Point Comfort 18

Here is another little skiff inspired by a Chesapeake Bay working craft. In order to combine chine construction with the kind of bow that can punch into (instead of being punched around by) the Bay’s notorious chop, builders there have long used cross planked “deadrise” construction in which the bottom planking twists markedly as it approaches the stem. While this method produces a fine and soft riding bow, it requires great skill as each bottom plank must have just the right amount of twist manually carved into it.

Plywood has a lot of advantages for small hull construction, but one disadvantage is that it cannot be made to form into this kind of bow, at least not in large pieces. This new design is drawn to use plywood — in large pieces where possible (roughly three quarters of the boats hull), and in small pieces where necessary to get the Chesapeake deadrise bow form. Construction has proven to be quick and easy.

This boat is designed to make good use of low horsepower — in fact, big motors are not recommended. Our boatyard 9.9 horsepower outboard gave 12 kts with four adults aboard. Twenty five horsepower should be viewed as the upper limit.

The plans consist of eight sheets: Lines, Outboard Profile, two interior layout options, Building Jig, and three sheets of full sized patterns. Also included is a Compact Disc with construction and finished photos of the prototype boat, and other various and possibly helpful information.