The Yamaha 25 h.p. 4-stroke has proven to be an ideal powerplant. Giving 25 m.p.h. top speed, burning 1.2 g/hour at cruise speed of 15 mph, and can pull a skier with 3 people aboard the boat. Performance charts Strong, light construction using taped seams, high quality imported plywood, bottom and chine panels covered with polyester cloth (xynole) set in epoxy. Double chine hull allows easy construction sequence, allows boat to be built right side up, and lets builder have good access to do epoxy fillets; yields better performance/handling/strength/ and appearance. Perfect size (not too small, not too big) 20' length. Slender hull at waterline, but maximum beam at cabin roof, for roomy cabin. (Sleeps two comfortably on 4" cushions on V-berth). Prototype built in 6 months but most builders should allow a year to enjoy the building process. Walk-through cabin with snap-on canvas cover is even handier than an open boat because of the added security of cabin coaming. Plans are black line with easy to use format. Very detailed, containing hints/methods such as how to layout waterline without the need to level the boat (very fast and accurate method), how to hook up engine controls and instruments, and steering gear, how to install rope hinges for berth/storage lids, how to build swim ladder, and much more.

The SkiffAmerica 20 is twenty feet in length, 6 ½ feet maximum beam, weighs about 500 pounds without motor, battery, and steering gear. All up cruising weight with motor, fuel, water etc. is about 1,000 pounds. It draws 6 inches with motor up, 18 inches with motor down.

The completed boat with all necessary materials: motor, trailer, bimini, steering gear, paints, epoxies, cushions, marine hardware, EVERYTHING, for the entire package will cost $8,500 (at the time of building). Imagine, such a wonderful boat for the price of a personal water craft.

The accommodations are simple but comfortable. We have generous storage under the bunks with four hinged panels (one under each bunk cushion and the same size as the bunk cushions). Cushions are 4 inches thick for maximum comfort. The cabin has two cabinets (one in each aft corner), which utilizes the corners by adding a door in the corner, thereby creating triangular cabinets that don't encroach into our space.

The hull is built from high quality Okoume plywood using the proven taped seam method. The double chine hull is built right-side-up using a simple support frame. The double chine allows a very convenient building sequence to be used.

The plans are well beyond the typical plans now on the market. They are black line drawings, which show the location and dimension of each plywood part on each 4' x 8' plywood panel. There are numerous perspective drawings to show assemblies. Photos are included for additional detail. I have shown details of a scarfing jig to be used on your table saw for cutting scarf angles on the gunnel pieces. I have shown a simple jig to use on your router for milling the bases for chocks on the top faces of the caprails. An easy method for placing the water line which does not require the boat to be level. Detailed drawings of this method are included. The swim ladder is included with all details shown for building and mounting.

A list of suppliers and sources is included. The exact brand of paints and varnishes is supplies along with the specific numbers of the colors used on the first two SkiffAmericas.

The plans presented with the appropriate detail to allow a first time builder to duplicate the prototype in every respect.

We have built the motor cover but not the windshield but this item will be added later after building and testing. I will provide the plans upgrades when available. The windshield will fold upward under the bimini. The modifications for the sailing configuration will not be offered at this time. If the demand for the SkiffAmerica 20 sailing modifications arise I will then make plans available for an aditional charge.

One of the best ways to decide if this boat is for you is to examine the 20 design goals and ask yourself how important each of those goals is to you. If you think each and every one is very important, then SkiffAmerica may be the best boat project for you.

In keeping with the KIS principle (Keep It Simple) we do not have a "real" head. Our years of small boat cruising have proven this concept to be of great value. The ladies do not have a problem with this once they understand how this is done. I believe the nicest solution involves the use of a bucket potty seat, available from West Marine. This arrangement, along with strategically placed privacy curtains, will allow the maximum versatility in or out of the cabin area. I am talking about a "lightweight bucket potty seat which brings the comfort and convenience of a toilet seat to small boats. Easily carried and stored, the seat attaches to a 3 or 5 gallon bucket (the kind you can get for free) with a unique press fit that holds the seat and plastic bag liner securely to the bucket. Any plastic trash bag of a suitable size can be used as a bucket liner to simplify waste storage and disposal. To attach seat to bucket, press down firmly on high side of seat until it snaps into place. Bucket and trash bags not included." This works great and has some definite advantages over the porta-potti that everyone seems to know about. I don't think I need to draw any pictures for this but it is just as comfortable as being at home. Simple wins again, and less than $20.00.

Order a set of plans and discover why the SkiiffAmerica is destined to become a modern classic.