11′ 3″ Asa Thomson Skiff

11′ 3″ Asa Thomson Skiff

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These plans are taken from what is thought to be the last remaining Asa Thomson flat-bottomed skiff, now owned by Mystic Seaport Museum. The Asa Thomson Skiff rows surprisingly well, and her rockered bottom makes her responsive, as well as allowing her to carry three adults and still row well.

Mr. Thomson apparently built Mystic’s skiff for a fisherman; there’s a watertight bait well under the middle thwart, open to the sea through holes bored in the boat’s bottom. Access is through two hinged lids that form the central part of the thwart when closed. It’s a unique feature, adding enough strength through its bulkheads so the usual seat knees aren’t required. Even if you’re not a fisherman, you might still find the space useful as a dry compartment for secure and weatherproof storage of life jackets, oarlocks, and other boat gear.

Spencer Lincoln

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With an 11′ 3″ LOA and a beam of 4′ 5″, she weighs only about 150 pounds. The skiff at Mystic is framed in oak, double-planked with 3/8″ white pine on her bottom and 3/8″ white pine in three stakes on each side. She’s fastened with copper clout nails. Her transom is 5/8″ oak, and oak is also used for her stem, chines, sternpost, and seats. The keel piece, skeg, inwales, and guardrail arc made of yellow birch, and natural apple crooks form the breasthook and quarter knees.

Although the plans for the Asa Thomson Skiff don’t go into as much detail as the ones we’ve developed for the Yankee Skiff or the Catspaw Dinghy, there is ample informa­tion from which to build her.

Additional information on the skiff is available in an article entitled “Asa Thomson’s Elegant Skiffs,” WoodenBoat No. 29. WoodenBoat Plan No. 9. $20.00.

Asa Thomson Skiff Plan Details

DESCRIPTION
Hull type: Flat-bottomed, straight flaring sides
Rig: None
Construction: Cross-planked bottom, lapstrake sides
Featured in WoodenBoat No. 29

PERFORMANCE
* Suitable for: Protected waters
* Intended capacity: 3
* See page 112 for further information.
Trailerable: Yes
Propulsion: Oars
Speed (knots): 1-3

BUILDING DATA
Skill needed: Intermediate
Lofting required: No
*Alternative construction: Plywood

PLANS DATA
No. of sheets:
Level of detail: Below average
Cost per set: $20.00
WB Plan No. 9

Particulars

LOA:  11′ 3″
Beam:  4′ 5″
Weight:  125-150 lbs

Completed Asa Thomson Skiff Images

Karen Wales

Traditionally built, the Asa Thomson skiff weighs 125–150 lbs. Plywood construction makes COOKIE, a lot lighter and renders her immediately usable upon launching since there’s no waiting for wood to swell. She is trailerable and is easily lifted and launched by two people.

Karen Wales

In the normal rowing position, the skiff’s even loading and short turning radius are shown off.