Plan Advice

[GrouseK9@yahoo.com]

I'm hoping to put all you planners, tinkerers, builders, and gurus to the test. I need advice on what boat plan to start working on. I'm a bit above a pallet builder. I've built a Devlin Broadbill and a Chesapeake Kayak. I think I'm an eager novice.

Here's the need. I'm going to work with some Boy Scouts doing Aquatics programs on a local Lake. I want to build a row boat to use for our programs - Rowing merit badge, lifeguard use, etc.

Here's what it needs to do:
Hold two Scouts. One rowing & one on lookout. If both could row, that would be a bonus.
Able to be swamped without sinking. Self bailing not a plus as the boys need to swamp the boat.
Lake is not a Great Lake and does not get heavy surf. However, must be stable enough for a boy to climb into (but doesn't need to be barge stable).
Doesn't need to be sailed.

Here's what I'd like it to do:
I'd like it to be relatively light weight. If not, trailerable will do. If trailerable, then able to be moved (i.e. carried by 6 - 8 Scouts).
Prefer not to have a double ended rower. Flat transom - perhaps sacrilege to some.
Doesn't need a centerboard.

Here's some designs I think look good:
Selway-Fisher Port Sorell Rowing Skiff
Chamberlain Dory Skill
Gig Harbor New England Dory

What are your thoughts? What's the best length? Best Design? Anything else I should be thinking about?

Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Robert

[Thorne]

Tell us more about the re-boarding requirements -- how big are these boys, and how many times will they have to reboard?

I have a Chamberlain Dory Skiff built fully trad with fir over oak -- and even with relatively low sides / transom it is a bear to climb over. Boat also tips alarmingly and takes on water if you do this over the side, so transom reboarding is best. Built from marine ply the design will be even more tender.
http://www.luckhardt.com/beached1.jpg

All of the designs you list above are good pulling / surf boats, but may not be stable / forgiving enough as they have narrow bottoms and low initial stability.

If reboarding and stability is more important than rowing performance, you may want to go for a skiff (rather than a dory) with a wider bottom and nice, old-fashioned low sides. For a crew of two boys with only one rowing, I'd stick to boats under 14' so they don't get discouraged by the size, windage and effort it takes to row a larger boat...

One of our local Forumites built this lovely Atkin skiff last season which might meet your requirements better -
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2711082108_7a0731eced.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2002476110_872034bf98_o.jpg

http://www.woodenboat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82977
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37327498@N00/sets/72157606422267083/

[GrouseK9@yahoo.com]

That sounds like good advice. More my ignorance than anything. They will probably reboard enough to make it an issue. Do you have any Skiffs that you think might work well?

[GrouseK9@yahoo.com]

BTW - I think the boys will be anywhere from 125 - 175# each. If I jump in, up it to 195#.

[Chip-skiff]

Here's a new design that might work for you. Plans and kits available. I like the traditional look of it very much, while up-to-date building techniques make it fairly simple as a project.

http://www.woodenboat.com/babson14/ (http://www.woodenboat.com/forum/../babson14/)

One trick for reboarding over the transom— get etriers (webbing ladders used for aid climbing— Black Diamond sells 'em) and add a coated hook that fits the transom. You only need one per boat (stuff it in the bailer). With the help of a foothold, one person can board while the other stays for'ard to steady the boat.

I've used 'em many times on different boats— a great help.

[BarnacleGrim]

Let's examine your reasons for building. Do you want a quick build, a cheap boat, or a build that simply looks good and to keep you occupied?

The first one is easily accomplished by one of Hannu Vartiala's (http://koti.kapsi.fi/hvartial/) skiffs, I'm building the 10½' for the local lake, and as a potential tender for Nina.

You can forget about the second one, but the third one is probably the best reason for building. You can take your time and get everything right. Selway Fisher (http://www.selway-fisher.com/Rowskiffs.htm) has many nice rowing skiff plans:

http://www.selway-fisher.com/Mandarin15d1.gif

[GrouseK9@yahoo.com]

I'm not in a hurry and cheap generally doesn't last. I'd go with looks good. I like the looks of the Selway Fishers. Any particulars you would recommend? Length advice? Thanks for your replies.

[KingKuvas]

try the 18 or 14 ft Lady Bug Skiff very easy to build and super stable weighs in at 480 lbs excellent boat inexspensive Ken is a great helper always there when i called him for help I dont know how he can get work done answering all the questions from a novice like me