The inspiration.
This is a journey of building a wooden Acorn rowing skiff, designed by Iain Outhred and modelled on the very able and handsome Whitehall rowing boats of the years around 1870. These boats were used as fast runner boats from shore to the sailing ships out at sea, before docking in Boston harbour the purpose being to canvas clientele for the boarding houses on shore. In later years the Whitehall skiff became very sought after and was re modelled as a tender for the big yachts of the 19th century.
The Acorn pulling boat was built of glued epoxy-Lapstrake ( Clinker ) construction using plywood for planking. This method allows for tight seams that does not need the many frames required for traditional methods another advantage is that the boat can be kept ashore or on a trailer without drying out and subsequent leaking.
The project came about after numerous discussions with a friend who had a charter yacht in Turkey and was looking for a tender for the yacht. After considering various options, the Acorn skiff was decided on and I sent off an order for the plans from +Iain Outhtred, The 15' version was selected, as it will give greater speed for the longer waterline length and a more appropriate load carrying capacity.
The plans were very detailed and was supplied in six sheets - lines and offsets, building jig, construction details, various sail plans, oars and full-size patterns for the stem, transom, molds, knees and floors.
This boat was built some years ago.
Ready and waiting.
Strong back and mold sections
Sectional molds taken from full size plans carefully aligned and set up on the strongback.
Keel and sheer stringers in place
Laminated inner stem scarfed to inner keel.
Inner keel attached to transom
Planking
Planking halfway done
