i have received the go-ahead to build another boat, need suggestions, think SOF

[thedutchtouch]

I'm looking to build another boat, either my own design, an existing design, or an adaptation of something. not all (or any) of my design constraints are set in stone.



I'm thinking 14 foot range single ender (though could consider a bit longer if a double ender, and i'm thinking Skin on Frame. main uses would be recreational crabbing (puttering about tidal rivers and semi protected waters with my 3hp kicker motor), and day outings by sail/motor/oar. I'm currently trying to decide to build a whitehall al la platt monfort's classic 14 but with slightly more beam, amidships and at the transom, or something completely different.



so it doesnt have to be amazing at any one aspect, and i'd really not like to get into a "skin on frame isnt good for what you intend" debate but i'd welcome any and all other suggestions. this isn't another fishing for no reason thread, a boat will be built, starting within the next few weeks.

possible builds i am considering:

platt monfort classic 14

Hvalsoe 16

a joel white boat similar to cape falcon kayak's build

[ancient kayaker]

These are my thoughts. SOF is super-light, fast to build and maybe cheaper than ply or other wood. A double-ender looks great but hanging an outboard on its stern may be a challenge. The Whitehall is a great boat for rowing by all accounts. Most multi-chine designs can be converted to a SOF boat with a little guidance on scantling sizes from SOF designs of similar size and purpose.

If rowing is a significant factor for you, there are several rowing threads in the forum and some people who clearly have a lot of know-how and interest, the best way to attract their attention and input would be to have the word "rowing" in your thread title. These threads may be worth your attention:-

designing a fast rowboat
Challenge: The 100$ boat! (search for posts by Petros who provides some useful information)

I'm not sure there's a lot of SOF folk here though. I'm more of a wood boat man myself, so my SOF database is limited but here are some books and other stuff I have come across:-

Building Skin-on-Frame Boats, Robert Morris
Bark Canoes and Skin Boats of North America, Adney, Chappelle & McPhee
Baidarka, George Dyson
You can download a video on SOF boats at http://www.dreamcatcherboats.com/
George Dyson supplies fabric and other materials, something here http://www.scribd.com/doc/32150441/Material-Notes

Above all, go ahead, good luck and don't forget to tell us about your progress!

[thedutchtouch]

Terry, thanks very much for your input. rowing is NOT a top priority for me, i'd prefer a bit more beam than a classic whitehall for crabbing/sailing, rather than the slender beam that lends well to being a rowboat. I'm eyeing a number of lapstrake plans as possible conversions, but am still open to suggestion.

[Jeremy Harris]

It's worth looking at Dave Gentry's designs, too: http://www.gentrycustomboats.com/ . His Ruth was the inspiration for my Aero, although they are very different in terms of construction method and dimensions. There are also some SOF threads on the Wooden Boat forum that are worth a read.

http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?t=124107

http://www.woodenboat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99017

http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?t=99286

A search for Skin on Frame on the Wooden Boat forum will probably find some other interesting designs.

Jeremy

[thedutchtouch]

thanks, I'm active on WBF, and the more i read the more i'm finding that there's simply too many boats in this size to consider, seems i should either just pick one or make up my own. now... single or double ender? both with distinct advantaged, though i prefer single to easily throw my small OB on for crabbing.

[ancient kayaker]

I think a modified sailboat might suit you best, it would have the stability and with the light SOF construction it should be easy to row. One with a transom would have a place for the outboard.

A flat-bottomed boat would not adapt well to SOF, something with a slightly rounded bottom and firm bilges would work better with that type of construction, like the one below by Petros. Quoting him "it is 14 ft LOA x 4'8" beam, w/ 16' laminated wood mast" which is in your preferred size range, although I might prefer the bottom slightly more rounded to keep the fabric from pressing on the ribs, and a little less beam with a small skeg for easier rowing. I would also prefer a removable wooden floor. I suggest you explore designs intended for glued lapstrake construction which will have the necessary rounded hull shape.



Afterthought: I took another look at Dave Gentry's site and the Shenandoah Whitehall looks ideal for you, right size, not too broad, and all the details already in place. I tought it was just for rowing the first time I looked - the "Whitehall" in the name fooled me.

[thedutchtouch]

I am leaning towards a Whitehall style, but increasing the beam by about 8-12 inches at midline and about 12-18 at the transom. Trying to see just how wide I can get without it getting too fat.