BUILDING THE LUMBER YARD SKIFF
Simple, straightforward construction of a rugged, good looking, 16′ plywood, outboard skiff.
- WALTER BARON — August 29–September 4
Walter Baron has been building wooden prams, skiffs, dories, workboats, and various other custom-built boats for 30 years on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He designed the Lumber Yard Skiff as a simple, easy to build, all-purpose outboard skiff that would be a suitable project for an amateur builder to tackle. Most of the materials can be purchased at one’s local lumberyard. Walter’s Lumber Yard Skiff was influenced by the Brockway skiffs, which were built by Earle Brockway in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, and well regarded along the coast from Connecticut eastward through Cape Cod. Of the 150 or so skiffs Walter Baron has built, many are being used by commercial watermen on the Cape—a true testament to the design’s strength and versatility.
The course will begin with an explanation of how the boat evolved from an idea to creation of a model, followed by actual lines being drawn on paper, and, eventually, to the first prototype being built (see WoodenBoat magazine’s 2008 Small Boats issue). Students will be interested to learn just how much of a key role the plywood model played in the creation of this design. Following this discussion, the building plans will be reviewed and students will set forth with construction. Since a strongback isn’t required, the spruce stem and sternposts will act as the building jig. Side panels made of meranti marine plywood will be laid out, cut, and fastened to the stem and sternposts. The transom will be built and installed, and a spreader will be set in place. Using a Spanish windlass, the topsides will be drawn together and fastened at the bow and stern.
In the days to come, the chine logs will be milled and installed, and the plywood bottom traced out, cut, and fastened. Students will then take a crack at interior joinery with fir frames, knees, and breasthook being fashioned and fitted. Hardwood rails, seat supports, and seats come next. The addition of side decks and foredeck will depend on how the boat is progressing, the woodworking skills of students, and time remaining.
It would be difficult to find such a versatile, able, and handsome boat for less money spent on materials or less time building. It would also be hard to choose a better design for the first-time boatbuilder. So, come join this talented boatbuilder from Old Wharf Dory Company for an exciting introduction to plywood construction and a wonderful opportunity to gain new boatbuilding skills and confidence to take on a similar project at home.
Tuition: $750
Note: This is a six-day course ending on Saturday afternoon.
Your BUILDING THE LUMBER YARD SKIFF course met and exceeded every expectation I had going in. You have an outstanding facility and I was impressed with how everything is so well maintained. Your staff is superb, friendly, and always ready to help and our instructor, Walter Barron, was excellent. 
The week with Walter Barron and BUILDING THE LUMBER YARD SKIFF was excellent. He’s a waterman, a craftsman, a designer, and a very good teacher.