Westport Skiff - Plan No. 71

These skiffs have long been the favored water transport in and around Westport, Massachusetts. They are quick and lively, good in surf or at sea. They row easily, behave on a tow line and have soild workboat construction. Forwrad, there is a short deck, creating a relatively dry storage space. The Westport skiff has two rowing stations and will carry three adults. The rocker bottom makes it unsuitable for an outboard motor.

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"The hanging knees under the deck are not for support. The deck is so short it will stand by itself. The knees, acting on the deck and in conjunction with the stem, are what keep the whole from wracking. Without that stiffening the boat would require thwart knees. Something to do with the whole side plank being under tension, will resist twist if you stiffen it even that short, two feet distance aft the stem. These boys were backyard engineers without, I think, their even realizing it." RHB