This video was taken at the Rend Lake messabout on June 9th. These are the first two SkiffAmerica’s that were built.
Prop Performance
SkiffAmerica 20 – Performance Curve
This information was written shortly after the first two boats were completed.
Performance using 12″ pitch prop is slightly faster but at lower RPM than the 11 1/4″ prop tested below. Maximun RPM with 12″ pitched prop
is 5500 RPM which is also RPM of maximun H.P. (rated 25 H.P.) Cruise at 4,000 RPM is 15.5 mph with 1 aboard.
The chart below is the same as the one above, only in a simpler format.
Bill and I did a 60 mile round trip in his SkiffAmerica 20 using an 11 ¼” pitch propeller cruising at 4,000 rpm and burned about 1.2 gallons per hour.
I have not done fuel burn tests with the 12″ pitch prop but we do know that it only requires 3800 rpm with the 12″ pitch to maintain the same speed as the 11 ¼” pitch prop at 4,000 rpm.
We probably won’t know much more until we do more trips in my SkiffAmerica.
©Michael C. Adams
1999-2019
Model SkiffAmerica
Found this old video but it shows how models are use to test building techniques and performance. This is a model that predates the first SkiffAmerica 20.
Model of Simplicity Canoe
This was the test model for confirming the building sequence for the full sized prototype canoe and also confirming the proper dimensions. The build of the model also tested the “folding mold” for shape of hull.
Blast From the Past
Although he sold the rights to the plans many years ago, it’s fun to see one of his model designs still being sold after many years. Click the image to see more.
Another Great Builder Blog
Builder Brent Butikofer has a SkiffAmerica blog with hours of informative reading and pictures regarding the building and travels of his SkiffAmerica 20. I highly recommend reading information from other builders to fully understand the boat.
Sacagawea Log Book
“Sacagawea” is the name of Donovan’s SkiffAmerica 20. He has a wonderful website that not only shows the construction of his boat but all his journeys of the great, out of the way places, the SkiffAmerica 20 can take you.
Midwest Messabout 2017
Tom Burton attended the 2017 Midwest Messabout at Rend Lake near Sesser Illinois. Tom has some really nice boat pictures posted on his Flickr page including the SkiffAmerica. Tom Burton Flickr page
20 Goals/Design Considerations
A classic styled outboard powered, trailerable, shoal draft, easily built, plywood planing cruiser. The 20 items listed below were all very important considerations for the SkiffAmerica 20 design to meet my own personal (Meandher) requirements. I believe these goals are important, not just to me, but to anyone desiring to build his own boat.
20 Goals/Design Considerations for SkiffAmerica 20
Updating Website
It’s time to catch up with the changes to the internet. When the website was created many years ago most websites were just static pages which made updating more of a chore. Today’s scripts have made the task of keeping websites fresh a much easier task and we are going to take advantage.