Traditional Wooden Fishing Boats

( Click for Oban Skiff progress album )

Our new Oban Skiff is a beautiful example of a traditional line fishing boat from this area. Her lines are taken from a boat built in Oban in 1886 and recorded by Phillip Oke in 1936. Although similar boats to this could have been found all the way up the west coast of Scotland the Oban boat is particularly suited to modern use as a trailer sailor by virtue of her size, depth and very promising hull shape, it can be seen how she would be fast and maneuverable. Indeed the original boat was used as a racing skiff in later life.

She has one of the finest examples of the round stern common on the west coast.

I have had a boat like this in my mind for some years as a possible stock design but it was a matter of finding time to put the lines down on paper.When I came across this drawing she was so beautiful and so similar to what was in my mind that it has spurred me on to progress with the design work and building our own version. We hope to have No 1 ready to launch next summer.

• Length over all 18' 4''
• Beam 5' 11''
• Length water line 16' 6
• Sail area 192 sqft

I will keep most of the boat very similar. On the sail plan we are keeping the loose footed main sail as this makes it kind to the passengers heads. The hull will have a centre board to aid upwind performance, we may well offer the option of a small inboard engine, or alternatively an outboard on a bracket. It is important that she is easily trailerable. Buoyancy under side thwarts and a small fore deck for storage complete the 21st century adaptions.

More pictures

Call us Today

If you're as fascinated as we are with the traditional West Coast Skiffs, don't hesitate to call our traditional wooden boat yard on 01546 606 657 . We never tire of talking about boats and yachts!

If you prefer, you can send us an email, or a text on 07799 617 534, and we'll get right back to you.

Here at A & R Way Boatbuilding we are passionate about Traditional Wooden Boats.