Rowing Skiffs

 

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DINGHY DESIGNS & PLANS
FOR ROWING SKIFFS & GIGS

(PLYWOOD - STITCH & TAPE & STRIP PLANK)


We have 26 Rowing Skiff/Gig designs in this section.

Note - In the particulars for each design, the dry weight is given for guidance only and will vary depending on the grade/density of plywood and solid wood used - different thicknesses of ply are often used by builders and the dry weight figure is based on the thinnest ply specified.
Also the Guidance Use comments are given in good faith and are based on feedback from previous builders etc and based on standard weight adults - contact us if you want further clarification before ordering/building.
Please also note that we give the computer faired mould, inner stem and transom shapes plus the building jig details for clinker ply construction where stated and recommend that the builder purchases a good manual on this method of construction to use with these details. E & OE

 

ORDERING PLANS

For each design you can order either:

 
PRINTED PLANS sent to you by post - Postage will be added to your order - see postage costs at the bottom of the page

OR

PDF PLANS sent to your email address - make sure we have your email address when you order.

 

Skiffs on this Page

15' Hazel

10'9" Medway

Deben 400

12' Thames

14' Thames

17' Thames

19' Thames

20' Thames

32' Thames

Waif 12' Skiff

22' Hawke Bay

27' West Kerry

15' Fly Fishing
Coble

15' Adirondack
Guide Boat

18' Windrush

15' Mandarin

17' Mandarin

16' Port Sorell

20' Hawke Bay

20' Loddon

18' St. Bronagh
Skiff

Hartford 18'

15'2" Oarsome
Skiff

15'6" Whitehall
Skiff

24' Oarsome Skiff

25' Sandolo

18' Cross Channel
Rowing Skiff

 

 

NOTE - for large rowing boats go to the Dayboat Section - in "Other Dayboats" you will find the 25' Lakeland Pulling Boat and in the "Double Enders" section you will find the new 26' Whaler Rowing Boat.

 

15' HAZEL GUIDE BATEAU

 Based upon the American Adironack guide boat, this craft combines traditional lapstrake (clinker) construction with modern materials.  The bottom is a flat piece of 3/8’’ ply slightly rockered fore and aft and the five strakes are of 3/16’’ or 1/4’’ ply. The shape of the boat is derived from pre-shaped and permanent 3/4’’ ply or laminated spruce frames fastened to the bottom ply. The ply topside strakes are then shaped and fastened to the frames. For the slightly more experienced builder, this craft is car top-able and a delight for rowing and fishing. The plan shows lines, offsets and construction. LOA 15’0’’; Beam 4’6’’; Depth amidships 1’2’’. Approximate weight 125 lbs.
Note - The original plan was drawn in 1983 before the advent of yacht design software. The 15' Hazel Guide Bateau has now been modeled on the computer and the plans redrawn for construction using modern clinker ply and stitch & tape methods.
 The original A0 plan with the hull lines drawn using conventional offsets is still available for those who prefer to work from a lines plan.
Below a Hazel nicely built by Mike Sanderson.

15' Hazel Guide Bateau Particulars

LOA 15' 4.58m
Beam 4'6" 1.37m
Hull Mid Depth 1'2" 0.36m
Draft 4 1/2" 0.11m
Approx. Dry Weight 125 lbs 56.7 kg

Hull Shape

Flat bottom with 6 or more planks per side
Construction Method Clinker Ply and Stitch & Tape
Major plywood requirements for hull 5 sheets of 6mm and 2 sheets of 9mm marine plywood
Guidance Use 3 adults
Drawing/Design Package 3 xA1 drawings + 10 A4 sheets

 

ORDER THE  15' HAZEL GUIDE BATEAU PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £55          

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £55          

(Approx. 66 Euros/$74 USD)


 
10'9" MEDWAY SKIFF
The Medway 11 is a rowing skiff development of our Medway Doble design. We have retained the same 3 plywood planks per side and the simple stitch and tape method of construction. She uses just 3 sheets of 5 or 6mmplywood. As drawn, she is fitted out for single use with a central rowing thwart and with buoyancy/stowage compartments at either end. These can be replaced by seating so that she could take 3 adults. Her ‘V’ bottomed hull section has a moderate waterline beam keeping the wetted surface area to a minimum making her easy to row and straight tracking. She has a ‘wineglass’ shaped transom giving her some width at deck level with basically a double ended hull form at the waterline. 
This lovely example beautifully fitted out with solid wood seats etc is by Phil Beaumont.
The nice example below is in clinker ply by Angus Marsland - the plans five the mould shapes for this method of construction.
The example right is by Jaime Diaz and has a different stern
Below is an example by Harry Holman.

