Bevin's Skiff

Joe Youcha and his team at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, designed the Bevin's Skiff in 1997.  In the nearly three decades since then, it has become a mainstay of amateur boat building.  This good old skiff is a decent boat that can be built almost anywhere; one that could be used to teach and to inspire the novice boatbuilders taking part in the experience.  

The Bevin's Skiff was intended for instructional settings: usually a reasonably experienced teacher directing kids and/or adults. In keeping with its mission as a teaching tool, and unlike most CLC kits, assembly thus involves a good bit of cutting and fitting. Solid timber components are not included in the kits, and are milled from local materials by the builders.

We've had a long association with the Alexandria Seaport Foundation and Joe Youcha, who helped prototype some of CLC's original designs in the early 1990's.  In 1998, more than 40 Bevin's Skiffs were assembled from CLC-cut kits during the WoodenBoat Show at St. Michael's, Maryland.  This memorable and photogenic weekend project made the cover of WoodenBoat Magazine. 

In 2001, CLC sponsored the event and 25 more of the skiffs were built in South Haven, Michigan. In the years since the design's popularity has multiplied. We're delighted to be the kit supplier for this design.

The simple, practical design produces a handsome working skiff. Widely used for educational programs, team-building, and family events around the world, Bevin's Skiff is a classic that's goes together quickly but works well on the water as a rowboat, or even with an optional sailing rig.

Now also available as a scale model kit!

This humble design, intended to be hammered together in a few days using basic tools, has far exceeded expectations. Assembled in schools, garages, and especially at "Family Boatbuilding" events, the boats are made out of everything from recyclable paper laminate to teak plywood. They have been built in almost every state in the Union and at least 10 countries.

Bevin was Joe Youcha's faithful shop dog. Bevin's Skiff is a traditional design that's built just like many work skiffs built in the past: no lofting, no molds, no spiling, no special tools. It's a boat kit within reach of just about anyone.

All you have to do is JUST BUILD IT!

Download the free manual here. For information on our CNC-cut "puzzle joints," which extend the plywood panels to length, please see our Shop Tip on Gluing Puzzle Joints.  

Please note: These kits include only the CNC-cut okoume marine plywood components. Additional timber for fabricating the stem, transom, keel, skeg, frames, deckbeams, rails, seat risers, and so on is required, along with glue and fasteners. Check the "Recommended Items" below for a materials list.

clcboats.com/blogs/news/building-to-teach-with-scale-model-skiff

Options for purchasing from one to six kits are shown above; please contact info@clcboats.com for special pricing on larger fleet orders. 

TO ORDER PLANS ONLY, PLEASE CLICK HERE