NEW BOAT DESIGNS & CURRENT
DESIGN WORK

On this page you will see some of my most recent designs - most of my design work is commissioned with the agreement that SF Design can put the new design into our Stock Catalogue to make it available to all boat building enthusiasts.

I normally have at least 5 new designs on the drawing board at any one time and to keep you right up to-date, here is a list of my current work :-

Boat Design

Plus various modifications to Stock Designs including :-

Recent New Designs on this Page

15' Mandarin Skiff

The Mandarin 17 has a beam of 45” and  is designed with traditional oarlocks to mirror the traditional Thames skiffs. She may be fitted with a single or double rowing position and the plans detail a rudder and traditional foot rests.

She uses 5 to 6 sheets of 4, 5 or 6mm ply—if required she could take a small sail rig or use a small electric outboard.

  LOA 17’ (5.19m); Hull beam 45” (1.14m). Approx. wht. in 4mm ply 85lbs (39kg).

17' MANDARIN ROWING SKIFF FULL PLANS COST 

This is a fairly narrow launch (4'7" beam) for light weight fit-out. Her  hull has hard bilges giving maximum stability for her beam making her a fine river or lake launch. At 1’9” (0.52m), the draft has been kept to a minimum to make trailing easy.
Construction is for strip planking with Cedar over computer generated/faired mould shapes.
LOA 20' (6.10m); Beam 4'7" (1.41m); Draft 1'9" (0.52m); Displacement 2293 lbs. (1040 kg).

20' CAMBRIAN PLANS PRICE

This design is a 15’ version of the 17 footer—the beam is the same at 45” and she has a single traditional oarlock. She uses just 5 sheets of 4, 5 or 6mm plywood and the plans give details so that she can be made in 2 halves split at the centre seat. The drawings give the plank shapes and details for simple stitch and tape construction and also the mould/jig details for those wanting to build her with clinker/ply.

  She is ideal as a personal traditional rowing skiff or you can use her to take the partner and dog at the same time for a nice trip down the river to the local pub.

  5’ (4.58m); Hull beam 45” (1.14m). Approx. wht. in 4mm ply 75lbs (34kg).

15' MANDARIN ROWING SKIFF FULL PLANS COST 

The Port Sorell 16 is a skiff for rough waters having generous freeboard and fairly full sections fore and aft. This means, that for her type, she is a good load carrier and can be rowed single or double. For those wanting a good general purpose rowing skiff for use also as a tender or fishing boat, she is an excellent choice

She uses approximately 5 sheets of 4, 5 or 6mm ply—if required she could take a small sail rig or use a small electric outboard.

The drawings give the plank shapes and details for simple stitch and tape construction and also the mould/jig details for those wanting to build her with clinker/ply.

LOA 15’6” (4.71m); Hull beam 4’4” (1.33m). Approx. wht. in 4mm ply 95lbs (43kg).

16' PORT SORELL ROWING SKIFF FULL PLANS COST 

This large daysailer may be built in 2 versions—a fixed keel motorboat with either an inboard engine or outboard in a well, or a sailing version with fixed or lifting keel. Construction is for clinker/ply over computer generated moulds which could also be used for a strip plank version. There is plenty of stowage space and she could take a cuddy and/or boom tent.

LOD 19’8” (5.99m); Beam 6’8” (2.03m); Draft—long keel version 2’ (0.61m),  centreplate version 1’4”/3’11” (0.4/1.18m); Approx. wht. 1488lbs (675kg); Ballast 331 lbs (150kg); Sail Area 214 sq.ft (19.93 sq.m).

6m FLUSHING DAYSAILER

This is a simple ply cruiser designed specifically for canal use on the UK’s narrow canals. She uses simple ply on frame construction and she has parallel sections aft which mean that she can lengthened or shortened easily.

The drawings are for the construction of the hull and superstructure only and we have a drawing showing two possible options as to how she may be fitted out. There is space for 2 single berths a dinette that can convert into a double, separate wc and galley.

LOA 22’11” (6.99m); Hull beam 6’10” (2.08m); Draft around 8” (0.20m); Displ. To WL 4630lbs. (2100kg); Trailing weight around 3000lbs (1361kg) depending on fit-out.

