From ancient times to the modern, people have been using boats as a means of traveling, trading, and even for sports on the water. But how are boats built? What are the raw materials and tools for building boats? Again, how long does it take to build a boat, and learn the work?
Mr. AGOSU MATTHEW is a local boat builder at Badore fishermen’s settlement at Ajah community in Lagos State.
Popularly called “Matthew Oloko”, we met with him at his boatyard along the waterfront.
He happily shares this insightful, educative, and informative conversation with us about boat building :
Please, let’s get to know you, Sir.
My name is Agosu Matthew. I am a skilled boat builder.What motivated you to go into building boats?
First, I started as a fisherman. As time passed, I thought deeply about what else I could do to enhance my income from the fishing business. I consulted with some of my co-fishermen. They advised that I go into boat building, which is an extension of the business.
How long have you been building boats?
I started 25 years ago. It took me 14 years to acquire the skills, up to 2013, when I graduated with my master’s.
What are the tools for boat building?
The traditional tools include a hammer, axe, nails, Cutlass, and scissors,etc.
What about the woods?
We use the following woods: Opepe, Eru, Agboin, Afara, and parateru Where do you get these woods?Makoko, and Itamagba sawmills market at Ikorodu.
• Agosu Matthew and his apprentice at work.
How many pieces of wood make a boat?
It depends on the size of the boat. For a big boat with 8-10 passenger capacity, we use about twelve pieces of wood. The small boat takes between 6-7 pieces of wood.
How long does it take to build a boat?
Again, it depends on the size of the Canoe. Big boat takes up to two weeks if it’s only me working on it without the support of my apprentices, and if I don’t allow other things to distract me from the work.
However, if I have enough hands, it makes the construction faster and the work can be done in seven days.
What are the challenges of the business?
There are many challenges. One of them is getting the modern tools. I rent those tools we don’t have and because of the pressure to return them within a specific hours, it slows down the pace of the construction and the timely delivery of the project.
How is the boat market, in terms of patronage?
People come to buy, or place orders when their boat is spoiling. The locally made boats last for five years before spoiling. Sometimes, we sell two boats in a month. The price of the boat is costly. We sell the big boat at N500 thousand, while the small one goes for N300 thousand.
How long does it take to learn the work?
As I said earlier, it took me 14 years to learn under my Master’s. It took me that long because I had no financial support from anyone.
Nevertheless, with the introduction of modern tools, the training patterns have changed.
So, if an apprentice is humble, focused, brainy, and sharp, he can use four years to acquire the skills.
Last, do you have an association for boat builders?
Yes; we have one at Ikorodu. I belonged to the association ( That’s my membership ID card). The association has a lawyer, and if any challenge should arise, our chairman is the first person to know.
- First published in ohibaba.com, by the same author.
