One day, when I was surfing instead of doing something productive, I came across Duckworks magazine; an online journal for home boat builders. While scanning the "Projects" section, my eye caught a particular design, the One Sheet Skiff. "This looks neat," I thought to myself. I followed the link and came upon the home page of an accomplished amateur builder and fellow Albertan; Herb McLeod.

Herb's pages include photos of the many boats he has built and a special little treat, free plans and instructions for the One Sheet Skiff. Please pay his site a visit and while you're there, make sure you read about John Boley; a most interesting builder.

I thought that this little boat was very neat, and I was looking for an excuse to build one. I was also struggling with what Xmas gift to get my brother Rob. The two conundrums were solved when I decided to build an OSS for my brother. He is in need of water toys and I thought that this was a better than most!

I began my OSS on December 20/1998 and in 3-4 hours of working with my wonderful nephew Sean, I was able to cut out and attach the sides to the transom, frame and stem. (fast build) It wasn't done for Xmas, but Rob saw the work in progress and was suitably thrilled!

She was completed in June and given to Rob in July. He dubbed her "Xmas in July" in honor of the tardy finish.

I was very impressed with myself as I was able to keep the cost of this project down by using leftovers from my other boats. All I had to buy was the chine logs and gunwales!

That's all I have developed so far, but trust me; the boat is done! When the rest of the photos get processed, I'll post them ASAP! Look for photos of the boat painted and launched.

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© 1998 Brad Clarke - Last Updated 08/30/99