10'9" Medway Skiff Particulars

LOA 10'9" 3.27m
Beam 4' 1.22m
Hull Mid Depth 1'2" 0.34m
Draft 4 1/2" 0.11m
Approx. Dry Weight 75 lbs 34 kg

Hull Shape

V bottom with 3 planks per side (stitch and tape) or with 5 planks per side (clinker ply)
Construction Method Stitch and tape and clinker ply
Major plywood requirements for hull 3 1/2 sheets of 4,5 or 6mm plywood
Guidance Use Up to 2 adults
Drawing/Design Package 4 x A1 drawings + 5 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  10'9" MEDWAY SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £60            

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £60            

(Approx. 72 Euros/$81 USD)


 

NEW  DEBEN 400 ROWING SKIFF
18ft Windrush Rowing Skiff

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.

 

 These photos are of a lovely example built by Christopher Nicholson and fitted out so that 4 children can sit in her with 2 rowing. The standard fit-out is for a single adult rower but as you can see she can be modified to suit.

 Christopher has also added floatation chambers.

Deben 400 Particulars

LOA 12'9" 3.89m
Beam 3'11" 1.19m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 3 1/2" 0.39m
Draft 4 1/2" 0.11m
Approx. Dry Weight 60 lbs 27 kg

Hull Shape

Narrow flat bottom plank plus 3 planks per side
Construction Method Stitch and tape
Major plywood requirements for hull 4 sheets of 4,5 or 6mm exterior or marine plywood
Guidance Use Designed for single adult but will take 2 with more seats
Drawing/Design Package 3 x A1 drawings + 5 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  DEBEN 400 PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £60            

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £60            

(Approx. 72 Euros/$81 USD)


 

12' THAMES SKIFF

Thames 12 stitched and tapedThames Skiff with rig
The example above had sails added by the owner.
This example is by Neil Warren with his daughter Alicia looking very pleased with her fathers efforts.
This rowing skiff has been lightly modeled on the traditional Thames river skiffs. They were usually a lot longer and around 4' wide. Here, we have produced a design which will delight the rowing enthusiast who wants a light weight skiff with moderately low beam (requiring the use of short outriggers which are detailed on the drawings). She uses the stitch and epoxy method of construction although we can supply the mould shapes for clinker ply construction as well. With 5 planks per side and her wine glass transom and raking bow, she is an elegant form of personal transport. We can supply plank shapes and details for versions with different beams to suit your own requirements. LOD 12' (3.66m); Beam 3'3" (.99m); Depth amidships 13" (.34m); Approx. wht. 60 lbs (27 kg). 

Below is an example by Ian Cairns.

Below is a nice example by Anders Eliasson.
Below is a nice clinker example by David O'Dempsey
Below is an example of the strip planked version by Cole Smith - the moulds and strip planking details are given with the standard plans.
Dave Millonig had already built the wider beam version in strip ;lank but wanted to do the same with the narrower beam Thames 12. He also spaced out the moulds by 1 1/2" to give an overall length of 13'4" (4.07m) - the hull weight is 42lbs (19kg) and he used 6oz cloth on the inside and 9oz on the outside - photos below.

12' Thames Skiff Particulars

LOA 12' 3.66m
Beam 3'3" and 3'9" 0.99m and 1.14m
Hull Mid Depth 13" 0.34m
Draft 4" 0.1m
Approx. Dry Weight 60 lbs 27 kg

Hull Shape

Multi chine with 5 planks per side and wine-glass transom
Construction Method Stitch and tape (plank shapes given for both beam versions), strip plank (mould shapes given for both beam versions) and clinker ply (wider beam version only)
Major plywood or strip Cedar requirements for hull 3 1/2 sheets of 4,5 or 6mm plywood or 420m of 6x15mm WRC.
Guidance Use 2-3 adults but excellent for single rower
Drawing/Design Package 7 x A1 drawings + 5 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  12' THAMES SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £75            

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £75            

(Approx. 90 USD)


14' THAMES SKIFF  

This is a 14’ (4.27m) x 4’2” (1.27m) stitch and tape/clinker/ply Thames Skiff – similar to our Thames 12 skiff - for Mr. B. Lammerton - she retains the same “wineglass” type transom and construction is for stitch & tape (as with all our designs, we could draw up the mould shapes and jig details to build her in clinker/ ply) - the drawings also give details for rudder and canopy.

The standard fit-out shows an aft seat with back and a foredeck/seat but this could be changed to suit.

Example left is by Ed Clemow
This beautiful clinker example is by Neil Newman and is featured in the Sept/Oct 2010 issue No. 83 of the Watercraft Magazine (www.watercraft.co.uk).
Below is a stitch and tape example by Jed Dale.
Below Peter Nobes' example.

14' Thames Skiff Particulars

LOA 14' 4.27m
Beam 4'2" 1.27m
Hull Mid Depth 1'6" 0.45m
Draft 5" 0.13m
Approx. Dry Weight 85 lbs 38.5 kg

Hull Shape

Multi-chine with 5 planks per side
Construction Method Stitch and tape and clinker ply (moulds/jig given for both 14' and 16' versions)
Major plywood requirements for hull 5 1/2 sheets of 5 or 6mm plywood
Guidance Use 3 x adults
Drawing/Design Package 5 x A1 drawings + 5 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  14' THAMES SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £85          

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £85          

(Approx. 102 Euros/$115 USD)


 

17' THAMES ROWING SKIFF
I have often been asked to stretch the basic Thames 12 design—using the same beam—to a skiff capable of having 2 rowing positions—we now have this in the 17’ Thames Skiff which has the same attractive 5 planks per side hull shape and using the same simple stitch and tape method of construction.

