I was a bit of a late bloomer when it came to making furniture. I don't have the classic origin story of learning to chop mortises with my grandfather as a kid …

I took on the engaging challenge of crafting a pair of settees that would function either as standalone pieces or effortlessly join to create a striking 7-foot sofa.

This vessel—a salty, rugged classic with graceful lines that has navigated Puget Sound for over 40 years—held promise as a tiny cruiser.