Restoration &
marine carpentry experts
Structural timber work, decks, caulking and fine joinery for classic and modern vessels across Kent & the Thames Estuary.
Kentish Shipwrights
Kentish Shipwrights is a small, hands-on team - Deben & Natasha - providing careful shipwright work for classic and working boats across Kent and the Thames Estuary. We respect traditional methods and materials, delivering tidy, long-lasting results owners can trust.
- Specialists in custom block making and rig fittings
- Traditional techniques: oakum/cotton caulking, fairing, hand-finished joinery
- Work afloat or on the hard - mobile call-outs
- Insured - references available on request
Meet the Team
Traditional skill, modern standards, and a shared love for wooden boats.
Deben
Born into the world of wooden boats, Deben has spent his life preserving and advancing the craft of traditional shipbuilding. From an early age, he was drawn to the heritage of sailing barges and the timeless skills that keep them alive.
At just 14, he began working alongside experienced shipwrights, learning the art of wooden vessel maintenance and repair from the ground up. That same year, he crafted his first block - the start of a lifelong pursuit of precision and perfection.
Now with over a decade of full-time experience, Deben blends traditional craftsmanship with modern methods to deliver work that honours the past while meeting today’s standards of excellence.
Level 3 City & Guilds – Bench Joinery Level 2 City & Guilds – Engineering
Natasha
Natasha discovered her passion for wooden boats while studying carpentry and joinery at college - where she first met Deben. Captivated by the craft and the rhythm of life at sea, she soon joined him in mastering traditional boatbuilding.
With a sharp eye for detail and a natural flair for organisation, Natasha plays a vital role in both the workshop and day-to-day operations. From restoration and maintenance to project coordination, she brings balance, care, and craftsmanship to every task.
Inspired by the history and soul of wooden vessels, Natasha feels most at home on the water - where tradition meets teamwork, and every plank tells a story.
Level 3 City & Guilds – Bench Joinery 7 Years’ Experience in Traditional Boatbuilding
Our Work in Wood
From full restorations to fine detailing, every project reflects the standards that define Kentish Shipwrights. Explore a selection of recent work that keeps traditional craft alive with modern precision.
Contact Kent Shipwrights
Call, email, or send a message. We will get back to you as soon as we are off the tools.