The plans show both a double and single rowing position so that she can be fitted out either way. 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 3’3” (0.99m). Approx. wht. in 4mm ply 77lbs (36kg).

Left and above a Thames 17 by Eric Staggs.

Below an example by Juan Hansen under construction.

Below are photos of a Thames 17 beautifully built by Kevin Murray in Florida showing different rowing set-ups.
 

17' Thames Rowing Skiff Particulars

LOA 17' 5.19m
Beam 3'3" 0.99m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 1 1/2" 0.34m
Draft 4 1/2" 0.11m
Approx. Dry Weight 77 lbs 36 kg

Hull Shape

Multi-chine with 5 planks per side
Construction Method Stitch and tape
Major plywood requirements for hull 5 1/2 sheets of 4,5 or 6mm exterior or marine plywood
Guidance Use 2 adults
Drawing/Design Package 6 x A1 drawings + 7 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  17' THAMES SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £95            

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £95            

(Approx. 114 Euros/$128 USD)


 

WAIF 12' LIGHTWEIGHT ROWING/SAILING SKIFF

This 12' x 4' rowing/sailing skiff was designed for Mr. M. Goodger who wanted a light, seaworthy skiff which would row well and optionally take a modest 35-50 sq ft sail. The attractive 5-plank hull is therefore based on the Stornoway 9. The drawings show the moulds/jig details for clinker/ply construction and plank shapes and details for stitch and tape construction using 4, 5 or 6mm ply.

Above is an example by Alan Chinn of Ibis Boatworks - in this case a centreboard similar to the Stornoway 12 is being fitted.

Right and below, a Waif, converted to sail by Martin McManus.
Below an example by Mike Goodger.

Waif 12' Particulars

LOA 12' 3.66m
Beam 4' 1.22m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 5 1/2" 0.44m
Draft 4 1/2" 0.11m
Approx. Dry Weight 80 lbs 36 kg

Hull Shape

Multi-chine with 5 planks per side
Construction Method Stitch and tape and clinker ply
Major plywood requirements for hull 2 sheets of 6mm + 3-4 sheets of 4mm plywood
Guidance Use 3 adults
Drawing/Design Package 4 x A1 drawings + 5 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  WAIF 12' PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £75              

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £75              

(Approx. 90 Euros/$101 USD)


 

20' THAMES SKIFF
The Thames 20 rowing skiff is an elegant and very attractive skiff based upon a craft that we originally designed for a client who wanted a simple personal exercise craft which could be used on open inland waters. Construction uses the stitch and tape process with pre-shaped 4mm ply hull planks. These are marked, cut out and then stitched together along the chine seams with scrap copper wire. The seams are then epoxy filleted and when the epoxy has cured the wire stitches are removed allowing the inside of the seams to be glass taped without any bumps caused by leaving the stitches in place.  The outside of the chine seams is then epoxy filled and cleaned off - so that no tape is used on the outside chines of the hull allowing a beautiful varnished finish to be applied if required. Although we have not done so, so far, we can produce the mould and building jig details for her to be strip planked in Cedar. LOA 20' (6.1m); Hull beam 26 1/2" (0.67m); Approx. weight depending upon materials and fit-out 70 lbs (32kg).

Below, photos of an example of the Thames 20 made by Vincenzo Bontempo.

20' Thames Skiff Particulars

LOA 20' 6.1m
Beam 26 1/2" 0.67m
Hull Mid Depth 9" 0.22m
Draft 3 1/4" 0.08m
Approx. Dry Weight 70 lbs 32 kg

Hull Shape

Multi-chine with 5 planks per side
Construction Method Stitch and tape
Major plywood requirements for hull 5 sheets of 4mm plywood
Guidance Use Single scull
Drawing/Design Package 3 x A1 drawings + 7 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  20' THAMES SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £110         

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £110         

(Approx. 132 Euros/$149 USD)


 
22' HAWKE BAY SKIFF

The Hawke Bay is a large single rowing skiff designed for a New Zealand client who wanted to go on rowing expeditions around the coasts of North & South Islands. She has been given plenty of freeboard and buoyancy to cater with the sharp chop experienced in offshore rowing. There is a sliding seat for comfortable rowing and plenty of room to take enough stores for lengthy trips. Standard construction is for welded aluminium using pre-shaped panels. She can however be made from plywood using stitch and tape methods with epoxy. LOD 21'10" (6.66m); Hull beam 4'11" (1.5m); Approx. hull wht. 300 lbs (135 kg).

