Advice for skiff

[low_five]

First of all, I think im a builder, not a sailor.

I have all winter (Alaska) and a 20 foot garage that I want to put to use. I would like to build a skiff for lakes and rivers and would like to put a 35 hp kicker on it, but if that is more then you think I can chew off for my first build, maybe a 10hp. I think I should do plywood and I like 'sedge' someone posted here, but I dont know if that would be a good starter boat. I have an 18 foot flatbed trailer, but I dont want to submerge it. I would rather winch it up a ramp onto the trailer or have friends help me get it launched. I like jon boats and seiner skiff style boats. I would mainly use it for buzzing around the lake to my friends cabin, so ability to haul in a drum of fuel or something would be nice. Am I just day dreaming? Mostly I just want a boat I built on my own.

on a scale of 1 to 10 here are my priorities
flat bottom 8 - I would like to beach the boat easily and drag it out
beauty: 1 - dont care
easy to construct - 7 pretty high on the list
low weight - 4 - i will get a real trailer if I have to
plywood - dont think I can do traditional
expense - 5 im fairly cheap but dont want to skimp
durability - 5 half a decade or so is fine.

bonus : I would like to leave it all bare (as in unpainted) wood. is this possible? what are the ramifications?

please forgive the newbie questions.

[David G]

There are several reasonable candidates that fit your specs.

My first thought, just 'cause I've had a couple of friends build them... and they were very happy with them: The Brockway Skiff. Here's Greg's build thread for your consideration:

http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthre...ing-a-Brockway


Another thought - Welsford's 'Trover':

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jw/trover/index.htm




And... if you want to do some digging on your own... there's the Duckworks Magazine boat plan index:

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/r/p...dex/skiffs.htm

[low_five]

Thanks. That Brockway is pretty much exactly what I envision when I see myself in a boat! I scanned through the thread and nothing seemed like it was too far out of my grasp as far as building. What size kicker do you think would work on it?

[David G]

Just google Brockway Skiff. You'll find plans, and several builds. A lot of info. Greg started up with a 9.9, then upgraded to something bigger... I forget how big.

[TerryLL]

I've spent a few years in AK working the rivers on the Kenai Peninsula and on the Peninsula in the Ugashik area. A skiff like the Brockway would be a good choice, but there are many others that would work well. Here's a couple to consider:

The 19' Big Ben garvey. Plans are available from WB.
http://www.woodenboatstore.com/product/400-127





The 21' Nexus Dory.



http://www.nexusmarine.com/nexus_dory.html

[low_five]

Im from the Kodiak area, but now I am in Anchorage, so my taste is for ocean going skiff type boats, even though I am terrified of the ocean. Read too many lost at sea stories, and have been in too many skiffs on a calm clear day when wind swoops in out of nowhere and I am suddenly looking at eye level at greenwater. I really like that top skiff you posted, is that a beginner type build?

[Hunky Dory]

A 16' or 18' Brockway will handle 35 Hp with no problem and will still get you on plane with a good load aboard.

[TerryLL]

Im from the Kodiak area, but now I am in Anchorage, so my taste is for ocean going skiff type boats, even though I am terrified of the ocean. Read too many lost at sea stories, and have been in too many skiffs on a calm clear day when wind swoops in out of nowhere and I am suddenly looking at eye level at greenwater. I really like that top skiff you posted, is that a beginner type build?

If you look at the WB link for the Big Ben garvey you'll see that it's recommended for those with basic skills and can handle an outboard from 25 to 75 HP. It can certainly handle average sea conditions in Cook Inlet and would be fast enough with a 35 to outrun an approaching squall. The most common outboard skiff in AK is the 18' Lund with a 40 HP OB and a 6 HP kicker, and that's the size class you should be looking at for a general purpose open skiff. You definitely want some speed when running for cover.

[timo4352]

I would seriously consider that Nexus Dory, myself. Too long to fit your garage space though.

[JimD]

Whatever you decide on find a clever way to get it on and off the trailer by yourself. I certainly wouldn't want to be dependent on others to get my boat in and out of the water.