When I scratch the surface of what the boat fascination amounts to, it boils down to human endeavour, creativity, imagination, problem solving, trust and courage. First of all you need to fathom the kind of boat you need. What will be its utility? Then you have to assess what resources you have to build the boat, not just materials but the right kind of skilled humans to design the boat then build it. Then you need to be familiar with the environment within which the boat will function.

Aptitude in knowing the seas, weather patterns and the unpredictability of both. I’m in awe at how small fishing vessels can move on and through the waves, to make a catch for us to eat and savour. No wonder fisherman have such a strong presence in the New Testament. They needed courage and trust to do their daily tasks. All fishermen should be revered. Men of the sea have strong faces as well as strong hands. They know things we land based people can’t quite grasp.