Skiff

Project Overview

Name: Lumber Yard Skiff (LYS)
Designer: Walter Baron of Old Wharf Dory Co.
Purpose: Designed for commercial watermen, but also suitable for recreational use such as fishing and rowing.

Hull and Topsides: Meranti marine plywood or underlayment plywood for the topsides and bottom.
Frames and Posts: Clear spruce or clear fir for the stem and sternposts. Clear fir for the frames and knees.
Rails and Shoes: Suitable hardwoods such as Brazilian redwood for the rails and shoes.
Fasteners: Stainless-steel screws and Sikaflex marine adhesive.

Design and Planning: Start with full-sized tracings of the components onto plywood sheets. Use butt blocks to create panels of the appropriate length.
Component Cutting: Cut out the stem, sternposts, and transom from the specified materials. Prepare the side panels and bottom sheets.

Building Jig: Use the stem and sternposts as the building jig. No strongback is required.
Side Panels: Fasten the side panels to the stem and sternposts, then install the transom and spreader. Use a Spanish windlass to draw the topsides together, especially at the stem.
Chine Logs: Install the chine logs, which can be the most challenging part due to the need to bend them into shape without cracking the wood. Varying the thickness of the chine logs can ease this process.
Bottom Installation: Lay the plywood sheets for the bottom, trace and cut to shape, and join the pieces with butt blocks. Install the hardwood shoes to the bottom.

Frames, Knees, and Rails: Turn the boat over and install the frames, knees, and rails. Cut the side frames from 2" x 8" clear fir and the rails from 5/4" x 3" hardwood.

Experienced Builder: Approximately 40 hours to complete if hurrying.
Amateur Builder: Double the time, around 80 hours, with basic woodworking skills.

Traditional Method: Paint on the outside and oil on the inside. Some owners have opted to fiberglass the outside for added durability.

Stability and Beam: Designed with substantial beam aft for stability, particularly for hauling traps or handling shifting weight. The point of maximum beam is located well aft, resulting in a moderate delta shape.
Ride Quality: Fine entry to provide a decent ride in choppy waters.

Inspiration: Based on the Brockway skiffs built by Earle Brockway in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, which were well-regarded along the coast from Connecticut to Cape Cod.