The simple,
traditionally-built Mississippi River
Skiff (aka Westport Skiff) has become UBI's bread and butter
project during the past nine months. In
this period of time, UBI and partner
organizations have built fourteen
of these sturdy little boats. Goodbye to
epoxy and fiberglass glop -- hello to
fresh wood shavings, edge-tools, and
craftsmanship. This is a perfect
introductory project for youth and
families.
The boat has oak or
walnut stems and transoms with solid
white pine planks bent around a single
midship mold. The bottom is cross-planked
with white pine.
Bending in the planks is
the most exciting part of the project. We
wind them in with a Spanish windless...
hoping not to hear the sound of cracking
wood.
Project
teams build their own spoon-blade oars.
This beautiful craft was built by Skills for
Tomorow charter school. They will use it for camping trips this summer.
The boat has oak or
walnut stems and transoms with solid
white pine planks bent around a single
midship mold. The bottom is cross-planked
with white pine.