22' Hawke Bay Skiff Particulars

LOA 21'10" 6.66m
Beam 4'11" 1.5m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 11 1/2" 0.6m
Draft 8" 0.2m
Approx. Dry Weight 300 lbs 135 kg

Hull Shape

V bottom with 4 planks per side
Construction Method Aluminium or stitch and tape ply
Major plywood requirements for hull 11 x 6mm + 1 x 9mm sheets of plywood (aluminium)
Guidance Use Single long distance rowing
Drawing/Design Package 4 x A1 drawings + 20 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  22' HAWKE BAY PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £20/FULL PLANS £120

 

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £20/FULL PLANS £120

(Study Plan approx. 24 Euros/$27 USD; Full Plan approx. 150 Euros/$169 USD)



27' WEST KERRY GIG
There are some rowing races that take place at West Kerry in Eire using 27' rowing gigs. The races take place in the open sea, in harbours and estuaries where there is often a severe chop. Each gig takes a crew of 4 with an additional member acting as cox. The hull has a fine entry, low waterline beam with well flaired topsides giving a good range of stability and a pretty wineglass transom.  Construction is for strip planking over computer generated mould shapes. LOD 27' (8.24m); Beam 5'6" (1.68m).

27' West Kerry Gig Particulars

LOA 27' 8.24m
Beam 5'6" 1.68m
Hull Mid Depth 1'8" 0.51m
Draft 6 1/4" 0.16m
Approx. Dry Weight 441 lbs 200 kg

Hull Shape

Round bilge
Construction Method Strip plank
Major strip wood requirements for hull 2200' of 3/8" x 1 1/4" (670m of 10x30mm) Western Red Cedar
Guidance Use 5 adults
Drawing/Design Package 1 x A1 drawing (full-size moulds) + 3 x A1 drawings + 3 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  27' WEST KERRY GIG PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £150            

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £150            

(Approx. 180 Euros/$203 USD)



NEW 15'4" FLY FISHING COBLE  
This design has been based upon our Northumbrian Coble designs—the client wanted a very stable seaworthy design mainly for outboard power but which could also be rowed and take a sail plan. Basic construction is for stitch and tape but the moulds/jig details are given for clinker/ply construction. The standard fit-out has a central bench seat/oar locker and she can take at least 6 adults.

LOA 15’4” (4.68m); Beam 5’2” (1.58m); Depth Amidships 1’8” (0.51m); Approx. wht 250 lbs (113kg).

Note - plans also give mould shapes and jig details for a strip planked version.

These photos are of a strip planked version beautifully built by Serdar Gulten

 

The example left is the original stitch and tape ply version, this one by Matthew Clark.

Below is a clinkker ply example by Miles Tandy from a kit supplied by www.jordanboats.co.uk

15'4" Fly Fishing Coble Particulars

LOA 15'4" 4.68m
Beam 5'2" 1.58m
Hull Mid Depth 1'9" 0.53m
Draft 6 1/2" 0.17m
Approx. Dry Weight 250 lbs 113 kg

Hull Shape

Multi-chine with 5 planks per side or round bilge - both with tumblehome aft
Construction Method Stitch and tape, clinker ply or strip plank
Major plywood requirements for hull 9 x 6mm and 1 x 12mm sheets of plywood
Guidance Use 4 adults +
Drawing/Design Package 6 x A1 drawings + 7 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  15'4" FLY FISHING COBLE PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £20/FULL PLANS £100

 

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £20/FULL PLANS £100

(Study Plan approx. 24 Euros/$27 USD; Full Plan approx. 120 USD)


 

15' ADIRONDACK GUIDE BOAT
The Adirondack Guide boats were used in the outback of North America in the 19th and early 20th Centuries for hunting, portaging etc and have a very distinctive shape with fairly pinched bow/stern sections and slack bilge shape. Beam was kept low so that they were often rowed with a cross handed. Construction is shown for both simple stitch and tape and clinker/ply construction.

LOA 15’ (4.7m); Beam 3’4 1/2” (1.03m); Midship hull depth 12” (0.3m); Weight approx 70lbs (32kg).

Left - a lovely clinker example by Colin Wragg.

Below is a beautiful example by Graham Burgess and his nephew Chris Browning - in fact it is a stitch and tape hull - the outside has been sheathed in glass/epoxy so that no outside taping was required and 18 laminated oak ribs have been fitted complete the fit-out.

Below is the Adirondack building jig for a clinker version of the Adirondack by David O'Dempsey.

 

Below is David O'Dempsey's Adirondack fitted with a Hobie Drive.

15' Adirondack Guide Boat Particulars

LOA 15' 4.7m
Beam 3' 4 1/2" 1.03m
Hull Mid Depth 12" 0.3m
Draft 4" 0.1m
Approx. Dry Weight 70 lbs 32 kg

Hull Shape

Narrow flat bottom plank plus 6 planks per side
Construction Method Clinker ply (full-size moulds given) and stitch and tape
Major plywood requirements for hull 5-6 sheets of 6mm marine plywood
Guidance Use Up to 3 adults
Drawing/Design Package 6 x A1 drawings + 6 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  15' ADIRONDACK GUIDE BOAT PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £20/FULL PLANS £100

 

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £20/FULL PLANS £100

(Study Plan approx. 24 Euros/$27 USD; Full Plan approx. 120 USD)


 

 18' WINDRUSH ROWING SKIFF
This skiff has been drawn up for a client who specifically wanted to develop a design optimised for the “front rower” rowing system (www.frontrower.com) which allows the rower to face forward. For those who do not want to use this system we have included details for the skiff to be fitted out with conventional fixed seat and outriggers—she could also take a sliding seat if required.

