Based on Traditional Wooden Fishing Boats

( Click for Oban Skiff 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. No 1has now been launched and undergone limited sea trials. She really is a super boat, as stable as I had hoped, goes to windward well with the blade down and is easily launched & retrieved to the custom combi trailer. Traditional cotton feel sails and custom cover by W. B. Leitch & Son complete the package.

Length over all 18' 4''

• Beam 5' 11''
• Length water line 16' 6
• Sail area 192 sq ft

Much of the boat is very similar to the original design.On the sail plan we have kept the loose footed main sail as this makes it kind to the passengers heads and jibes are very relaxed. She has a centre board to aid upwind performance. An excellent marriage of old and new is the high tec electric "Torqeedo" outboard which supplies lightweight, high performance and very quiet operation. Other propulsion options are possible. 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.