Dave
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![[*]](./images/aventure/default_icon.gif) posted on 10/13/08 at 04:04 AM |
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Change in Length
Can the SkiffAmerica be shortened 6 inches?
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SkiffAmerica
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| posted on 10/13/08 at 07:34 AM |
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Dave,
Almost all boats can be shortened 6 inches.
It could even be lengthened 6 inches.
The question becomes..........why?
Kilburn (designer)
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Dave
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| posted on 10/13/08 at 06:20 PM |
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My garage is 19' 6". I'd hoped to make a boat that would fit into that space. I could tilt or angle the 20' boat to fit. However, if the boats
performance would not be adversely affected it would be convenient to have a shorter version.
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SkiffAmerica
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| posted on 10/15/08 at 03:59 PM |
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Dave,
If your garage is only 19'6" then even a much shorter boat on the trailer and with outboard motor is not going to fit. The trailer tongue takes up
room too. Some trailers can have folding/removable tongues but there is still the outboard on the back. Were you planning on building it in the garage
too?
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Dave
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| posted on 10/16/08 at 07:51 PM |
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To store the boat I would remove the outboard and the trailer tongue. Place the trailer wheels on dollies and a wheeled jack on the trailer under the
bow. This would allow me to push the boat to the side of the garage to allow a car to park beside it. Tilting the boat up or angling it might even
allow the 20 foot boat to fit in the 9' x 19.5'x 8' tall space I've set out for boat storage. I would like to get (build) a boat that is as big
as possible and that would fit. The SkiffAmerica seems like an ideal boat to use in Puget Sound, San Juans and the Gulf Islands.
I have another garage 24' by 26'. I'm hoping to build the boat in half of that (13' by 24')
This must sound a bit crazy. This is my situation though. I'm hoping to start building in a year.
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SkiffAmerica
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| posted on 10/17/08 at 10:56 PM |
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Dave,
Thanks for the explanation of reasons. I'll think about what you have said and have some aditional thought in the next few days. You are correct in
the idea that SkiffAmerica would be a good boat for the area you mentioned.
There is one boat permanently in that area and he reports very favorably. Another boat from southern California has also cruised that area with
similar reports. His website is www.skiffamerica.com and he has some fantastic photos on his "Journeys" section. If you have a 24' long
garage I am wondering why you don't consider keeping your boat there after it is finished. Having to remove the outboard is totally untenable.
Kilburn
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Dave
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| posted on 10/18/08 at 09:33 PM |
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I came to your web site from looking at boat design message boards which lead me to the "Sacagawea log" site and the many postings at duck works. I
especially like what Steve (Cifka) had to say about use here in the Bellingham, Washington area in regard to rough water.
A few week ago I scaled up a Redwing 18 top view profile to the dimensions of the SkiffAmerica. I then played around with the form on the computer
and fit it into the garage space. I didn't find an adequate top view of the SkiffAmerica.
The outboard recommended now seems to be the Yamaha 20. It weighs just over 100 lbs, has clamps for mounting to the transom, and if it needs to be
bolted I could use stainless t-nuts so I wouldn't need to access the inside of the transom. I might still get a small chain hoist even though the
motor is advertised as a portable.
Should I consider a heavier motor like the Honda 25/30 about 180Lbs?
I really do not want to alter anything on your excellent design. I'm willing to do some extra work for storage to maintain its integrity if
possible.
Unfortunately, the smaller garage is the one I need to use.
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SkiffAmerica
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| posted on 10/25/08 at 09:05 AM |
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Kilburn,
I feel that I have to comment on the guy (Dave, I believe) who wants a shorter boat, but needs a longer garage. Your response is right on; in my
opinion if he has to take off the motor, take off the wheels, put the axles on a dolly, take off the trailer tongue every time he puts the boat in
the
garage and reverse the order every time he takes the boat out, the boat will never see the water after the initial launch.
When I moved to my current home the Skiff America would only fit in the garage diagonally, as he says his will. Shortly after I moved in I extended
(i.e., pushed out) one half the garage by eight feet. This lets me comfortably park the SA in half the garage, gives me a small workshop area behind
the boat and frees up the other half the garage for the car.
If I needed to choose between the boat, which became a labor of love & something very personal to me, remaining in the protection of a garage
(when
not in the water) or the car sitting outside, for me it would be a no-brainer. As I was able to elongate half the garage I don't have to make that
determination.
My advice to Dave, should he seek it, would be to spend much more time thinking about what he wants to do and reflecting possibilities, realities and
priorities before he starts anything. Building a boat with the capabilities of a Skiff America is such a personal commitment that it would be a
mistake to compromise unduly before you begin (just my humble opinion).
Beyond that our boating season here is winding down as winter approaches, the water remains relatively warm and the lakes are less crowded. However
the short days and long nights discourage overnight jaunts, none the less the beauty of the shoreline in it's autumn glory makes day trips
worthwhile. As you would expect I continue to receive compliments wherever new eyes fall on the boat.
Hope that all is well with you and that your area has fully recovered from the floods of summer.
Paul
(posted by Kilburn) Thanks to Paul
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cope
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| posted on 2/4/09 at 12:07 PM |
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the sA20 fits perfectly under the 20x10' tents that they sell at sams for about $200. Not sure if your local codes permit a temporary garage, but
this is what I used to store my boat for 3 yrs before I moved. Very easy in and out with the boat, and, very well built .
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=378089&pCatg=4635
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Dave
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| posted on 3/9/09 at 09:22 PM |
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Thank you for your replies to my situation. Cope, I can not have a tent like you describe in our neighborhood. It is a great idea though.
I was hoping for a reply that might help with decreasing the overall length of the boat, describe the merits of scaling or shortening and what this
might do to the boat in regards to how it might perform.
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Dave
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| posted on 3/9/09 at 09:22 PM |
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Thank you for your replies to my situation. Cope, I can not have a tent like you describe in our neighborhood. It is a great idea though.
I was hoping for a reply that might help with decreasing the overall length of the boat, describe the merits of scaling or shortening and what this
might do to the boat in regards to how it might perform.
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