Stitch-n-Glue Review

Stitch-n-Glue Review
H. Mortensen
June 2010

Ren Tollman's Alaskan Skiff 18' - 20'


The designs for these skiffs come in a range of sizes from 18 feet to 24 feet in length overall.  Because of the large range in lengths, weights predictably range widely from a manageable "less than 700 lbs" to nearly a ton.  The smallest, or "Standard" model is probably the one most folks will build and is easy to launch and store.  She boasts a 7-foot beam with the deadrise changing from an efficient 8 degrees at the transom, to a wave-splitting 14 degrees amidships.

These skiffs are put together with standard Alaskan stoutness, utilizing two hefty stringers that run from the transom to a point where they diminish into the curve of the bow flair.  These glu-lam stringers form the main structural components and produce a strong, stiff hull.  They also provide convenient, strong landings for the cockpit sole, thwarts and other bits needed in such craft.  Full building details and ample design options are found in Mr. Tolman's comprehensive book: Tolman Alaskan Skiffs: http://www.alaska.net/~tolmanskiffs/.  


All of the designs are centered on a strong sheer line accentuated by longitudinal rub strakes and spray rails.  The ample bow flair shows us these boats will not easily take a boarding wave (at least while underway).  The stringer system and sheer define the character of these boats, with so many thwart, steering and cabin options to choose from.  For Pacific Northwest use, a small cuddy with a hard-topped and wind-shielded helm would make a nicely equipped camp-cruiser or stalwart fishing machine.  Soft-sided enclosure would keep out the wind and cold on all but the worst winter weather days.

Power options for a cabin on the Standard would be best on the higher end of the recommended 40-70 horsepower range.  Four-stoke outboard power is ideal to this type of dependable boat, but note the weight cautions in the book.

Once again we have a salty, capable craft that exceeds all other production models in performance, ease of use, aesthetics and charm (but sadly, not availability).  Demand for this boat would be high if she were more widely known.  Of course, the irrational fear of wood is another puzzling hurdle to the acceptance of superior plywood boats.

Stitch-n-Glue Review

Stitch-n-Glue Review

H. Mortensen

May 2010

Devlin Designing Boat Builder’s DIPPER 16

With typical predictability, most trailer boats you see at the launch ramp, boat show or on Craigslist are poorly thought out, heavy fiberglass compromises designed to appeal to the red-blooded American male.  This theoretical marketing model assumes that boat buyers want fast, wake-throwing boats with living-room upholstery and carpeted hull “ceilings.”

Enter Sam Devlin’s DIPPER.  An outboard- (four stroke, please) powered runabout with a small cabin and two-person pilothouse.  Dipper is practical, efficient to operate, easy to launch and a wonder to look at.  The jaunty cabin and strong, traditional sheerline make for a pleasing, head-turning boat that is absent of the standard testosterone-poisoned styling embodied by manufacturers whose boats “line the bays.”

At just over 16 feet, this is not a boat you spend a week on, yet she does sport a small v-berth suitable for napping or possibly a long weekend in the ‘Juans for those well-acquainted, adventurous types.  The 7’ 2” beam allows plenty of fishing room for two on the back deck.  With the outboard located in a well, you might just forget it is on while trolling.

At merely 1,300 lbs, she is as light as many runabouts but sports a respectable cabin.  Devlin designs his boats a bit on the hefty side for stitch-n-glue construction, which is good for life on a trailer or when facing mounting seas.

Speed is reported at around 7 knots with a small outboard in the 10-15hp range, though one builder reports good results with a 25hp two stroke (ughh).  The aft sections flatten out from a wave-splitting v-section forward.  This makes for a comfortable, semi-displacement ride.

Stitch and glue ply encapsulated in plenty of modern hydrocarbons make this boat just as maintenance-free as her glam-styled FRP cousins.  Let’s not forget those ‘glass boats have plenty of hidden wood down below where it’s needed in the transom, stringers and decks and where it's vulnerable to rot (polyester being a poor encapsulator).

We can imagine cruising on a quiet winter morning out to the fishing grounds safe and warm in the inviting pilothouse, the small shipmate stove stoked and warming the skipper.  A polite powerboat that is useful, practical and respectful.  What a boat!

Photo and image below from http://www.devlinboat.com

Gunkholer has sold.

18-foot Camp Cruiser For Sale

Charismatic plywood, fiberglass and epoxy 18-foot sharpie “Kayliegh 18” designed by Tracy Obrien. Link: http://www.tracyobrien.com/moreinfo.asp?id=32 She is heavily constructed of low-maintenance fiberglass set in epoxy over marine plywood in the stitch and glue construction method.

She sleeps two adults with room for a porta-potty all in a cozy cuddy cabin with three opening portholes. A 6-foot sailboat-style cockpit provides plenty of outdoor room and storage. Power is supplied by a well-maintained, quiet Honda 8hp four-stroke outboard motor with remote steering and controls. Backup propulsion is by oars and she rows surprisingly well. Boat comes with interior foam cushions, a Sunbrella bimini top, fuel tanks, etc.

An extensive refit was just completed and included new fiberglass deck covering, topside, deck and cabin paint. Interior paint was done in ’08.

Also included is a galvanized steel EZ Loader trailer in excellent shape, with spare tire.

Both titles are clear and trailer tabs are up-to-date. She is slow (5 to 6 knots), but very seaworthy and economical. Her stable, flat-bottom sharpie hull is beachable and has a high bow and flaring sides to maintain buoyancy even in heavy waves. Six watertight compartments make her unsinkable. At less than 1,000 lbs she is easy to tow, launch and retrieve.

We have camp-cruised her with two adults and two small children (and a dog) for three years in the San Juans. A week long trip takes you around the full island chain on about 6 gallons.

Interested parties can reply to hmortensen@clearwire.net or call (206) 755-4437 to set up an inspection.