Construction is simple stitch and tape using 4 planks per side but we also include the jig and mould details so that she may be built using clinker ply construction.

Construction uses 6 sheets of 4mm plywood.

Below is a modified example of the Windrush by Anthony Walker - this version (the plank shapes for this version are also given in the standard plans) has a little more beam and more hull depth - this is to help make her into a multi-role boat with outriggers, sail rig etc.
 
Below are photos of Terry Smyth's version with a narrow additional plank added to the topsides/gunwale.

18' Windrush Skiff Particulars

LOA 18' 5.49m
Beam 2'9" 0.85m
Hull Mid Depth 13" 0.32m
Draft 4" 0.1m
Approx. Dry Weight 66 lbs 30 kg

Hull Shape

4 planks per side with wine-glass transom
Construction Method Stitch and tape
Major plywood requirements for hull 6 x 4, 5 or 6mm exterior or marine plywood
Guidance Use 3 adults or single use
Drawing/Design Package 4 x A1 drawings + 5 a A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  18' WINDRUSH SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £110          

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £110          

(Approx. 132 Euros/$149 USD)


 

 15' MANDARIN ROWING SKIFF

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.

 

Left is the aft half of a Mandarin 15.
Below is a clinker version by Simon Marsh.

Below a nice clinker example by Dave May in 2 halves.

Below and right is an example by Bill Martin but using strip plank construction - a curve was put through the points on the moulds normally used for clinker ply.

15' Mandarin Particulars

LOA 15' 4.58m
Beam 45" 1.14m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 2" 0.35m
Draft 4 1/2" 0.11m
Approx. Dry Weight 75 lbs 34 kg

Hull Shape

Multi-chine with 5 planks per side
Construction Method Stitch and tape and clinker ply
Major plywood requirements for hull 5 sheets of 4,5 or 6mm exterior or marine plywood
Guidance Use 3 adults
Drawing/Design Package 4 x A1 drawings + 6 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  15' MANDARIN PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £90           

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £90           

(Approx. 108 Euros/$122 USD)


 

 17' MANDARIN ROWING 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.

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.

This example is by Andy Catterall.
The three photos below are of a nice clinker example by Paul Kirwin.
Right and below is a nice clinker example built by Danny White of the Thames Boating Company - you can see many more photos at https://thamesboating.blogspot.co.uk/

Mandarin 17 Particulars

LOA 17' 5.19m
Beam 45" 1.14m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 2" 0.35m
Draft 4 1/2" 0.11m
Approx. Dry Weight 85 lbs 39 kg

Hull Shape

Multi-chine with 5 planks per side
Construction Method Stitch and tape and clinker ply
Major plywood requirements for hull 6 sheets of 4,5 or 6mm marine or clinker plywood
Guidance Use 3 x adults
Drawing/Design Package 4 x A1 drawings + 6 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  17' MANDARIN PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £90            

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £90            

(Approx. 108 Euros/$122 USD)


 

 16' PORT SORELL ROWING SKIFF

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).

This example by Colin Wragg

Below is an example by Jeremy Sievers

16' Port Sorell Particulars

LOA 15'6" 4.71m
Beam 4'4" 1.33m
Hull Mid Depth 1'4" 0.4m
Draft 4 1/2" 0.11m
Approx. Dry Weight 95 lbs 43 kg

Hull Shape

Round bilge with 7 planks per side
Construction Method Clinker ply and stitch and tape
Major plywood requirements for hull 6 sheets of 6mm marine plywood
Guidance Use 3 - 5 adults
Drawing/Design Package 7 x A1 drawings + 5 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  16' PORT SORELL PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £100            

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £100            

(Approx. 120 Euros/$135 USD)


 

 HAWKE BAY 20' ROWING SKIFF

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).

20' Hawke Bay Skiff Particulars

LOA 20' 6.1m
Beam 4'11" 1.5m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 11 1/2" 0.6m
Draft 8" 0.2m
Approx. Dry Weight 330 lbs 150 kg

Hull Shape

V bottom with 4 planks per side
Construction Method Stitch and tape
Major plywood requirements for hull 11 x 6mm + 1 x 9mm sheets of plywood
Guidance Use Single long distance rowing
Drawing/Design Package 4 x A1 drawings + 7 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  20' HAWKE BAY PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £100            

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £100            

(Approx. 120 Euros/$135 USD)


 THAMES 19' ROWING SKIFF

The Thames 19 is a stretched version of our 17’ Thames Skiff and has the same sweet wineglass shaped transom. She has the same beam as the 12; and 17’ versions and can be fitted out either to have a single or double rowing position.

Construction uses the stitch and tape method with 5 planks per side.

