
The Biscayne’s light but strong hull and rig, combined with some outside ballast, make her perform better than most boats of her size.
Whether designed as an AMERICA’s Cup defender or the tender for it, each of N.G. Herreshoff’s yachts was very carefully thought through, and then critically examined. The comparatively simple skiff presented here is no exception. After studying the fleet of these for their first season, Herreshoff commented, “They have proved a great success, being safe, fast, and able, and they handle beautifully.” A dozen of these skiffs were built in 1925 for the Adirondack School, which had a station at Coconut Grove.
Originally intended for the shoal Florida waters for which the design is named, this 14-footer is offered in two versions: a shallow-draft, keel-and-centerboard combination, or a deep-draft fixed iron keel. The second version is the easier of the two to build, and better to windward, but the original model will float in a mere foot of water, and, of course, be handier to trailer. In addition to the keel options there are some interesting construction features that put this boat a cut above anything like it-but still within reach of the skills of an amateur builder.

Keel and rudder.
The Herreshoffs were noted for strong construction using light scantlings. The Biscayne Bay boat has a double-chined hull planked with solid wood and timbered with steam-bent half frames (that is, the frames stop short of the keel where they connect with floor timbers). This knuckled hull looks better than a singlechined, V-bottomed hull of plywood construction, and behaves more like a round-bottomed boat when heeled.
Beneath the foredeck is a watertight compartment: side decks and cockpit sole accommodate the crew. So there are no seats or hatches to build, and the boat has reserve buoyancy in the unlikely event of a capsize. The rudder profile is unusual, but its construction is not—this shape increases directional stability without exceeding the boat’s minimum draft.

The Biscayne Bay’s construction sections show 1/2″ plank thickness, but 1/4″ plywood can be used. Floor-to-frame and knee-to-frame fastenings can be eliminated—as can the breasthook bolt.
Because the Herreshoffs preferred to custom cast much of the hardware for their yachts, drawings are supplied for this boat’s original fittings—if the builder is so inclined to make or obtain castings. Alternatively, stock hardware can be substituted, as indicated in the plans.
This sailing skiff will make a fine building project and an excellent day boat when done. She has the added distinction of having been designed by the best. Six sheets of plans for the Biscayne Bay Sailing Skiff design—two of which were developed as supplements by WoodenBoat—show construction and offsets, keel and rudder details, spar details, sail plan, sails, rigging, fittings, ballast keel, stem details, hull sections, and boom crotch. WoodenBoat Plan No. 66. $75.00.

She is an unusually fine boat, and one that can be built easily by careful woodworkers.
14′ 5″ Biscayne Bay Sailing Skiff Design Plan Details
DESCRIPTION
Hull type: V-bottomed, double-chined daysailer
Rig: Marconi sloop
Construction: Batten-seam planking over steamed frames
PERFORMANCE
* Suitable for: Protected waters
* Intended capacity: 2-4
Trailerable: Yes
Propulsion: Sail or sculling oar
Speed (knots): 2-4
BUILDING DATA
Skill needed: Intermediate
Lofting required: Optional
Alternative construction: Plywood
PLANS DATA
No. of sheets: 6
Level of detail: Above average
Cost per set: $75.00
WB Plan No. 66
Completed Biscayne Bay Skiff Images
More Herreshoff Designs
Nathanael G. Herreshoff designed some of the most iconic small boats on the water today. Here are a few more designs for you to consider for your next project.
20′ 3″ Flatfish Class Sloop: Inspired daysailer with a centerboard conversion similar to the Haven 12 1/2.
12′ Catspaw Dinghy: An easy boat to trailer or haul on the back of a pickup truck.
Neat boat. Looks a lot like a Snipe with more sheer. Keel is very unusual & no details for the fixed keel.
All in all a very interesting sloop.
The fixed keel is indicated in the solid lines in the construction profile. The ballast keel and centerboard are indicated with dashed lines.