike small boats, which are typically built based on plans, the pram requires no lofting. The vessel is built upright, beginning with the keel and double transoms. Next, the lapstrake planking is curved from transom to transom. Finally, the frames are inserted last, as opposed to the traditional method that begins with a backbone of frames. Wallace likes the natural character or the boat and the ability to form the shape as he goes. "There are no guidelines. It’s all what the builder puts into it. Suddenly, the finished product appears. And every pram is different," he states.

In 2001, Wallace traveled back to Norway, this time via a converted fishing trawler on her transatlantic voyage from the US through the Caledonian canals of Scotland, across the North Atlantic to Norway. Upon docking in Stavanger, a snekke caught his eye – a 23 foot hardtop vessel, tiller-steered and bright work glowing. Reacquainted with the beauty of Norwegian designs, he declared confidently, "I’m going to build one of those."

He began by seeking lines drawings among the various builders along the coast of Norway, but came up empty-handed. The design was apparently so integral to the culture of Norway that each builder had developed his own version, most often built by eye, and had no lines drawings to share. So Wallace turned to Tim Estabrook, a fellow graduate of the Apprentice Shop and yacht designer, who developed a new 24 foot design exclusively for Traditional Boatworks.

Wallace began his first snekke in 2004 on commission for a client from New York. It was completed in 14 months. His second was build on spec, and Wallace is currently in search of an owner so that he may embark upon a third. Each will involve different features. His first design was a windshield version. The second included a hard top. The third will be an open boat.

The backbone, which includes the stem, sternpost and keel, is made of white oak, which is typically used for the underlying structure of this type of vessel. The 3’ by 3’ double-sawn white oak frames are equally substantial, and the planking is constructed of European larch.

Wallace crafted the decks with black locust he harvested from trees downed in an April nor’easter that swept through New England in 2007. The windshield and covering boards are mahogany, and Wallace finished the interior with cambrera beadboard and locust trim. Complete with a custom canvas cover beautifully fit by Seth Harrington of Mobile Marine Canvas in Harpswell, Maine, the snekke is a spectacular sight to behold.

Wallace is at ease at the tiller as he navigates up the upper Connecticut River near Hanover, New Hampshire. Outfitted with a 22 horsepower SABB diesel, the snekke putters along with the grace and ease of a classic launch. The water is empty of other boats, save the Dartmouth men’s crew team, which slows to take in the sight of this double-ended vessel reminiscent of Viking lore.

"They’re great to look at," Wallace shrugs. "And the design just makes sense. See how the waves just roll around you?"

Time itself seems to slow with the gentle movements of the hull. Its amber hues mingling softly with the waves, the snekke is an irresistible invitation for any traditionalist wishing to savor the simpler days of picnics and touring on pristine waters.

Editor's Note:

For more information about the Snekke and Traditional Boatworks, visit www.traditionalboatworks.com .