23' CANAL CRUISER PLANS PRICE

This is a steel multi-chine motor barge for use in the waters of the UK and Europe, crossing the Channel and exploring the rivers and canals of the European mainland. She has a section of parallel middle-body which means that she can be stretched.

  She can be built with our without the spars/sails and can be fitted out to suit individual requirements. The drawings include construction details and plate shapes for the hull, construction details for the deck/superstructure, machinery installation and rudder gear.

LOA 41’ (12.5m); Hull beam 11’6” (3.5m); Draft 3’10” (1.18m); Approx. displ. 16.24 tons (16.5 tonnes).

41' HUMBER MOTOR BARGE PLANS PRICE

Based on the Dark Harbor 12 designed by B.B. Crowninshield in the early part of the 20th Century, this design has an updated underwater shape and construction method.

She is very much a mini J class. With a 12’ waterline and overall length of over 20’ she has elegantly long overhangs which hark back to a bygone era of sailing. Construction is for modern strip planking using Western Red Cedar over computer faired moulds.

LOA 20’3” (6.18m); LWL 12’3” (3.74m); Beam 5’8” (1.73m); Draft 3’2” (0.96m); Displ. To WL 2117lbs (960kg); Ballast 970lbs (440kg); Sail Area 216 sq.ft. (20.11sq.m)  

SAFE HARBOUR 12 DAYSAILER

The clinker scow is a very popular little dinghy on the South Coast of England. Many are raced regularly by enthusiasts and many a big boat sailor learnt their seamanship on boats such as these.

We were asked to draw up this example to replace a rotting example and so she encompasses many of the traditional features—fixed rudder blade, centreplate with simple lift and a lug rig making her excellent for single handed sailing. She has the very stable hull shape of the older scows and is constructed using the clinker ply process with moulds erected on a building jig.

LOA 11’3” (3.43m); Beam 4’9” (1.45m); Draft  7” (0.18m)/2’2” (0.65m);  Sail Area 65 sq.ft. (6 sq.m)

SOUTH COAST SCOW PLANS PRICE

The original 14’ Skylark was drawn up as a simple extension of the Skylark 12 using the same rig and simple fit-out details as the 12. We then remodelled the hull with an additional chine to give the Mark 2 version. This version uses the same hull shape as the Mark 2  but has been drawn up with gunkholing in mind—the interior is half decked and the centre space has been kept clear to allow sleeping (perhaps under a simple boom tent).

LOD 14’ (4.27m); Hull beam 4’10” (1.47m); Approx weight 240lbs (109kg).

SKYLARK 14 Mk 3 FULL PLANS COST 

The standard 17’ Rufus plans include the frame and panel shapes for both a 20’ and a fantailed stern version but we have been getting many requests for a slightly longer version and so we jumped at the chance to draw up a completely new set of plans when asked to lengthen the standard design.

The 22 footer has the same rugged displacement hull type as the smaller version with the exception that an additional chine has been added. The construction is basically ply panel over a ply eggbox type framework but details are also given for stitch and tape and the combi-stringer methods.

She may be powered by an outboard in a well but the drawings are based on a 20 hp inboard unit and the standard arrangement is for V berths forward with space for a wc and with a galley in the wheelhouse and an aft cockpit. However, like the 17’ version, she could be fitted out in a number of different ways with layouts to suit individual requirements.

LOD 22’ (6.71m); Beam 8’1” (2.46m); Draft 2’ (0.61m); Displ. To WL 3947lbs (1790kg); Approx. weight 2756 lbs. (1250kg).  

22' RUFUS PLANS PRICE

We used the Edwardian 26 as a basis for this launch. We were asked to change the stern shape to a rather handsome counter and add more beam, but not too much, just enough to give her a more comfortable interior without taking away from her sleek lines.

Construction is for strip plank over computer faired mould shapes. The layout has a saloon with 2 sette/berths, gally and wc compartment and a large forward cockpit.

The drawings show an Aquapella electric motor but she could also be powered by diesel or steam.

