Model Skiffs

The traditional Sydney Harbour  model skiffs have been raced around Balmain and Birchgrove on the Parramatta River for over a century. The models are small yachts in their own right, and were designed and built by shipwrights and skiff crews in their spare time.  They were generally hand carved from a solid block of red cedar, but more recent craft were planked on frames. The two most popular classes  were 12 Inch and 2 Foot, but there were also 6 inch, 10 inch, and 32 inch long classes. The 32 inch boats were raced on ponds and lakes.

The 'skipper' and 'crew' manned a rowing boat at least 10 feet long so that they could keep up with the craft. They came along side and adjusted the rig, even setting and taking in spinnakers. They had various rig sizes to suit different conditions.

The plans for the 2 Foot Skiff are based on an existing planked model that may have been built in the 1930s. It can be built as a planked hull, or carved from a solid wood, or made in the  bread and butter construction method. A basic rig plan is included, but once people have mastered this rig they are encouraged to make new bigger rigs, and perhaps even make a new bigger hull.

The plans for the hull are full size, while the rig plan is 1/4 scale. The plans cost $44.00 including postage and GST.

Email me at dbpayne@exemail.com.au for the 2 foot skiff plans

Plans for a 12 Inch are available only at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

For the 12 inch plans please email dpayne@anmm.gov.au 

These plans are a series of PDFs showing the full size hull plan and basic rig dimensions. 

My own radical 12 inch skiff, FLOTSAM, complete with canting keel, bow rudder and all mod cons.

                                                                                                                          Photographer Andrew Frolows ANMM