12' Padilla Bay Skiff Plans PDF

This was the first skiff design that I had worked on. I wanted to fill in my designed fleet of boats to include all the different hull types. My other flat bottomed boat designs were aimed toward the stable platforms desired by fly fishermen. This hull would give that same feeling of initial stability, and the ability to remain stable when getting in and out of the hull at the waters edge.

My design motto is "Stitch and Glue, and Stylish Too"; and this hull was going to continue that theme. I wanted to add a refined/stylized transom to the hull, and that was the first panel I laid out on my computer screen. I then lifted some side panels from the Laura Bay, and stretched them out to what I thought would be the correct length for a 12ft hull. Then came the model building and the numerous changes from version to version (at least 20). The changes ranged from bow and transom angles, to the amount of rocker in the bottom panel. This hull got pigeon holed for a while, when I decided to stretch it out to 14ft. Then along came the double ended version (Chocolate Bay), and the wider transom version (Liberty Bay). All three of the 14 foot designs are completed, but waiting for me to get around to building the prototypes; but first I need a bigger shop. May be in Port Townsend. :)

There may or may not be any more modifications to this hull, as I haven't marked up any changes to the last model that hangs over my kitchen counter. As I sit there in the mornings pondering the world, I watch all the models twirl on their strings from any stray air currents that pass by them. Usually something catches my eye that needs a little "tweaking", and I do that to each design until I build the prototype. This model has remained mark free for a long time, but things change, and this model probably will have modifications before it get built.

Its a pretty little boat, and it should be a good rowing hull. My designs tend to sit high in the water like a good skimming dish, and a sliding seat should make the 12 ft Padilla Bay scoot across the water. It should handle well with the 64sqft sprit sail I designed with Neil Pryde Sails.

Warren Messer
Red Barn Boats

click the image at left for a free PDF file to print and build a model from.

Free Study Plans - click HERE