LOD 27’7” (8.42m); Beam 7’4” (2.23m); Draft 2’ (0.61m); Displ. To WL 5513lbs (2500kg); Approx. weight 3749 lbs. (1700kg).

27' MARLOW PLANS COST

The example below is by Alec Jordan (Jordan Boats).

We developed the hull panel shapes for a stretched version of the Fisher Prospector some time ago and now we have completed the set of drawings. She has the same 5 planks per side, generous rocker to the bottom and tumblehome in her topsides that the original version has. The 15’8” Prospector has a capacity of around 900lbs (408kg) but this 17’ version can carry up to 1100 lbs (499kg).

In 6mm ply, she weighs approximately 95lbs (43kg).

LOA 17’ (5.19m); Beam 2’ 11 1/4” (0.9m); Mid depth 14 1/2” (0.37m).

17' PROSPECTOR FULL PLANS COST 

This is a 7 or 8 man racing canoe (plus steersman) for stitch and tape plywood construction using mainly 12mm plywood. She can be made in boltable sections and therefore shortened/lengthened amidships to vary the number crewing her..

She has been designed to replace some of the solid wood boats used in Thailand and has a simple 2 chine hull section making her both stable and easy to build.

LOA 35’ (10.68m); Beam (excl. rubbers) 1’11” (0.58m); Mid depth 14 3/4” (0.37m).

35' DRAGON CANOE FULL PLANS COST 

The Hawke Bay 20 shares the same features as the 22’ except that she is 2’ shorter and the drawings are for construction in stitch and tape plywood. She is a high volume skiff for offshore rowing in heavy seas. Despite her high buoyancy and storage volume, she has fine lines fore and aft to help make her easy to row.

  LOA 20’ (6.10m); Beam (excl. rubbers) 4’11” (1.50m); Approx. Wht. 330lbs (150 kg); Displ. To WL (992 lbs (450kg).

HAWKE BAY 20' FULL PLANS COST 

It had to happen of course—having designed  21’ and 30 Ijssel launches, someone would want something in between and here it is. The hull is very much of the Ijssel high volume stable model with plenty of space for whatever internal arrangement you need at this length. In this set of drawings though, the client asked for a simple forward cabin. This gives convenient shelter to sit and lie in or to arrange a small wc. The cabin could easily be extended and could of course be used on the 21’ and 30 Ijssels.

Like her sisters, construction is for Cedar strip plank and whilst the drawings give details for diesel machinery installation, she could take steam or electric.

LOD 25’10” (7.87m); Beam 8’ (2.43m); Draft 2’ 7 1/2” (0.80m); Displ. To WL 6615lbs (3000kg); Approx. weight 3750 lbs. (1700kg).  

26' IJSSEL LAUNCH PLANS COST

We have often been asked for a wood version of a steel narrowboat and here it is. Narrowboats were of course made from timber in the first part of the last century although then, they used heavy boards of Elm and Oak. This version uses several layers of plywood with Pine frames and framework combining the old with the new.

The drawings are for the wood hull only but we do give a basic interior layout arrangement and we can give simple ply superstructure construction details from one of our other designs.

LOD 36’ (10.95m); Beam 6’10” (2.06m); Displacement to WL 17200 lbs (7800 kg).

36' HAWFINCH WOOD NARROWBOAT PLANS COST

The YM Senior is a lovely little pocket cruiser design by the late Kenneth M. Gibbs. Ken Gibbs designed some lovely ply sailing boats many of which used to feature in the original Yachting Monthly magazine. I had much pleasure in sailing a Senior many years ago on the Thames. For her length, she seemed to accommodate a good sized cockpit and a useful cabin.

Life turns full circle and l have been asked to produce the hull construction details for a modern stitch and tape version. I did this for the Yachting World Heron to rekindle interest in the wood version and l am very happy to do the same for the Senior.

The details we have are for the hull construction only and for the bilge/ballast keel version and the builder would need to purchase a copy of the original plans (presently available on CD from  the Eventide Owner’s Group (www.eventides.org.uk).

