Santiago Jaén: “The classic boat needs care and pampering”.

Santiago Jaén: “The classic boat needs care and pampering” (abc.es)

Almost 40 years specializing in wood supplies for nautical carpentry have made “Maderas y Chapas Blanquer” a company of international prestige that already works in twenty-four countries. Its most important commitment is research and development so that wooden ships continue to sail our seas.

How many years has Maderas Blanquer been dedicated to nautical carpentry?

The supply of wood (and products) for nautical carpentry has been one of the main activities of “Maderas y Chapas Blanquer” for almost 40 years. This sector is one of our specialties. For years we have been committed to the research and development of nautical carpentry.

How many parts of the world are you working in?

We are present in 24 different countries. Fortunately, we have in our warehouses the possibility to supply Teak, Iroko, Oak, Paulonia, Cherry, etc… to any part of the world (Europe, North Africa, North America, Asian countries, etc.). We have participated in nautical projects, in which our materials are used, as well as in other types of projects in different sectors, such as decoration, interior design, cabinet making, etc.

What is the company’s philosophy?

“Maderas y Chapas Blanquer’s main pillars are excellence and quality. The protagonist is always the customer, who we accompany and advise in everything related to your project, especially those aspects involving the use of our materials.

What is the secret to choosing good parts for boat repair or construction?

The secrets are the inheritance of more than 100 years of working with wood: veneers, slices, tops, up to one of our specialized departments which is the Nautical. Being a company from the Valencian Community… we have an undeniable marine “descent and connection”… It is very important to make a good selection taking into account the quality, configuration of the meshes, drying and, fundamentally, that the measures are appropriate for the work to be done.

How should a wooden boat be cared for?

Whenever wood is one of the main materials, aspects such as, for example, should be taken into account:

Remove the remains of the old varnish with a good sanding. A more material-friendly option is to sandblast the wood. Sandblasting ensures that the deck will not be damaged and will clean the corrosion and remove all possible imperfections. Cover with masking tape the areas that should not be varnished. To apply protective resin that we can combine with some caulking product, to cover the cracks that can be left. To choose a synthetic varnish, of long duration and solar filter with complete protection against ultraviolet rays. Apply the varnish uniformly on all the surface to cover. Let it dry for about five hours and then remove the masking tape. Clean the wood with salt water and not fresh water. To maintain the suitable humidity of the wood controlling it with a hygrometer every month. Hibernate boats out of water without the necessary humidity and ventilation. This can be corroborated and even expanded by Petete Rubio, he is the master.

For shipbuilding, how should the wood be prepared?

There are different ways to prepare it. The wood must be dry for its use, so it will have previously undergone a certain period of drying, either natural or artificial, although I always recommend natural. Once the wood has been selected, it should be left for a week, without working it, at the point where it is going to be installed so that it absorbs the humidity of the area and thus it can be worked better later. The dry wood should be brushed to smooth out any rough edges and, once installed, the necessary coats of varnish should be applied to ensure a perfect watertightness. It is also essential to carry out a good selection of the mesh, that the dimensions are adequate to do the job, as well as the highest quality with which we ensure a long duration of the finished work and an aesthetic in accordance with our boat.

If no action is taken, what are the most common problems on wooden ships?

If the recommended installation and maintenance work is not carried out, problems may appear such as roof lifting, stains on the wood, reduction of the useful life of materials, loss of watertightness… For this reason, from “Maderas y Chapas Blanquer” we always advise each client to carry out an optimal maintenance that will ensure the durability of the wood used and a perfect condition.

What major ships have you worked with?

We have worked with important ships but they ask us to keep their identity confidential. Of those we can talk about, we could highlight, for example, the 100% Okume WBP marine boards that we supplied to the “Lady Moura” for the replacement of her deck. On the other hand, from the Nautical department, we analyze individually the needs of each client. Each boat and owner has its own personality. We are in the middle, collaborating so that both sail harmoniously. Our challenge is that the boat and the owner connect!

What major arrangements have been made on the “Gipsy 1927”?

The collaboration between Maderas Blanquer and Gipsy dates back to 2002. I remember that moment every time I see Petete, they made us an important order of Teak wood for the restoration of the deck and given the good results of our collaboration, they decided to make us their official supplier for the rest of the wood works. As a result, Melis Pine for the hull plating and A-1 Oak for frames and frames, as well as mahogany for interior bulkheads and various ready-made boards for the chamber floor and interiors were also supplied. Approximately 80% of the Gipsy comes from Blanquer.

Have new naval technologies postponed classical construction?

Obviously new technologies are present in all kinds of jobs and sectors and the naval sector is not going to be an exception. They have had an influence, but there are still craftsmen and carpenters who continue to do this type of work and are in great demand.

A tip for owners of classic and vintage boats.

The best advice I could give them is to continue enjoying this type of boats and encourage the construction of new ones, always with the best materials, which in the long run are the most profitable for its durability. From “Maderas y Chapas Blanquer”, we will always be happy to advise and supply the best material adapted to any project that may arise. Anyone who would like more information about us, we will be pleased to assist you at www.blanquer.com.