Left, an example in Australia by Eric McIlwain

19' Thames Rowing Skiff Particulars

LOA 19' 5.8m
Beam 3'3" 0.99m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 1 1/2" 0.34m
Draft 4 1/2" 0.11m
Approx. Dry Weight 82 lbs 37 kg

Hull Shape

Multi-chine with 5 planks per side
Construction Method Stitch and tape
Major plywood requirements for hull 5 1/2 sheets of 4,5 or 6mm exterior or marine plywood
Guidance Use 2 adults
Drawing/Design Package 5 x A1 drawings + 7 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  19' THAMES SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £110          

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £110          

(Approx. 132 Euros/$149 USD)


 LODDON 20' STRIP PLANKED OR FRP SKIFF

The Loddon 20 is round bilged and can be made using foam sandwich (FRP) and strip plank Cedar construction methods. The moulds, transom and inner stem shape. She is designed for 2 or 3 rowing plus a cox or 2 rowing plus cox and passenger. The hull shape has a low wetted surface area shape with good stability and a reasonable freeboard for use in choppy waters. 

Here are the first pictures of Gerry White's FRP Loddon 20

 

20' Loddon  Rowing Skiff Particulars

LOA 20'4" 6.20m
Beam 4'9" 1.45m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 7" 0.49m
Draft 7" 0.18m
Approx. Dry Weight 135 lbs 62 kg

Hull Shape

Round bilge
Construction Method FRP (foam sandwich) and strip plank
Major strip Cedar requirements for hull 2164' of 3/8"x3/4" (660m of 8mm x 19mm)
Guidance Use 4 adults
Drawing/Design Package 2x A0, 5 x A1 drawings + 4 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  20' LODDON PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £125          

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £125          

(Approx. 150 Euros/$169 USD)


NEW THAMES 32' CLINKER/STRIP PLANKED OR FRP SKIFF

The Thames 32 has primarliy been designed for Foam Re-inforced Plastic (FRP) construction - the plans give details of the male plug (so that a female mould tool can be made) which can also be built as a finished wood hull. The wood hull can be built entirely in clinker ply or with clinker ply topsides and roound bilged strip planked bottom. 

By spacing out the mould shapes differently, the hull could be built at a longer/shorter length.is round bilged and can be made using foam sandwich (FRP) and strip plank Cedar construction methods. The hull shape has a low wetted surface area shape with good stability and a reasonable freeboard for use in choppy waters - she has been designed with the Great River Race in mind.

32' Thames  Rowing Skiff Particulars

LOA 31'6" 9.60m
Beam 4' 2 1/2" 1.28m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 8 1/2" 0.52m
Draft 7 3/4" 0.20m
Approx. Dry Weight 551 lbs 250 kg

Hull Shape

Round bilge clinker/strip
Construction Method FRP (foam sandwich) and clinker/strip plank
Major strip play and Cedar requirements for wood hull 1016' of 1/2"x1 1/4" (310m of 12mm x 33mm);9 sheets of 9mm (3/8")ply
Guidance Use 7 adults
Drawing/Design Package 2x A0, 4 x A1 drawings + 4 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  32' THAMES SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £20/FULL PLANS £150

 

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £20/FULL PLANS £150

(Study Plan approx. 24 Euros/$27 USD; Full Plan approx. 180 Euros/$203 USD)


NEW ST. BRONAGH 18' STRIP PLANKED SKIFF

Plans are now available here for the double ended St.Bronagh skiff designed for Tyrone Boats for coastal rowing - she has a low wetted surface area hull capable of excellent performance in offshore conditions with two crew and a cox. The plans are for strip planked Western Red Cedar with full-size mould shapes. 

Complete boats in GRP with wood trim are available from Tyrone Boats.

Below are two photo of the GRP version built and being sold by Tyrone Boats - https://www.tyroneboats.com/index.html

18' St. Bronagh  Rowing Skiff Particulars

LOA 18' 5.49m
Beam 4'8" 1.42m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 8" 0.51m
Draft 7" 0.18m
Approx. Dry Weight 95 lbs 43 kg

Hull Shape

Round bilge double ended
Construction Method Strip plank
Major strip Cedar requirements for hull 2131' of 3/8"x3/4" (650m of 8mm x 19mm)
Guidance Use 2 adults plus cox
Drawing/Design Package 3x A0, 2 x A1 drawings + 3 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  18' St. BRONAGH SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £100          

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £100          

(Approx. 120 Euros/$135 USD)


NEW HARTFORD 18'  PLYWOOD SKIFF

The Hartford 18' skiff was drawn up for the Great River Race and to take a crew of 4 - a cox, 2 oarsmen plus a passenger who could take a turn at rowing.
She has 5 planks per side and is built using the stitch and tape method for the shortest construction time. The seating can be fixed or set up so that it can be moved and adjusted allowing 2 people to sit in the stern sheets.

