Chesapeake Deadrise Boat

Here is another little skiff inspired by a Chesapeake Bay working craft.  In order to combine chine construction with the kind of bow that can punch into (instead of being punched around by) the Bay’s notorious chop, builders there have long used cross planked “deadrise” construction in which the bottom planking twists markedly as it approaches the stem. While this method produces a fine and soft riding bow, it requires great skill as each bottom plank must have just the right amount of twist manually carved into it.

This boat is designed to make good use of low horsepower – in fact, big motors are not recommended.  Our boatyard 9.9 horsepower outboard gave 12 kts with four adults aboard.   Twenty five horsepower should be viewed as the upper limit.

PARTICULARS

LOA – 18′ 3”
LWL – 17′ 4”BEAM – 5′ 5”
DRAFT – 6” motor up
Weight – Approximately 350 lb. less motor
HULL TYPE – Chesapeake deadrise skiff
CONSTRUCTION –  Plywood
SUITABLE FOR – Somewhat protected waters
TRAILERABLE – Yes
PROPULSION – outboard motor, 10 to 25 hp.
SPEED –  Up to 12 to 20 knots, depending on motor.

CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS

More photos of the prototype under construction are available at our Facebook page.

STUDY PLANS

Click here to download free study plans in PDF format.

PLANS

Click to see plans information for this boat, including online ordering.

KITS

Click to see information about plywood kits of our designs from Hewes & Co.  Their range of kits includes our BEACH PEA 13, BOWLER, and POINT COMFORT 18 designs.