Drascombe Skiff

A double ended open boat, designed in 1970 as a small boat to fill the need for a boat that would row well, sail well and be easily pushed along by a very small outboard motor. Most boats do one or the other, but rarely all three. The Skiff carries a small standing lugsail (jib is optional) a dagger board and rudder to give a versatile small boat that could very easily be trailed and sailed single handed. The mast is unstayed which makes preparation for sailing very quick indeed. A mini transom allows a small outboard motor to be mounted when the rudder is unshipped. Later modifications to the wooden Skiffs included a pivoting centreplate as an alternative to a dagger board. A delightful small boat to sail, ideal for creeks, rivers and estuaries. John Watkinson built the prototype and the next two boats at Drascombe Barton, with production of all subsequent wooden boats being undertaken by John Elliott Boatbuilders. Around 30 were built in wood at their yard all by Douglas Elliott. A GRP version was produced in 1996.