While Avanti and Red are quite different in appearance, both hulls of these little vessels were constructed from one sheet of plywood. With some additional material used for structure decks and trim work, the goal is simplicity, grace, and usability. Both boats can easily be carried by one person and don’t take up a lot of space in the garage when not in use.
Avanti weighs in at 80lbs when fitted with her 2.5hp outboard and will get a 140lb driver up to about 10kts, just fast enough to not get into too much trouble. Featured in small boats monthly, she is an eye-catcher both online and on the water.
Red weighs in at 30lbs with her oars and bailer aboard and will do 3kts with ease, or tap out around 4kts if you really try and make her go. Light and small enough to carry down winding overgrown paths, Red’s cruising grounds extend from any reasonable launch site within a 5-minute walk of a parking spot.
There are about 12 one-sheet skiffs now plying the waters of WA, RI, and ME. each a little different and all a lot of fun. They are a popular attraction for the youngsters at Learn To Row Day in Warren, RI, and have been an easy tow behind yachts as famous as Dorade.