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History
History of Skiff Craft Boats (from the Skiffcraft.com website):
The Skiff Craft boat company has been in business for over 95 years, founded originally in 1904 as the Henry Boat Company near Peterborough, Ontario, by two Canadian boat builders, Victor and Stanley Henry. They created their reputation by building quality wooden boats able to withstand the harsh waters of Canada's often seaworthy lakes and rigorous rivers. In 1959, the company relocated to Plain City, Ohio, and was renamed Skiff Craft. By relocating near Plain City, veteran craftsmen of local Amish and Mennonite communities are available to custom build each exceptional Skiff Craft boat using their time-honored woodworking skills.
Building a Skiff Craft Boat:
Each wooden Skiff Craft boat takes 2-3 months to build. Everything is crafted by hand, so a limited number are produced each year. A master builder personally selects the materials that will be custom milled and machined. Air-dried white oak is selected for the keel and one-piece ribs are steamed and formed. Fir plywood with a hardwood exterior, special ordered from the Pacific Northwest, is chosen for the keel-to-gunwhale full lapstrake hull. Fifteen-ply fir and mahogany are used for the transom.
Small building teams take each Skiff Craft boat from the framework to finishing. Only the best materials are used in each boat, such as brass screws and stainless steel through-hull bolts. Wood preservatives, sealers, varnishes and paints are skillfully applied. The engine, controls, carpeting, interior features and custom ordered accessories are carefully and meticulously installed.
Each Skiff Craft is a truly one of a kind boat and built one at a time. The standard models are the 26 foot and 31 foot Skiff Craft. Smaller craft, 22 and 24 foot models, are also available for custom order.
Recent changes:
Skiff Craft has introduced many refinements. Mahogany now dominates the interior, replacing aluminum in several areas. Of special note, the windshield has changed from aluminum to Mahogany.
The Mahogany framed windshield opens fully to allow for premium ventillation on those hot sunny days. The cockpit is packed with lots of beautiful mahogany, contrasting nicely with the white vinyl decking and flooring.Skiff Craft boats command looks wherever you take them and will be a conversation piece in any boating location.
Built for a lifetime of fun:
Of course builders of fiberglass boats have tried to copy the qualities of the Skiff Craft design. But comparing a wooden boat to a fiberglass boat is like comparing wooden furniture to plastic. Nothing comes close to the superior performance, beauty, heritage, and value of a Skiff Craft wooden boat. With proper care and maintenance, a Skiff Craft boat lasts a lifetime (and possibly beyond).
What makes the Skiff Craft such a great boat?
This classic wooden boat, steeped in tradition, offers the integrity of a hull design proven for its ability to get up on plane smoothly, to move through waves effortlessly and to handle rough water confidently. Each Skiff Craft wooden boat uses a special, high freeboard to keep guests safe, dry and comfortable. This offers the ability to cruise and entertain effortlessly with exceptional style, grace and abundant space. The larger Skiff Craft models (28 and 31ft) give an extra level of comfort and versatility with plentiful seating and storage. The entire bow accommodates a large V-berth and head. The large cockpit, a Skiff Craft trademark, creates a feeling of spaciousness and luxury, unlike anything else on the water. The Mercruiser engines provide both performance and reliability, and a long list of standard features in addition to plenty of options to select from, all offer the opportunity to custom build a Skiff Craft to precise, individualized needs.
Contacting Skiff Craft:
SKIFF CRAFT WOOD BOATS
225 GUY ST
PLAIN CITY, OH 43064-1160
614-873-4664
www.skiffcraft.com
Contact Old Skiff Craft Boats:
mail@oldskiffcraftboats.com
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