Great to see this new formate and site. My suggestion from dealing with lots of emails about where to find skiff build info would be to have the Plans built skiffs in their own group so builders and want to be builders have it easier to just find these builds. So something like SaltWorksbuilds, Stitch and glue designs, Strip plank designs, Spear kits ,Hogfishdesigns etc, all skiffs built from plans providers.
Then the rebuilders using all ready built skiffs being rebuilt redesigned in their own spot. These are 2 different worlds when building.
At this time in the skiff world there s a major movement in home first time builders plans skiffs being built to rival the top company’s production outputs of units. Being the one site on the internet that has a specific site for this niche of builders would be great, then everyone can just direct the inquiries to this site, Thanks for your consideration.
Chris Morejohn
Hey @Chris_Morejohn thanks for joining! So excited you could make it.
As you can probably tell there is a lot of housekeeping going on as we’re only 3 days old.
I like your idea. Give us a bit. I’m sure everyone would immensely enjoy reading and learning this content even if, like me, they may never do a home build. Let’s find the right home for it in the coming weeks.
Jan, well it’s up to you all but I get 1-4 emails a day asking for plans info. The skiff world might not realize this but since I started providing my designs to the public over 100 skiffs have been built to the highest standards in this market by home builders through out the world. Look at a typical skiff cost today and this is a huge chunk out of the production build market. The movement is here and it’s only going to grow with the costs of new store bought skiffs going up.
With your site you have the opportunity to be the Mecca for this new tribe of self builders. Thanks
Hey Chris,
In my opinion you’ve made incredible impacts twice now in the skiff community. First with Hells Bay and now more importantly with the “home-brew” skiff community. It’s been fun and amazing to watch builders around the world build their skiffs using your plans.
I think there is a great opportunity to continue this outreach to this community. SkiffHQ can be that conduit. I think what you are doing aligns with our mission statement.
OUR MISSION
SkiffHQ is here to bring microskiff folks together — the builders, the boaters, the obsessed and the curious. Our goal is simple: create a clean, ad-free place to share ideas, ask questions, and celebrate life in shallow water.
OUR VISION
We’re building a space that’s useful, honest, and focused. A place where skiff owners can learn, share, and stay connected — without distractions, noise, or ads.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
- We believe knowledge should be shared, not hoarded.
- We believe good boats and good answers both come from experience.
- We believe in clean water, clean builds, and clean conversations.
- We believe in helping the next person, even if you’re still figuring it out yourself.
- We believe the best community is the one you help shape.
Well the plans business has been around for a long time, way longer than fiberglass was invented. There are many long time established plans providers out there today.
To everyone that reads this selling plans is not a main income business. It has to be a passion to share one’s knowledge at an entry level cost even though your own personal time and investment might not ever be realized. I get my satisfaction in sharing and seeing all these great skiff builds being built by first time builders. Everyone that builds one of my designs has to go through the entire process of building a vessel. When done all of these builders now have the credibility of knowing, learning the skills of boat building from start to finish. They all now possess more hands on skill and knowledge than most production shop owners and operators.
I can vouch for that. Long before I built the Conchfish, I dreamed of building a skiff just like it , but I have zero design skills. When Chris made the plans available, I purchased a set ASAP. Building a skiff was a great experience for me. It took me much longer than I thought it would due to lots of irons in the fire, but I never once dreaded the process or regretted that I ever did it. I have the Glades 18 plans. One day when things setlle down, I’m going to build a down and dirty one. The only difference this time is that I have the experience and I won’t second guess myself on every single step of the way.
Welcome aboard @Chris_Morejohn We’re glad to have you.
I agree with Chris the idea of having groups from different designs would be extremely helpful.
I’d definitely agree that a “Homebrew” forum would be great as a starting point. Then subdivide later like Chris said. Id like a sub to hold all the random DIY stuff people have shared - from carbon stuff to fixes for stake out sticks.
I’m in agreement with @Chris_Morejohn as well. Rebuilding and Plans building are completely different animals, and having a dedicated section to both, readily accessible would be fantastic.
Thank you all for the feedback. I will add this to my growing list of changes I plan for this weekend. Cheers!
@iMacattack I seen the “home brew” section, which is awesome, but where should we post our rebuilds? There, Bragging, or will you add another section for them?
Homebrew Skiffs
Learn from and collaborate on plan-built skiff projects.
Bragging & Project Chronicles
Brag about a skiff. Share a project, this is your place.