LOA 16’ (4.88m); Beam 6’ 0 1/2” (1.84m); Draft 1’2” (0.356m); Approx. Wht. 1050 lbs (476kg).  

YM SENIOR HULL PLANS COST 

The Ranworth is a typical Broads type sailing cruiser with generous beam and relatively large sail area to catch the wind above the reeds. She has 3 berths and space for a small galley and wc compartment. The cockpit is generous in size and could take a boom tent. The cabin top lifts to give more headroom.

Construction is for Cedar strip planking over computer faired moulds. There is space for a small inboard engine in the forepeak (which could be connected hydraulically to a prop. shaft) however many would use an outboard.

LOA 22’8” (6.90m); Beam 8’ (2.44m); Draft 3’2” (0.96m); Displ. To WL 4851lbs (2200kg); Approx. Weight 3087lbs (1400kg); Ballast 1103lbs (500kg); Sail Area 316 sq.ft. (29.4sq.m)

22'8" RANWORTH BROADS SAILING CRUISER

At last, a bigger Highlander dayboat - so really a pocket cruiser or small yacht. She has been drawn up for clinker ply construction over a framework of ply girders and bulkheads but the hull planks shapes are also given for her to be built using the stitch and tape method. She is set up with an outboard well and a large cockpit which could take a boom tent—the cabin is big enough for 2 berths and a small galley and Porta Potti WC. Maximum headroom as drawn is 4'5" but she has a size of hull that could take a modified cabin arrangement.

Her centreplate makes her ideal for trailing and gunkholing. The centreplate pivot is on the outside of the hull and the lift is via a tube into the cockpit so that there are no leak problems. 

LOA 23’ (7.00m); Beam 8’3” (2.52m); Draft 1’9”/4’10” (0.53/1.49m); Displ. To WL 3749lbs (1700kg); Approx. Weight 2205lbs (1000kg); Ballast 551lbs (250kg); Sail Area 238 sq.ft. (22.15sq.m)

HIGHLANDER 23

Using the Micro 8 as a starting point l have drawn up a boat with 25% additional length which, in such a small craft, gives a lot of additional useful space for stores and simple creature comforts. She is designed with the "Around in 10" in mind. Construction is just the same with simple stitch and tape used over a basic ply framework of fore and aft girder and bulkheads—l have tried to keep the overall construction weight to that of the Micro 8.

Some of the ballast is water and she uses a simple staysail type rig with controls led inside the boat along with the steering system.  

LOD 10’ (3.05m); Beam 5’4” (1.63m); Draft 2’4”/4’3” (0.70/1.3m); Displ. To WL 3749lbs (1700kg); Approx. Dry Weight 1103lbs (500kg); Ballast 386lbs (175kg) of lead and 441lbs (200kg) of water; Sail Area 75.25 sq.ft. (7 sq.m).

MICRO 10

The Deben 400 is a rowing skiff inspired by the Cornish Flashboats—they were 18’ or more in length and used around Fowey for river transport. This version is just under 13’ long and for single recreational rowing.
She has a narrow flat bottom panel and 3 side panels with a fairly narrow WL beam and slack bilges for minimum wetted surface area.
Construction is simple stitch and tape and 4, 5 or 6mm ply may be used.
LOA 12’9” (3.89m); Hull beam 3’11” (1.19m). Approx. wht. in 4mm ply 60lbs (27kg).

DEBEN ROWING SKIFF FULL PLANS COST 

Snipa’s (pronounced Sneepa) are traditional clinker Nordic Fishing boats with a reputation for excellent sea keeping qualities and stability. Construction has been kept much like the original boats although plywood planking can be used instead of solid wood.

  Many traditional boats have been converted with an inboard engine—the installation of a Farymann 7.5 hp engine is detailed as an option. Ballast used to be stone and this can still be used although a ballast keel is also detailed. She is built over frames which may be traditional solid or laminated and which are computer faired.

  LOD 18’7” (5.67m); Beam 6’8” (2.03m); Draft 2’1” (0.65m); Sail Area 156 sq.ft. (14.54 sq.m); Approx Wht. 1808 lbs (820 kg) including 551 lbs (250kg) of ballast.

