SIMON Clements knows there is no margin for error when you are building your own boat.

The Long Wittenham resident constructed his own 16ft plywood punt in just three days at the weekend.

He started on Friday and, after putting together the body of the water craft, now only has to complete the painting.

Simon Clements, a wood carver who has been making boats for 12 years, said of his punt: “It is not complicated – it is a very simple, practical, pragmatic sort of boat.

“It is going to be launched at some point. I think they are going to make me get in it first, just to make sure it floats.”

The 54-year-old added: “There is a certain mystical attraction to boat building, I think.

“People get pretty excited about it.”

Mr Clements made his boat at Ardington Craft School and next year will run three-day punt making workshops.

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