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18' Wooden Work Skiff

11 September 2021 · 17 min · 121K views

What this video covers

An 18-foot wooden V-bottom work skiff features custom white oak breast hooks and bookmatched quarter knees, both harvested from tree trunks and branches to utilize natural compression wood and medullary rays for structural strength and aesthetics.3:17 The build process emphasizes a high-end yacht finish with two coats of sealer and three coats of varnish, a departure from traditional commercial skiff construction that typically relies on paint.1:10 The hull is finished with Total Boat wet edge polyurethane topside paint, applied in 30-inch vertical sections using a roller and brush-tipping technique to ensure a smooth, run-free coat.10:24 To maximize deck space, the boat includes custom folding seats that collapse against the gunwales.15:11 The skiff is designed for a 70-horsepower outboard motor.16:54 Construction planning for such vessels begins by sourcing lumber for the longest structural members, such as the 18-foot rub rails, which dictate the maximum possible length of the hull.13:59

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