SNIPA FISHING BOAT

The Port Pegasus is a clinker boat which may be used as a pure rowing boat or fitted with a small diesel (ie Farymann 7.5) as a small motor launch with classic appearance.

As a general purpose launch, she could be fitted out in a variety of different ways—ie. With a small cuddy, centre console arrangement or even with an appropriate sail/keel plan. The drawings give the computer faired mould shapes and building jig details for modern clinker construction—framing incorporates the plywood bulkheads etc. Mid hull depth is 1’9” (0.53m).

LOD 15’1” (4.59m); Beam 5’7” (1.70m); Draft (ex. Engine 7 1/2” (0.19m)); Draft (incl. engine 1’ 2 1/2” (0.37m)); Approx Wht. (ex. Engine 331 lbs (150kg)); Approx. wht (incl. engine 573 lbs (260kg)).

PORT PEGASUS PLANS COST

The Greenland 19 has a simple V bottomed single chine stitch and tape plywood hull designed to ride out rough water with ease and to have a good turn of speed. She has an optional daggerboard box to help in directional stability.

The deck is strip planked over temporary moulds. She has water– tight compartments fore and aft as well as plenty of storage space.

LOA 19’ (5.8m); Beam 1’ 11 1/2” (0.60m); Approx. weight 50lbs. (22.7kg); Approx Capacity 325lbs (147 kg).

19' GREENLAND KAYAK FULL PLANS COST 

This 26’ version of the Golden Bay has the same fairly high and flaired bow sections designed to throw off spray which flow into aft sections which have tumblehome giving her a generous waterline beam for maximum stability.

These drawings show her with a canvas top and a 34hp diesel engine but she could take a solid cabin similar to that on the 21’ version and she may be powered by a steam plant (around 15 IHP) or by electric motor.

Construction is for Cedar strip over computer faired moulds. The interior shows simple open plan seating for 8 people but she may be fitted out with other arrangements.

LOD 26’5” (8.03m); Beam 6’8” (2.03m); Draft 2’9” (0.84m): Approx Wht. 3308 lbs (1500 kg).

26' GOLDEN BAY LAUNCH PLANS COST

The Kari 4 follows in the tradition of her smaller sisters in having a hull with 4 planks per side. Her construction starts with the assembly of a plywood framework consisting of a ply fore and aft girder incorporating the centreboard case etc slotted together with ply frames and bulkheads. Stringers are then fitted at the plank lands and the planking can either be put on lapped (clinker fashion) or as a multi-chine shape. The Kari 3 has been strip planked and there is no reason why the same cannot be done on the Kari 4.

Maximum headroom as drawn is 5’6” (1.68m) and she has 4 berths (including a dinette/double), a wc compartment and galley.

The standard rig has a furling jib and high peaked gaff main but various other rigs could be used along with different keel arrangements—the standard steel centreplate allows a low draft but a fixed keel and inboard engine could be fitted.

LOD 25’1” (7.65m); Beam 8’6” (2.60m); Draft 2’1” (0.63m)/ 5’2” (1.58m): Sail Area 339 sq.ft. (31.56 sq.m.); Approx Wht. 3528 lbs (1600 kg); Ballast 1169 lbs (530 kg).

25'1" KARI 4 SAILING CRUISER

The Ruby 19 is based on our Ruby 22 double chine plywood steam launch. In the case of the Ruby 19 a client wanted a shorter version of the 22 to be built in steel which meant widening and deepening her to take the steel weight. Having produced the steel work drawings we have decided to make a complete set of plans for both the steel and plywood version.
If she is built in plywood, she has a very high carrying capacity and would make a roust work launch. The plans show an open arrangement but there is no reason why she could not take a cabin with accommodation and/or a wheelhouse.
The plans show details for steel construction as well as ply over frame construction.

LOD 19’ (5.80m); Beam OA 6’7” (2.00m); Draft 2’5” (0.73m); Displ. To WL 4851lbs (2200kg); Approx. dry weight in plywood 2536 lbs. (1150kg).

RUBY 19 PLANS PRICE