15 ft Flashboat Racing Skiff, Design #38

The Flashboat is a family favorite with its roots in England's West Country. This is a modified version of a Cornish racing skiff. Its construction is unusual, with thin marine ply bent in two directions, which gives high strength for very low weight. It is also more of a challenge to build than most plywood designs. Light, graceful and a dream to row, the design has also proved itself to be a versatile, dependable cruising boat. We have wandered far and wide in our Flashboats. During the summers of 1995 to 1997 we took one 3500 miles down the Yukon River, north up the coast, through Bering Strait and on to Barrow. Photos of construction and use are in the Custom Boatbuiding section.

Construction: tortured plywood

Length: 15 ft 0 in
Beam: 4 ft 6 in
Depth amidships: 1 ft 4.5 in
Weight: 90 lbs
Sailing rig: dipping lugsail

Sail area: 47 sq .ft.

Building time: 180 hours

Skill level: intermediate

Design #38: 5 Sheets