Preview: The Gaff-Rigged Sloop SKORRI, Paul Gartside Design No. 165

47 Responses So Far to “The Gaff-Rigged Sloop SKORRI, Paul Gartside Design No. 165”

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  Neil Henderson says:

  What a handsome craft – sails beautifully. I am currently building my 4th and will confess to being slightly obsessed with Iain Oughtred’s designs – but Paul’s are also definitely on my list.
  Keep sailing – love your galley :-)

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  chris jesson says:

  Could I get details of the outboard motor bracket for my double ended Oughtred Tirrik cheers chris

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  John Swansey says:

  Simple perfection. Can’t beat a double-ender.

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  David Bewick says:

  I am completely in love with this boat. I have just re-read the Watercraft article and downloaded the study plans for a closer look. One small thing puzzles me, though. I think you mentioned the possibility of sleeping on the boat and that the seats are configured to allow this. The plans show a large knee against the centreboard case that sits above the floor boards. Did you modify this in some way to keep the floor boards flat in this area?

  This boat is now high on my list of “possibles” for my next build.

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    Robert Denny says:

    Hi David!
    I raised the floorboards to the same level as the knee, and made them flat, so the knee is no longer an issue. With the seats folding up, there is room each side of the centreboard trunk to stretch out on a Thermarest mattress. She is a sweet boat, and I hope you do decide to go ahead and build.

    Rob

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      David Bewick says:

      Many thanks, Robert. That makes perfect sense. This boat is still very much in my mind.

      I might just have to go and watch the video one more time.

      Best regards,

      David.

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        Mark Darley says:

        Go for it David!

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  Joseph Wl Haley III says:

  Makes me want to cry, seeing that beautiful 16 footer. I sold my 16′ 1964 FG cuddy marconi rigged NS built sloop, last year. As I am now 80.she was too much for me to launch single handed The year before she won ‘Best in Show’ at the Apalachicola Classic Show.

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  Dean Wilson says:

  Beautiful

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  Charles Wright says:

  Thanks for sharing – definitely on my list!
  I too would like to see how she goes in steeper chop & stiffer breeze! I imagine its human ballast, essentially being a dinghy?
  I also enjoyed the refined no gloss interior oil finish – very elegant.
  A lovely piece of work & a timeless beauty.

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  Robert Denny says:

  Hello Tony!
  Interesting to hear about my old Folkboat, REVERIE! She was the prettiest boat I ever owned and a beautiful sailer. Sorry to hear she is stripped down to a bare hull, but maybe she will be an inspiration for something to come. As you know, I salvaged many good items from an old boat when I built SKORRI. In fact, I considered rebuilding that boat, but then decided I would be better off building a new boat altogether, and that is when I came across Paul Gartside’s design #165, which is a little gem!

  Cheers, Rob

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  Tony Simmonds says:

  Hello, Rob, greeting from a few nautical miles south, Saturna Island, where I have an old Folkboat that once belonged to you, REVERIE, now a rather sad driveway ornament stripped down to her bare hull, awaiting a resurgence of boatbuilding sap along with that of the trees. I don’t know, your recycling of wood from the ‘old wreck’ to make such a fine little daysailer might just become an example to me!

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  Robert Denny says:

  Hello Bryce!
  To answer your question about wood for the mast and booms, they all came off the old Celebrity Class boat that I salvaged fittings and things from. The mast was the right length, but too thick, so I planed it down. It is a very beautiful piece of solid spruce. The main boom and gaff had to be shortened, but that was all, except for making a new jaw for the main boom. If you want to buy material like this, I suggest you check with you local hardwood suppliers. You may even be lucky enough to find suitable pieces at regular lumber yards, and glue them up for the dimensions you want. Good luck with that!

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  Robert Denny says:

  To all who have sent in positive comments about SKORRI, I am very humbled! Thank you so much. It is exciting to read what others are thinking and in some cases building. I was particularly interested in similar Gartside designs such as JESSIE, a very handsome boat.

