Project Sister 'Skiff

[John Duncan Matheson]

I'm gearing up to build a Skiff,

Which I will then build 5 more, sistered side by side which will then be launched as the base of a small boat-hire scheme operating from the shoreside of the Loch where I have lived all my life.

I will be recording the project and releasing it amongst a web-series.

I have released one video so far, advertising the project and as a foot in the door of exposure via kickstarter- through which I am aiming to attain the funds to purchase the outstanding materials for the build.
Project Sister'Skiff: By Matheson Woodcraft. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wudftjohn/project-sisterskiff-by-matheson-woodcraft

watch this space, I'll be updating as frequently as my time allows.

 

[bajansailor]

Welcome to the Forum John.
Have you designed the skiffs yourself, or have you acquired / will acquire a suitable set of plans?
Iain Oughtred seems to have a good reputation with his designs -
Oughtred Boats : plans kits building sailing rigging & lots of boat stuff : Iain Oughtred Designs http://straydogboatworks.com/oughtred/mainpages/rowingskiffs.html

 

[John Duncan Matheson]

Hello Bajan, good question and excellent suggestion.

I'm familiar with Ian Oughtreds' designs. I was contacted by one of his co-designers on the chance of putting together one of his renowned kit boats last year, but alas. The customer was too far away from me and there where too many builders between us with lower mileage to and fro.

The designs are my own. So far the Sister Skiff is just a concept, I'm very much an organic builder with everything I make- plans change according to the shape of the grain.
I was taught initially by Mark Stockl, the most technique shaping lesson I took from him was- 'if it looks wrong, it is wrong'
This approach to building has left me creatively infinite, but without an immense knowledge of lofting. I can work from a plan, fine. But drawing one beyond concept would require me to study the artform again.

This is the first boat design I built, a couple years back.

 

[DCockey]

Is there a functional reason for the wavy deck and combing, or just to be different?

 

[John Duncan Matheson]

Always, although being different is as good a reason as any in my books.

She's beamy, 7 ft wide and 14ft long. By lowering the sheer at her breadth, the length of Oars needed to move her can be much, much shorter. Meaning they can be stowed away in the bilges under the side thwarts.

I'm sure it will have other structural/ aerodynamic and wave clearing benefits but this was the necessity that birthed the creativity.

 

[Itchy One]

DCockey love the design. Great wood work, nice contrast between old and new. I'm wondering how it pulls through the water? I would love to see a profile picture. Good luck with your plan, it looks to be a great location, to rent boats to tourists.

 

[Mr Efficiency]

Those tiny ribs, were they in a pliant state when fitted, like steamed ? Otherwise I would wonder whether the planking was holding the ribs in shape !

 

[John Duncan Matheson]

Who said boats can't fly?

 

[John Duncan Matheson]

Here she is more broadside, Itchyone.

I'm going to getting some footage together of her in the water, I'll keep you posted so you can see how she pulls.

Yes, Mr efficiency.
The ribs were steamed in following the 'hull first, skeleton second' building practice of clinker boats.
The planks hold the shape of the ribs as the ribs hold the shape of the planks, I a beautiful equilibrium that allows all components to flex.

The ribs where relatively heavy, in comparison to other boats the same size. If my memory serves I had then at 30mm x 25mm.
But I agree, with her side decks and overall beam they look tiny. She's a little boat trying to be a ship.

 

[John Duncan Matheson]

We have finally released the video, showing the Kintail tender and discussing a little more in-depth the goal behind my crowdfunding projects.

 

[bajansailor]

John, the photos in your first and second posts are no longer there now - did you remove them?

Excellent film! Very evocative, makes me want to return to the Highlands to visit (I have been a couple of times in the past, 25 and 10 years ago, just on very brief whistlestop road trips though).