New to forum: Advice on building Simmons/Honker Sea Skiff

[new2this]

Hey everyone,
I'm new to the forum.. i enjoy learning about wooden boats. I'm very interested in perhaps building a sea skiff. Something like a Simmons or a Honker sea skiff. Looking to power with a V4 2-stroke. Do you have any idea what level of skill would be required to build one of these sea skiffs? I would appreciate hearing from you guys who are more experienced. Anybody know where I could get plans for the Simmons? Thanks in advance.

[M_Man]

Simmon's Sea Skiff plans are available from the Cape Fear Museum Association (910) 341-4350. They've got a website, but I don't remember the URL off the top of my head.

You could search the archives here, Dave Carnell who is an active poster here, is the man to speak to about the Simmon's.

[Tar Devil]

Hi, J.D. Welcome!!

Here's the only place I know of you can purchase plans for the Simmons Sea Skiff...

http://www.nhcgov.com/CFM/Simmons.asp

That's pretty ambitious for a first time project, but will be well worth the effort. Good luck!

Later,

Phil

[DaBoss]

Dave Carnell (http://home.att.net/~DaveCarnell/)

You should speak with Dave about the Simmons. He did the plans that are mentioned here. The original builder of these boats did not use plans. Dave is very knowledgeable about these boats and can give you very good advice.

Good luck. The Simmons is a nice boat.

[new2this]

So you think that a Simmons wopuld take quite a lot of woodworking skill to build? Do you think it's beyond the abilities of an amateur? Are any of you all familiar with how this boat rides? Just trying to decide if this project would be over my head. Thanks for the links. I'll check them out

[Wild Dingo]

Aside from Dave we also have Oyster who in another life was a restorer of Simmons Sea Skiffs among other boatbuilding projects... perhaps he will see this and offer his knowledge?

I guess it would depend on how much of a amature you are... rank amature with very little wood working experience my guess is forget it theres better learning boat designs out there... if you have some experience and tools place to build patient wife/partner then Id guess its doable...

As has been said Dave Carnel is the man with regard these boats and Id recommend speaking first with him then with Oyster or some others who have built them.

Best of luck!!

Take it easy
Shane

[new2this]

I just wanted to hear some opinions. Yes, I am a rank amateur. The only other wooden boat I have built is an easy 16' canoe designed by Mike O'Brian with Woodenboat. Any suggestions about simpler wooden boats to build in the same size range? The boat would need to handle well in a 1-2' chop/sea and safe in up to 3-5'seas. Thanks.

[Tar Devil]

JD, I haven't seen the Simmons plans... don't know if lofting is required, and can't address the comprehensiveness of the plans, but I wouldn't discourage you if you like that boat. I think you'll be fine, especially with the folks here in the forum. It just might be a while longer before you get it launched.

If, however, you are merely looking for a boat to get you out and back in moderate seas, you might wanna consider a carolina style dory. Won't look nearly as great as that Simmons.

Later,

Phil

[new2this]

Phil,
one of the reasons I like the Simmons is that it's a classic. My grandfather had one, and fished it I guess in your area. A lot in the Pamlico Sound and out in the Ocean. As far as I know, it was a great boat for him. Do you know if a 75-90HP engine would be too much power for a Simmons? I appreciate the encouragement and the advice. I guess I should get in touch with the people at the museum and see if the have study plans or something. Thanks.

[Tar Devil]

As several others have suggested, Dave Carnell wrote the book on the Simmons (literally). He posts here occasionally, and DaBoss posted his link earlier in the thread.

I understand you sentiments for wanting to build that specific boat. For similar reasons I am building a Calkins surf dory.

Go for it, and come back to the forum for help... you should be fine.

Later,

Phil

[new2this]

What is a Calkins Surf Dory? Where do you plan on using it and with what power? Good luck on your project. Thanks for listening to me think out loud. My guess is, I'll loke at Dave's plans, and if I still like the idea, when I get a little time and extra $$$, give it a try.