Small traditional skiffs

[GBVT]

I'm interested in building a small traditional skiff, something like this:
http://www.duck-trap.com/2002skiffs.html#meskiff
Mostly for puttering around with my 2.5 outboard. I don't get to go boating alone so I need to be able to carry one spouse and one toddler . Was wondering if anyone could suggest other similar options and books on traditional boatbuilding(I have the instant boat books and Michalaks'). I have built a PDRacer and a mouseboat. I will not work w/epoxy(hate the stuff) and I would prefer easy traditional over an instant boat. Anything I build would mostly be transported in a long box pick up but the ability to occassionally cartop would be a significant bonus.
Thanks

[Bayboat]

Since you have already had a look at Walt Simmons' skiffs
(Duck Trap), why not browse through his other boats
(www.duck-trap.com). You can get detailed instructions for building many of them Walt's products are first rate, and he offers plans, lofting, CD's and books. Look particularly at the wherries--most of them would seem to fit your requirements quite well. Also, have a look at his inexpensive book on glued plywood construction. The system uses epoxy, but only as an adhesive.

[BirchBark]

GBVT,

I just purchased a book called "How To Build Wooden Boats" by Edwin Monk,1934, Dover Books. He has a couple of flatbottom skiffs; an 11'6" and a 14'6". His plans call for all solid wood.
Then there's the Fisherman and the Camper. Both a little larger and more seaworthy (V-bottom).
He gives you basic building instructions but doesn't hold your hand with complete step by step directions.
They seem simple enough to me and I will probably try to build the 11'6" skiff in plywood. I'll still retain the frames though and use solid wood where I can.

Chris

[landlocked sailor]

Here ya go....

Here is mine...


Rick

[StevenBauer]

Check out John Gardner's books. Woodenboat store has them or maybe even your local library.

Steven

Oh yeah, edited to add - looking awesome Rick!

[landlocked sailor]

Thank You Steven. I launched her in June '99, the new paint colors were done last summer. Rick

[Thorne]

Well, you have a bit of a quandary, as a fully traditional solid-wood boat built to carry three and use an outboard will probably be far too heavy to easily lift into a pickup bed, and certainly too heavy to cartop. I assume that whatever you build needs to be able to be lifted by yourself and your spouse? We don't know what waters, distances, and conditions you intend to use the boat in -- so it is very hard to say what the minimum size should be, but you might find a 10' skiff too small for two adults, a child and an outboard in some weather and wave situations.

My 13.5' fir over oak Chamberlain dory skiff is an easy 300-350 lbs, and is transported on a small trailer, but can't be easily carried to the shore over rough ground by four strong men.

So I'll guess that you need to build from ply -- probaby lapstrake design as it is lighter overall. You can probably find a design that can be built with alternate adhesives like 5200 or even the cheaper Vulken 116 or PL Premium, but will have to take care not to use the wrong glue in the wrong place and have the boat come apart on you.

Or you could try ply with more traditional fasteners like copper rove rivets, but the multiple holes would allow water into the plys unless very heavily sealed with other glues or tar or something.

[Bayboat]

If you don't find anything by Walt Simmons, you might look into WoodenBoat's shellback dinghy. 12', glued lapstrake construction, sails well, and can take a small outboard. Glued lapstrake plywood is just about the only way you can get a strong hull light enough to car-top or lift into a pickup. Another tack is to look into Iain Oughtred's glued plywood boats. He has some nice designs. Does your dislike for epoxy include its use as an adhesive? I share your attitude toward epoxy/glass covering, but it does make a superior adhesive for glued lapstrake construction.

[L.W. Baxter]

I would encourage you to build a small boat in traditional fashion. I think you can come up with something that will suit your purposes well.

In early June I launched this little punt of my own invention, planked with solid wood, fastened with nails, caulked with cotton. After building a half dozen small boats of either glassed strip planking or glassed plywood, building without any fiber reinforced plastic was a real epiphany for me. A deeply satisfying experience, I'm recommending it to all my friends.



Here is a link to the launching thread, with more pictures and specifics:

http://www.woodenboatvb.com/www/vbul...ight=pond+punt

[landlocked sailor]

My Heidi skiff can easily be lifted by two people, though when the bottom 'takes up' it takes two strong people. At 12' it can be carried in a full sized pickup bed; I use a trailer though. You can choose to stretch the molds for a 14' loa and that's what I would do were I starting over. Rick

[GBVT]

Thanks all for the suggestions and advice. I will pick up Gardners' books this winter. Wife said I can only build one per year(she never goes in the barn though...) so I won't be building til spring anyways. I am leaning towards the duck trap Lobster skiff which the website claims as 68lbs(I have no idea how realistic that is). An easy alternative is Bolger's 10.5' pointy skiff, plywood and chines. Although I'm interested in going to traditional construction. The intended use is for local lakes about 3-4 miles in length plenty of places to hide or dock and walk back to the boat ramp. If the boat turns out seaworthy then occassionally I might take it to Lake George. Thanks.
Gregg

[BrianY]

If it's traditional construction yer after, take a look at the Atkins web site: http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/index.html

Maybe Jebb or Dancer will do the job for you.

As others have said, though, these solid wood, traditionally built boats are going to be heavier than ply/epoxy....

[Rancocas]

I like the Rangeley Lake Boat. The square stern model can easily handle your 2.5 hp outboard.
www.newfound.com/rangeley.htm