Map Holder

for the Ida May

The Ida May has been a tremendous success for the Waterfront Center, which uses her for trips around the harbor, events around the coast and fishing camp in the summer. The captains complained that there was nowhere in the wheelhouse to store maps or a place for cups and binoculars. So, I was given a project to make these up and given some beautiful Black Walnut to make them with.

As usual, the designs were drawn up then modeled in Solidworks (I'm an engineer not a craftsman). Making up the parts was an education since I hadn't done much woodworking in years. Having the right tools in the Boatshop – and my garage – made all the difference. Piecing the larger panels from smaller sections, gluing, and pinning them, this was all new, as was the routing and finishing. The Map Holder has at least a dozen coats of Poly and a final wire wool and wax finish. It is not perfect but the surfaces feel like silk.

The Map Holder is designed to fit under helm console and angles the maps and log book forward for easy access. It is held to the wall with a couple of custom hooks and can be removed, stand independently, and be carried away like a briefcase.