The photos show the first Hartford 18 stitched together by Bill Price from a plank kit supplied by www.jordanboats.co.uk

 

Hartford 18  Rowing Skiff Particulars

LOA 18' 2" 5.54m
Beam 4'9" 1.45m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 8" 0.51m
Draft 7" 0.18m
Approx. Dry Weight 140 lbs 64 kg

Hull Shape

Multi-chine with 5 planks per side
Construction Method Stitch and tape.
Major plywood requirements for hull 6-7 sheets of 6mm
Guidance Use 2 adults plus cox and passenger
Drawing/Design Package 5 x A1 drawings + 6 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  HARTFORD 18' SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £100          

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £100          

(Approx. 120 Euros/$135 USD)


NEW 15' 2" OARSOME PLYWOOD SKIFF

 The Oarsome 15'2" skiff has been designed for the Oarsome Chance Foundation as a simple stitch and tape ply skiff. Oarsome Chance focuses on young people aged from 9 -19 years old who are disengaged from mainstream education and are at risk of exclusion and suffering disadvantage and this skiff was drawn up to give them a project that does not take too long to build and which gives them experience with a number of different practical skills.

 The skiff can be made as a simple open stitch and tape boat or be fitted with side floatation tanks with moveable seats or with a centreboard and simple sprit rig. The drawings also include building jig and construction details so that she can be made ply plank over frame.

 The standard layout has 2 rowers plus a cox and if required a seat up forward for a fourth person.

 The photos below show the first skiff built at Oarsome Chance who will also be offering her in kit form to the public.

www.oarsomechance.org

To enquire about kits, email kits@oarsomechance.org

 

Oarsome 15'2"  Rowing Skiff Particulars

LOA 15' 2" 4.63m
Beam 4' 9 1/2" 1.46m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 7" 0.48m
Draft 7" 0.18m
Approx. Dry Weight excl. side tanks etc 95 lbs 43 kg

Hull Shape

Multi-chine with 3 planks per side
Construction Method Stitch and tape and ply over frame
Major plywood requirements for hull 5-6 sheets of 6mm (hull only)
Guidance Use 2 adults plus cox and passenger
Drawing/Design Package 7 x A1 drawings + 11 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  OARSOME 15'2" SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £95          

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £95          

(Approx. 114 Euros/$128 USD)

 


NEW 15' 6" WHITEHALL SKIFF

 This is the Selway Fisher version of the lovely Whitehall Skiff. The origins of the Whitehall Skiff (or pulling boat) are a little vague - some say that her design came from some of the small workboats around Whitehall in London but others trace her origins to the working boats used by the 'runners' who used them in places like Boston on the US Eastern seaboard to tout for trade from the incoming sailing vessels.

 In any event, they were sleek craft with a beautiful wineglass transom more often carvel built.

 This Selway Fisher version can be built using clinker, strip plank or stitch and tape construction methods with 7 planks per side. The plans are complete with details for rudder, centreboard and sprit sailing rig.

Below are photos of Tim Lane's version which he has built in two boltable halves for easy storage. He has also changed the interior so that he can fit two sliding seats.
 

Whitehall 15'6" Skiff Particulars

LOA 15' 6" 4.73m
Beam 4' 5 1/2" 1.36m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 6 1/2" 0.47m
Draft 7"/ 3' 3 1/2" 0.18/ 1.0m
Approx. Dry Weight excl. side tanks etc 95 lbs 43 kg

Hull Shape

'U' shaped with 7 planks per side
Construction Method Clinker, Strip Cedar and Stitch and tape
Major plywood requirements for hull 5-6 sheets of 6mm (hull only)
Guidance Use 2 to 4 adults
Drawing/Design Package 7 x A1 drawings + 8 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  WHITEHALL 15'6" SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £110          

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - FULL PLAN £110          

(Approx. 132 Euros/$149 USD)


NEW 24' OARSOME COASTAL ROWING SKIFF

 Oarsome Chance came to me for the design of a 24' Coastal Rowing Skiff which could be more easily used as a multi-role boat and which was safer for use offshore.

 Instead of a double ended design, often used for this role, we went for a transomed design more easily allowing for the fitting of an outboard and engine. We also added side benches which act as buoyancy chambers which, along with the fore and aft chambers give a total of 650kg of floatation.

 The thwarts, being mounted on top of the side chambers means that they can be reconfigured and the plans come with simple sprit rig and centreplate details.

 Construction can be clinker ply over moulds (full-size mould shapes are supplied with the plans) or a combination of clinker ply topsides with a strip planked bottom, may be used.