  Sailing SKORRI so far has been mostly in light winds. She ghosts along in hardly a breath, and really picks up speed as the wind increases. She has proven to stiffen up when she gets down to the rail. I have not sailed her reefed yet, but am sure it will happen in future. She cuts through chop beautifully and is very dry on deck. Looking forward to some great sailing in the coming season!

  Robert Denny, SKORRI

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    Bryce Bezant says:

    An inspiring video for one who is looking into getting involved in wooden boat building. I have built a Catspaw Dingy with much help from a gentleman who was very skilled. I am looking for the next challenge.

    My Question: What wood did you use for the spars and where did you get them?

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  Richard Greenway says:

  So much fun wrapped up in such a small package.

  • 

    Mark Steffens says:

    Richard
    Hello Mate. How have you been? What are you guys sailing now ?
    A wee dram of Pussers across your bow friend
    Peace
    Mark

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  William English says:

  Sails like a dream. The sea hardly knew she was there. wonderful!

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  Robert Denny says:

  To any would be builders, my advice is not to think about how much it would cost or how long it would take. Just get a good, professional design and start. Take it one step at a time, follow the plans, and everything will fall into place. You will surprise yourself with what you can achieve!

  Robert Denny, Gartside sloop SKORRI

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    David Tew says:

    That’s a great interview/video and you’ve built some lovely details into SKORRI. We own Paul’s original design/build JESSIE and I will be making a few changes by increasing her mast height and sail area to an alternate design he drew, switching the main sheeting from mid-boom to what you have done and perhaps creating a snug bow cockpit for our grandchildren. Our boat is essentially a transom stern version of yours. He’s a wonderfully communicative and generous designer to work with. ‘Finestkind’ as a designer and boat builder as some say here in Maine! I can’t recommend his books highly enough. They offer far more than just his designs. http://gartsideboats.squarespace.com/custom-boatbuilding/tomales-bay-one-design-jessie-design-113.html

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    Gerald DePersia says:

    Robert . Several years ago I took a design class from Paul Gartside at the Wooden Boatschool in Maine. Since then I have been building a slightly modified “Jessie” (lapstrake) . It will have a gaff rig. I agree with your comment regarding time and cost. I am in no hurry and the cost has been spread over enough time as to be manageable. I am looking forward to a hopefully not too distant launch. I also very much enjoy Paul Gartside’s plans being an Architect of a certain age I am a true believer in hand drawing and the “life” of the drawings. Thank you for your post. Jerry DePersia, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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  Mark Bray says:

  Beautiful little boat and Craftmanship .
  Love a nice pointy end.

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  Jon Baldock says:

  I have viewed so many articles and boats which in turn helped me to decide which boat best fit my needs as well the type, OCH is my favorite site Thanks Jon

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  Mark Gallo says:

  I’m just finishing up a Deer Isle Koster with similar lines, although only 14′ long. Construction is glued lapstrake plus some fiberglass for strengthening along the bottom. My being a first time builder and not an experienced wood worker I appreciate the fact that epoxy can fix many flaws in fitting planks, but I have to marvel at the precision and beauty of Skorri’s construction. A work of art that moves beautifully!

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    Lawrence Smith says:

    Mark:
    I’ve been interested in the Deer Isle Koster for some time. So far I have built and enjoyed an Oughtred Acorn and D.N.Hylan’s Beach Pea.
    The Koster strikes me as a perfect day sailor.
    Would you drop me a line and keep me informed of your progress?
    Thanks,
    Lawrenceofalbany@gmail.com

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    Gregory Webster says:

    Hi Mark, I fell in love with pictures of the KDI. So much so that I would check into the process of building her. Never considered building a boat. The designer says a determined first-time builder can accomplish this. Well thats me. But willing to research, by tools, and learn techniques. As the wood kit is pretty pricey I was considering the plans download. In your opinion would just the plans be doable? I assume one would have to learn all about lofting and such. Just wondering if after building one you think that would be possible by an amateur?

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  Jim Kramer says:

  Take a bow Robert and Paul! Exquisite.

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  Brian Laux says:

  What a pretty boat, and it looks like she sails just fine. And real boats like her are pointed on both ends!

