The Pooduck Skiff had long been a bucket-list item for me. Almost 20 years ago I bought and read Eric Dow’s book, How to Build the Shellback Dinghy, and every so often I’d take it off the shelf and reread it, rekindling the longing to build a boat and learn how to sail. It wasn’t until recently, as an empty-nester, that I finally had the time, means, and space to build a boat. I bought the plans for the Pooduck Skiff, designed by naval architect Joel White for sailing, rowing, and, sculling.The Pooduck, at 12′10″, is 20″ longer than White’s Shellback, but they are otherwise quite similar and Dow’s book—with its step-by-step instructions for the glued plywood lapstrake construction, outfitting the interior, and building the sailing rig—can be used as a guide for Pooduck as well. I entered the project with moderate woodworking skills acquired from years of home-ownership and taking woodshop classes, so I appreciated the book’s tips on what tool is best for what job, and on building useful jigs. As an example, I don’t know how I would have transferred the angle and curve of the hull to the edge of the seats, without the using the jig presented in the book. I also had some help from my friend Steve, who had some boatbuilding experience. Still, we both learned a lot with this project. I approached the build as several smaller projects ranging from tool sharpening to knot tying, and got a lot of help along the way from instructional videos on YouTube. While this skiff has only a single rowing station, the plans call for a second station at the thwart that serves as the mast partner.
Thomas Guertin
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Very nice. I am in the process of building a Pooduck too. I notice that you have the mainsail rigged as a balanced lug while Joel White shows a standing lug layout. Was there a reason why you set her up this way?
Not intentional. I believe it’s due to me using the belaying pin (see pic) which is not in the plans. The downhaul is therefore tied slightly forward. Also, some minor variation can contribute to the appearance of a standing rig. Variation such as the rake of the mast may be slightly less than called for. This is tied to the position of the thwart that serves as the mast partner, etc. I do believe that building is not an exact science but more so an art form. I’m sure you will see as you venture into your build. Good luck!
I really enjoyed the piece about Pooduck, having built one a number of years ago. The design really deserves to be better known: anyone who wants a slightly larger Shellback should seriously consider the Pooduck! Fun to build, easy to trailer, fun to sail, a good rowing boat.
One of the attractions of these plans, for me, is that it claims that one can alternately build this hull traditional lapstrake instead of plywood and fiberglass. Is there guidance along these lines, like recommended sizes and fasteners, etc?
For some nice Pooduck Skiff footage checkout YouTuber shanghai948, an Australian chap I take it, from the country’s north.