Surf 8 Plans

The design for the Surf 8 started with the need for a small dinghy that would have pretensions to be a small multi role dayboat - an excellent sailing craft, motor boat and still be easily car toppable.

Taking the Skylark series as a start, I have given her a vertical aft transom to maximize buoyancy aft and make it easier to mount an outboard motor. The floor at the aft end has been flattened too to give her sections that will allow her to surf and plane.

The beam has been increased, the bilge sections hardened and the mid depth increased to give her the ability to carry heavier weights and more sail area than is usual for an 8' boat - she will feel more like a 10 footer than an 8 footer.

Construction is simple stitch and tape to keep costs, building time and weight down and the plans come with details for both pivoted centreboard and vertical lift daggerboard plus two rigs - the single sprit main rig with masts and spars that fit within the length of the hull and a more ambitious gunter sloop for those who want more strings to play with and a more exciting sail. Other modern rigs could also be fitted.