Mark Wallace's Black Skiff Strip Built

 In an earlier post we introduced Mark Wallace's Black Skiff. In this post we'll present a variation in which construction is done with strip planking. The result is a model of Mark's design using his free plans.

Overview

Profile

Fish Eye View

Modifications of the Design:

• Strip planked rather than the plywood panels in the original design.
• In the model, I used 1/32 (0.34 mm) by 1/8 (3.175 mm) strips.
• If I were to make a full sized boat, strip built, I'd use 1/4 " (6 mm) strips ripped from 3/4 "(19 mm) Western Red Cedar planks and router one edge concave and the other edge convex using router bits set such as these.
  
• I set up three forms (adapted from the frames on the plans) mounted upside down on a ladder frame. (Note that the next time (model or full size) I'd use five forms.)
• I laminated and installed the two stems attached to the bottom.
• I then installed the flat bottom. The sizes and shapes of both stems and the bottom came directly from the plans. 
• I then laid in and glued the strips starting at the bottom and working 'down' to the gunnels. (Note; Installed each strip on alternate sides of the boat).
• Because the center frame was eliminated, reinforced the topsides by installing an inwale separated from the hull by spacer blocks.
• Installed two full sized bulkheads 7' 4" (2235 mm) apart centered midship. Each bulkhead has a15" by 18" (381 mm by 457 mm) hatch to provide access to the respective compartment.
• Installed two decks crowned 2" (51 mm) running from each bulkhead to the stem and stern.
• Provided a rowing seat that rests on slats attached to the hull.
• The span of 4' (1219 mm) called for oars 8' (2438 mm) long.
• Added floorboards.

Specifications:

• LOA: 14' 3" (4.3 m)
• Beam: 4' 2" (1270 mm)
• Water Line Length: 11' (3.4 m)
• Water Line Width: 33" (838 mm)
• WLL/WLW Ratio: 4:1
• Hull  Speed: 4.4 knots, 8.14 kph, 5.1 mph

Summary-Pros:

• Will keep you safe in very rough conditions.
• Plenty of waterproof storage for supplies (and emergency flotation.)
• Easy to row.

Summary-Cons:

• Limited speed due to short WLL.
• High windage would make rowing in a crosswind difficult.
• Need to provide shelter for overnight sleeping using one of these alternatives.
  
  

Black Skiff would make a very comfortable and pretty Oar Cruiser that would be welcome in any waters.