This section of our web site, an extension of the Launchings department of WoodenBoat magazine, is dedicated to sharing news of recently launched wooden boats built or restored by our readers. If you’ve launched a boat within the past year, please email us at launchings@woodenboat.com, or post your news here.
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Boston Family Boat Building has been building 10ft skiffs with students in the Boston Public Schools for the past 5 years. We recently worked with the skiff's designer, Nat Benjamin, to develop a sail plan for the boat.
Joe Vines designed and built this small skiff that he calls SCOUT. She is propelled by a small trolling motor or a paddle. Joe launched her in June 2011, and paddles her on Orange Lake and Lake Lochloosa in Citra, Florida.
SHEILA is a Derwent Skiff designed by Allan Witt of Hobart; she is named after my late mother.
I had built some plywood boats before but after two weeks at the WoodenBoat School in August 2017 it was time for a more ambitious project. I begun building in October 2017 and finished LILY an year later.
Doug Crane spent 10 years building NOKIDO, a Lyle Hess 29.9 cutter, only to be diagnosed with terminal cancer late in the process. Friends and family helped him finish the boat just in time to spend his last summer aboard.
Bob Abramson, Instructor for the Stonington [CT] Village Improvement Association writes "Every summer after school closes, the Stonington Village Improvement Association sponsors its annual Build-A-Boat program for local boys and girls, ages 8 to 13. There is no charge to the participants.
SOAR, launched November 2023. 8′ tender, glued lap construction, butternut thwart, western red cedar floor boards, cast bronze knees.
Serge Larocque launched his Penobscot 14 earlier this year in July after spending 18 months building it. He chose a lug rig for its ease of use with no standing rigging to deal with. Serge reports that it’s a fun and responsive boat.
Don Don was designed and built by Van Dam Custom Boats, and launched in the summer of 2011. The boat is 28′-7″ long, and 8′ 6″ beam, and speed comes from a 375 h.p. engine. More information from Van Dam Custom Boats, 970 E. Division St., Boyne City, MI 49712. 231-582-2323.
This boat was built to use in the sounds and inland waters of eastern North Carolina. Framing is douglas fir, with marine plywood planking for the hull. Two layers of 10oz fiberglass cloth were added to the hull for strength and durability. Powered by a Yahama 90hp two stroke.
14' 4" Ben Garvey Skiff designed by Doug Hylan and built by master boatbuilder Matt Elwell at Hyl