24' Oarsome Coastal Rowing Skiff Particulars

LOA 24' 1" 7.35m
Beam 5' 10" 1.77m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 8" 0.50m
Draft 7"/ 4' 0.18/ 1.2m
Approx. Dry Weight 496 lbs 225 kg

Hull Shape

'U' shaped with 7 planks per side
Construction Method Clinker with 7 planks per side or combination clinker/strip with 4 clinker plans per side plus strip bottom
Major plywood requirements for hull 11 sheets of 9mm plus 300m of 12x33mm WRC (984' of 1/2"x 1 1/4" WRC)
Guidance Use 6 + adults
Drawing/Design Package 2 x A0 + 4 x A1 drawings + 4 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  24' OARSOME SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £20/FULL PLANS £175

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £20/FULL PLANS £175

(Study Plan approx. 24 Euros/$27 USD; Full Plan approx. 210 Euros/$236 USD)

 


NEW 25' SANDOLO

 The Sandolo is a traditional flat bottomed rowing boat used in Venice and the Venetian Lagoon and unlike the Gondola is, like most craft, symmetrical about it's centerline. In fact it is of a simple flat bottomed, single chine shape with flared topsides and long overhangs. Like the Gondola it has a pointed and decorated metal nose (ferro) but does not usually have any seats or benches. Passengers tend to sit on cushions on the floor boards or on low seats.

 Despite it's 25' length, these boats normally only carry 2 passengers plus the oarsman although you can get 2 more passengers sitting towards the bows.

 Construction in the traditional boats is very simple using solid wood boards for the bottom and sides often without a chine log (stringer) and a large number of simple frames. We have been asked to update the construction a little for longevity but in such a way that the interior looks traditional. So, we have gone for plywood hull panels using the stitch and epoxy method of construction. The builder can use just 5 frames or, add others to make the interior look authentic.

 The Sandolo family is quite wide with some used for fishing, others for racing and even the police had their own variant - most are now used for pleasure. Each variant has different proportions and so the plans show two variants (Mark 1 and Mark 2) - the first with an overall beam of 4'3" (1.30m) and 1' 6 1/4" (0.46m) mid hull depth and quite a lot of rocker to the hull shape and a displacement volume of around 1100lbs (500kg) and the second with an overall beam of 4' 9 1/2" (1.46m), 1' 7 3/4" (500mm) mid hull depth and less rocker to the bottom which increases the displacement volume to 1450 lbs (660kg) and therefore more carrying capacity.

 Normally Sandolos are rowed standing up and facing forward and details of the Forcola sculpted rowlocks and oars are given on the plans along with the shape of a typical Ferro (bow ornament).

 

25' Sandolo Particulars

  Mk 1 Mk 2
LOA 25'4" 7.745m 25'3" 7.720m
Beam 4'3" 1.30m 4' 9 1/2" 1.46m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 6 1/4" 0.462m 1' 7 3/4" 0.50m
Draft 7" 1/ 4' 0.185m 7 1/4" 0.185m
Approx. Dry Weight 595 lbs 270 kg 639 lbs 290 kg

Hull Shape

Flat bottom single chine
Construction Method Stitch and Epoxy plywood - could be built ply over frame.
Major plywood requirements for hull 7 sheets of 9mm
1 sheet 6mm
Guidance Use 3 - 5 adults 5 - 6 adults
Drawing/Design Package 7 x A1 drawings + 4 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  25' SANDOLO PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £25/FULL PLANS £175

(Study Plan approx. 30 Euros/$34 USD; Full Plan approx. 210 Euros/$237 USD)
UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £25/FULL PLANS £150

(Study Plan approx. 30 Euros/$34 USD; Full Plan approx. 180 Euros/$203 USD)

NEW  18' CROSS CHANNEL ROWING SKIFF

 The 18' Cross Channel Rowing Skiff is based on our Kari 2 double ended Faering. The Kar 2 has excellent sea keeping qualities but does not have the displacement/carrying capacity to take a crew of 6 (4 rowers (2 on the centre thwart) and one forward and aft, plus a cox and passenger). So the lines were modified to give more displacement volume by adding more beam, hull depth and increasing the number of planks per side from 3 to 5.

 Construction was to be kept simple so the plans give the plank shapes and details for stitch & tape construction - this can be purely based on epoxy fillets plus glass tape with no jig or, the planks can be laid over a building jig with/without a solid stem/stern post and hog. The same building jig can be used by those wanting to build using the clinker-ply method.

 The thwarts are mounted on fore and aft stretchers so they can be repositioned. Details are given for the rudder and oars.

 

Below is the first example being built by Ian Ducane

18' Cross Channel Rowing Skiff Particulars

LOA 18' 2" 5.56m
Beam 5' 11" 1.81m
Hull Mid Depth 1' 9" 0.53m
Draft 9 1/2" 0.24m
Approx. Dry Weight 397 lbs 180 kg

Hull Shape

Round bilge/multi-chine
Construction Method Stitch and Epoxy plywood & Clinker ply
Major plywood requirements for hull 10 sheets of 6 or 9mm
Guidance Use 4-6 adults
Drawing/Design Package 4 x A1 drawings + 7 x A4 instruction sheets

 

ORDER THE  18' CROSS CHANNEL ROWING SKIFF PLANS

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £20/FULL PLANS £125

UK/EU/US/Elsewhere - STUDY PLAN £20/FULL PLANS £125

(Study Plan approx. 24 Euros/$27 USD; Full Plan approx. 150 Euros/$169 USD)

 

NOTE - also see the OXFORD STRIP PLANKED SAILING/ROWING SKIFF on the GP Dinghies over 13' page.

 


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