Skerrieskiff

[Erik le Rouge]

Hi boaters,
I have found that Woodenboat store have plans for Iain Oughtred's Skerrieskiff. I like the lines, the row\sail ability, but noticed that she is for Intermediate (and more) skilled builder. Therefore I am asking myself on my ability to build one ; my only experience in boatbuilding is a Pygmy kayak from kit.
Now I have seen other boats that look like skerrieskiff : Bolger Sweet Pea, Butler pacific dory, Oughtred Elf. How do they compare ?

[Peter Belenky]

There's also the CLC Skerry:
http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/b...inghy-kit.html

[JimD]

Looks like a straight forward enough chined ply double ender. Should be no problem

[flo-mo]

More information about the Skerrieskiff: http://www.jordanboats.co.uk/JB/Iain...5%20&%2017.pdf

[StevenBauer]

You can do it. We'll help. Build the larger one.



Steven

[Erik le Rouge]

Why ?

[StevenBauer]

You could bring a couple of friends. You'll be more comfortable. You'll go faster. And it's pretty much the same amount of work.



Steven

[Erik le Rouge]

Finally I picked up Payson's book on my bookshelves, re-read it, and found out that with Bolger' sweet pea was very close from what I expect from a design. I'll build her as a rower without that skeg/keel that she uses for sailing and by modifying the interior. She will almost look like skerrieskiff anyway, and she can be equipped for sailing later (daggerboard)
Happy sailing to all of you
EL

[Mrafael]

Iain Oughtred's plans are popular and well explained.
SkerrieSkiff was designed for a summer school project of 10 days.
Bolger Sweet Pea has a funny keel.
Butler pacific dory is a simple stitch & tape Gunning Dory with low freeboard. The boat seems to be aimed at anglers rather than boat builders.
Oughtred Elf is exquisite and slower to build than Skerrieskiff.
Other designers are out there. British Paul Fisher has a range of double enders. French designer Francois Vivier has some very attractive dory/faering plans.

[keyhavenpotterer]

Dad had a Skerrieskiff. It's an oar and sail boat. That is very good under oars, the sail is an auxilliary when the conditions are right. Its tender if your expectation is a full sailing boat, if its very windy where you live or your less experienced or agile sailor. If you want a small boat that is good at sailing and rowing in equal measure, the Tammie Norrie design is the sweet spot in our experience so far. But if its for an evening row boat, with the odd bit of sailing in light air, then the Skerriskiff would be good, and quicker to get finished than a Tammie Norrie possibly.

Dad here. Yes, quite nice to row but not as happy sailing on a broad reach in gusty winds. Sit out against the breeze, breeze drops and very quickly have to sit in, then out again, very unsteady and hard work. Fine upwind with pressure on the sail I could sit out against. Sail quite large. Some pics







note the flat bottom



If I were you I would seriously consider Clint Chase's Drake, available as plans or kit. He is a serious rower and he thinks he has a sweetie on his hands and that's good enough for me.

[WX]

Just read an article on building one of these and if I wasn't already building I'd go for one of these in a shot.

[JTLogan]

It's a simple two-plank double-ended dory. This would be a great introduction to plywood glued lap, as there is but one lap to deal with. Get Iain's book on plywood lapstrake construction, read and learn.

It's a lovely little boat, rows like a dream, sails OK for what it is, and is a real eye-catcher. Don't hesitate, you can do it.

[WX]

I'm already building a 24' 6" yacht so it will have to wait. I've built a couple of Bolger Cartoppers and a Diablo so I know the technique.