Skin-On-Frame Boats Spoondrift Kayak 17 || Spoondrift Kayak 18 || Swallow Skiff
AN INTRODUCTION TO SKIN-ON-FRAME CONSTRUCTION
To many people, the term "Skin-on-Frame" brings to mind either a bundle of driftwood lashed together and covered with sealskin, or a heavy wooden frame with canvas stretched over it. Most are not familiar with the degree of sophistication that is possible using Skin-on-Frame construction. Centuries ago, the Aleuts developed Baidarkas (kayaks) that were finely engineered with pieces of whalebone let into the joints between the stringers and frames, allowing the boats to flex longitudinally.
This fore-and-aft flexibility helped the kayak to "undulate" through choppy waves so that less energy was wasted on pitching motion. The bow and stern were designed to let the skin respond to changes in water pressure so that lamininar flow could be maintained at higher speeds. This reduced the wave-making drag allowing the paddler to achieve higher speeds with less effort. The lightweight wooden frames were perfectly proportioned for strength and flexibility, and there was little room for improvement until the advent of synthetic materials.
Skin-on-Frame construction offers many advantages for the home boatbuilder. Materials are relatively inexpensive, and there is no need for the elaborate forms, spiling, and planking associated with wood-planked boats. One of the chief advantages is flexibility, which allows the structure to "give," instead of breaking under stress.
Advantages of Skin-on-Frame Designs From Stimson Marine
- Flexibility of frame and coving allow the hull to absorb the shock of impact without damage.
- The Hypalon-coated Nylon covering is extremely resistant to abrasion. You can drag your loaded boat over gravel, rocks, and barnacles without worrying about the finish.
- The boats are lightweight - comparable to carbon fiber, but much less fragile.
- Stringer/bulkhead construction is similar to model airplanes, but easier to build because of the absence of tiny pieces. It is well suited for amateur builders.
- A complete construction manual takes the builder step-by-step from start to finish with photos
- and detailed instructions.
- Full-size pattern sheets for all major parts eliminate lofting and trail-and-error cuts.
SPOONDRIFT 17' SEA KAYAK: The SPOONDRIFT 17 was designed for superior performance. The boat is extremely fast and agile, easy to paddle, with a light carrying capacity (200 lbs.) Building time is approximately 80 hours, weight - 38 lbs. Skin Covered Small Craft Using Modern Materials and Technology
Specifications Length: 17'4"
Beam: 23"
Weight: 38 lbs.
Carrying Capacity: 200 lbs.PLANS: $45.00 plus $4.00 p & h ($5.00 outside US)
To order your plans place call: 1-207-380-2842 OR use our PRINT-OUT ORDER FORM. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex, checks and money orders.
SPOONDRIFT 18' SEA KAYAK: The SPOONDRIFT 18 has the same construction as the Spoondrift 17, but has greater stability and carrying capacity (300 lbs.). Faster than the average "off the shelf" production boat. Building time is approximately 80 hours, weight - 40 lbs. SpecificationsLength: 18'
Beam: 28"
Weight: 40 lbs.
Carrying Capacity: 300 lbs.PLANS: $45.00 plus $4.00 p & h ($5.00 outside US)
To order your plans place call: 1-207-380-2842 OR use our PRINT-OUT ORDER FORM. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex, checks and money orders.
SWALLOW SAILING WHERRY: The SWALLOW SAILING WHERRY 12' x 4'2" for car topping was designed as a children's sailing and rowing boat, but she'll also make a good tender. Plans include full-size patterns for all major parts, a 42-page manual with photos, construction drawings, and a 65 sq. ft. lug rig sail plan. A great family project!
Specifications
Length: 12'
Beam: 4'2"
Weight: 90 lbs.
Carrying Capacity: 500 lbs.PLANS & MANUAL: $58.00 plus $9.00 p & h.
To order your plans place call: 1-207-380-2842 OR use our PRINT-OUT ORDER FORM. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex, checks and money orders.
Stimson Marine, Inc.
261 River Road
Boothbay, ME 04537
Tel: 207-380-2842
E-mail: davidstimson@gwi.net
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