Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: Rowing skiff

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Central Coast, NSW
    Posts
    3,330

    Default Rowing skiff

    This is my open rowing skiff, just completed. This type of boat is often called a 'wherry', particularly in the US where recreational rowing is emerging as a popular pasttime. This one is a self design, which is intended for either single person sliding-seat rowing, single person fixed position rowing or 2 person fixed position rowing.

    I think everyone who's done a bit of woodworking should have a think about doing a boat. Making furniture is satisfying, and it sustained my interest for 10 years, but furniture cant talk to you like a boat can. After you have designed a boat, made it, and been out in it a few times its almost as if you've made something living. Its easy too. There is a bit of a learning curve using the resins, but compared to making fine furniture getting a good result with a small boat is easy.

    This one cost about $500 to make (I got some bargains in the materials) and took about 3 months of intermittent work. A lot of this is drying time, for the various coats of resin and finish - the actual woodwork didnt take long. I used the stitch-and-glue method of construction, which has its critics, but I felt that my design would likely have its shortcomings and stitch-and-glue would allow me the most flexibility to modify things as I went.

    cheers
    Arron

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Adelaide
    Posts
    2,139

    Default

    nice
    Mike
    "Working to a rigidly defined method of doubt and uncertainty"

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Warrnambool
    Posts
    49

    Default

    Thanks for the pic Aaron. Looks fast. I agree that all woodworkers should have a think about making a boat.

    Bill P

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Sydney
    Age
    53
    Posts
    8,879

    Default

    That is beatiful Aaron. I live by a river so it makes sense to build one for myself. Where do I start? Buy a book? DVD? Find a website?? Too many quesions too little time.
    Visit my website at www.myFineWoodWork.com

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Dundowran Beach
    Age
    76
    Posts
    19,922

    Thumbs up

    Just beautiful Aaron!!!!

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Eaton Western Australia
    Age
    72
    Posts
    133

    Smile Beautiful

    Wonderful to look at Aaron, whats the chance of some pics of it being used or just on the water.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Central Coast, NSW
    Posts
    3,330

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by peteandoreen1 View Post
    Wonderful to look at Aaron, whats the chance of some pics of it being used or just on the water.
    this weekend I'll be taking it to a narrow waterway where my wife will be on shore and should be able to get some photos. I have had it in the water three times so far - just short trips in the Parramatta River - each of which led to some changes. I'm pleased to say that on the water its brilliant - just the right combination of stability (to make it relaxing) and responsiveness (to make it interesting). It gets along quickly with the sliding seat bringing the largest muscles of the body into play, and the 9.5 foot oars providing good leverage.

    Wongo, my approach was to buy the book:
    Stitch-and-Glue Boatbuilding
    How to build kayaks and other small boats
    by Chris Kulczycki.
    I got that from Borders, and it tells you most of what you need to know. I peppered the boatbuilding forums on this site with lots of questions - really basic level questions to fill in the gaps and get the local perspective. The people there were VERY helpful. With that knowledge and your woodworking skills, you'll have no trouble. The stitch-and-glue technique is a good place to start, though you might like to investigate other techniques after you've got some experience. This is the third boat I've made (you can see the others here Flickr: ArronsBoats' Photostream ). Interestingly, the first boat built (the Oxford shell, rowing shell) was probably the neatest and best built of the three, so there is no reason you cant do the perfect boat first try.

    cheers
    Arron

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Blue Mountains
    Age
    61
    Posts
    866

    Default

    Oh yes, easy, piece of cake, no problem at all, think I'll just knock one up next weekend (sorry, just stirring)

    Boat looks absolutely beautiful, great job
    The time we enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Sydney
    Age
    53
    Posts
    8,879

    Default

    Thanks Arron. I've got the book now. I am sure it will be a good read.

    I own a river so it only makes sense if I build a canoe to go with it.
    Visit my website at www.myFineWoodWork.com

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Location
    Sydney, NSW
    Posts
    2,261

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Wongo View Post
    I own a river so it only makes sense if I build a canoe to go with it.
    Should I be paying you a toll since I drive over it each day?
    Brett

    Only Robinson Crusoe could get everything done by Friday!

  12. #11
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Central Coast, NSW
    Posts
    3,330

    Default

    Pictures are here
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/arronsboats

    Cheers
    Arron
    Apologies for unnoticed autocomplete errors.

Similar Threads

  1. The Little Black Dog - MSD Rowing Skiff - Adelaide OZ
    By Daddles in forum Michael Storer Wooden Boat Plans
    Replies: 403
    Last Post: 1st August 2019, 02:31 PM
  2. Rowing shell done at last
    By Arron in forum BOAT BUILDING / REPAIRING
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 15th August 2017, 11:27 PM
  3. rowing/camping in a Goat Island Skiff
    By john goodman in forum Michael Storer Wooden Boat Plans
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 6th August 2010, 11:14 AM
  4. MSD Rowing Skiff - rowlock positions, options and oars
    By Daddles in forum Michael Storer Wooden Boat Plans
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 25th August 2009, 10:43 AM
  5. MSD Rowing Skiff stowage
    By Daddles in forum Michael Storer Wooden Boat Plans
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 30th June 2009, 10:00 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •