Building a Cedar Wood Skiff: A Journey Back to Simplicity and Craft
Adventuring out with a wooden boat. We keep it simple: a small boat, cooler full of drinks, and just the right amount of gear for a full day on the water.
Weighing in at just over 100 lbs and with removable seats to lighten the load you can easily throw this boat on top of your car. We outfitted the skiff with a larger deck and dry storage compartment to keep gear and valuables safe during a day on the water.
Wood Skiff Specs:
14.5 Foot Cedar Hull
Max Width: 42 inches
Weight: 110 lbs
Ceder Stern
There's something undeniably special about crafting a boat with your own two hands—especially when it's made from a material as timeless and aromatic as cedar. Building a cedar wood skiff isn't just a project; it's a tribute to maritime tradition, a test of patience, and a celebration of craftsmanship.
Why a Skiff?
A skiff is the quintessential small boat: simple, stable, and versatile. Whether you're exploring calm inland waters, fishing in a quiet bay, or just learning the ropes of boat building, a skiff is a great place to start. Its flat bottom makes it easy to launch and land, and the shallow draft allows you to reach places larger boats can’t.
Choosing Cedar
Cedar is prized in boat building for its light weight, straight grain, and natural resistance to rot and insects. Western red cedar, in particular, is a popular choice. Its workability and warm tone make it a pleasure to cut, plane, and shape.
Tools and Materials
Basic tools you'll need:
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Hand saw or jigsaw
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Block plane
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Drill and bits
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Clamps
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Measuring tape and square
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Epoxy and fiberglass cloth (for sealing)
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Marine-grade fasteners
Materials:
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Cedar planks for planking and trim
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Marine plywood for transom and frames
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Oak or ash for structural elements like chines and gunwales
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Marine epoxy and sealant
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Bronze or stainless steel screws
The Process
1. Planning and Design:
Start with a set of plans—either traditional or custom-drawn. Keep things simple; a 12- to 14-foot skiff is manageable for a solo builder.
2. Building the Frames:
Frames give the boat its shape. Use marine plywood and follow your plans carefully. Precision here means less trouble later on.
3. Constructing the Backbone:
Install the stem, keel, and transom. These are the core components that everything else will attach to. This step sets the tone for the entire project.
4. Planking the Hull:
This is where the skiff starts looking like a boat. Cedar planks are bent and fastened to the frames. You can use a traditional lapstrake method or go with a simpler plywood-on-frame technique for your first build.
5. Fiberglass and Seal:
To ensure durability and watertightness, seal the hull with marine-grade epoxy and fiberglass cloth. Sand and repeat coats until the finish is smooth and sealed.
6. Adding Trim and Details:
Install the gunwales, thwarts, and any seating or storage compartments. These finishing touches bring personality to the boat—and add functionality.
7. Launch Day:
The culmination of hours of effort and craftsmanship. Before launching, test for leaks and ensure all fasteners are tight. Then find a quiet shoreline and let your skiff touch water for the first time.
Final Thoughts
Building a cedar skiff is about more than just utility. It’s about creating something beautiful and functional with your hands, learning from mistakes, and savoring the quiet satisfaction that comes from each step forward. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the old ways still float best.
Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a curious beginner, a cedar skiff might just be the boat that launches your love of traditional boatbuilding.