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  John Wujack says:

  Lovely, Thanks for sharing.

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  Paul Knight says:

  I have never built a boat, yet. What level of craftsmanship is required? Approximate cost range? Approximately how long would it take to build?

  I would love a boat like this!!

  • 

    Steve Stone says:

    Hi Paul. All good questions. As a first step, you may want to watch our three “how to build” video series, as you’ll see three different types of construction methods and be able to assess the answers to all your questions in your own scenario. They provide pretty addictive binge-watching once you get started. Each construction type, and each size/type of boat can provide very different experiences and timelines, but those three video series will show you all that, as well as talk about essential considerations like setting up your shop space, tools, etc.

    Here are the links to Part 1 of each series:

    Building a Stitch & Glue Boat, Part 1

    How To Build the Caledonia Yawl, Part 1

    How to Build a Beautiful Skiff, Part 1

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  Paul Bargren says:

  That is really a beautiful boat and wonderful crafting. The cuddy added by Robert is as elegant as the original design. I think it’s safe to say most of us can only dream of the kind of work that Robert has achieved. And he does it without epoxy to fill the gaps.

  A comment for Steve and the OCH crew. Any video I can remember shows these wonderful small boats skimming along in perfect breeze through flat water. I’m thinking I don’t see a lot of that when I head out. It would be interesting to see some video of these handy craft in a chop, or waves, or reefed sometimes.

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    Ed Howe says:

    I second the request of Paul Bargren to try to capture the performance of these boats in more challenging conditions- stiff chop, long swells and even a whisper of a breeze in a near-dead calm… that’s where we often find ourselves. It would help in evaluating the designs…..

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      Steve Stone says:

      Thanks for the input Ed and Paul. That’s our desire too. In the PNW in early Sept we often find ourselves squeezing sailing shots for several boats into the one little window in the forecast with just enough wind to move the boats nicely. It’d be better to see them under a range of conditions for sure.

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  Russ Manheimer says:

  Sjogin is one proud little boat. To see her offspring sail so sweetly just like original. Thanks to the builder and Mr. Gartside.

  • 

    Steve Stone says:

    Can’t wait to do a video on Sjogin one day. Long overdue. Soon I hope. Trouble is, you just can’t get to the Jersey shore from mid-coast Maine in the summer. It’s illegal for Mainers, I think, buried deep within the psyche, if not in the state code.

    • 

      Russ Manheimer says:

      Then you need to come soon. A watch below and probably a sail in this so far ice free Winter awaits. Get thee to NYC and then a two hour train trip to Manasquan.

      Bob has a similar disdain for visiting here in the Summer. Then again ours is twice as long as yours.

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  Andrew Fetherston says:

  Simple and sweet.

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  suzan says:

  What a gorgeous little boat. I can appreciate all the custom
  designed additions that fit her out as a well rounded petite cruiser! Also appreciate his comment about his boat building being creative work. His attention to detail and knowledge of salvage is delightful. A wonderful story of a passionate sailor~ _/)

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  Ralph Wernett says:

  That saying ” how many boats can you own? Just one more” and this looks like the “one more to own”
  This also applies to motorcycles…….

  • 

    Bill Bradley says:

    And airplanes, and cars, and pocket knives, and tools, and almost anything else that you “just gotta have” but probably don’t have room for…..

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  David Satter says:

  Beautiful, Simple and small. The way it should be.

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  Eddie Breeden says:

  Gorgeous!! Finally a featured design from one of the few great designers around today. Mr. Paul Gartside doesn’t know how to draw an ugly line. Well thought out builder additions and details too. Home run!

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  Thomas Buzzi says:

  Obviously your creation sails well in light breeze conditions. I really like the way you are spending your retirement!. I too work on and with small sailboats. Thank you for the video!

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  Mike Wolter says:

  That is some fine craftsmanship right there. Such a beautiful boat.

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  Bharat Moorthy says:

  Very nice! Enjoyed the video. Many thanks.

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  Philip Myer says:

  Pretty little boat.