Little Moby Skiff

[nonsuch 22]

Hi, Does anyone know why the dimensions for drawing the frames full size don't seem to work out? Laid them out full size and most of the points don't line up to make a fair curve. The plans say no lofting but maybe I need to loft from just the offsets? Anyone run into this? Thanks

[slacktidemike]

I've recently built this boat. I'm assuming your boat is the 14.5 boat designed by Wittholz. I didn't have any problem with the dimensions for the frames. I know of a few other builds of this boat, and none of the other builders mentioned any trouble with the dimensions as far as I can remember. I do remember that Frame 5 seemed a little off once I got the frames on the strongback. It was at the chine. It may have been slightly off, but after fairing everything down on the chine, it worked out fine for me. Also, I did note on my plans that, on Frame 4, the bottom frame near the chine is marked as 2" and 3/8th width and I though it should have been 2" and 3/4th.

I've read some build threads where the builders are extremely exacting when it comes to measurements. For example, being very bothered by something being a 1/16th off. I have never been too bothered about being that precise. That said, I do everything I can to get the measurements spot on. However, if things end up being a bit off, I don't worry about it too much. If your frames are slightly off, (maybe a 1/4 inch or possibly 3/8ths) you should be able to compensate by shifting the location of the frames on the strongback a little. Using a long batten will allow you to fair everything up nicely. If things are a touch too narrow, a shim or two can fix the problem. I shoot for perfection, but, like I said, I know that perfection is something that will likely not be the final result.

The measurements worked out fine for me. Maybe double check everything. Good luck!

[Tom Nolan]

I finished this boat 2 years ago. You are correct - the frames aren't perfectly fair. The chines in particular were off in my case by as much as 1/2 inch. I went crazy double checking by measurements. Slacktidemike is right, though, it works out in the end. I had a little of wobble at frame 4 but when the plywood went on it looked great. I love the boat and put a 50hp Honda on it. I pull my young girls up on water skis easily. EED8C440-984F-4DA1-A8BF-E95D9F9C8DCE.jpg

[Wiley Baggins]

I finished this boat 2 years ago.

Beautiful job!