“Seal” was constructed a little bit at a time over a six-year period. She was finally launched without sailing rig in September 2000. The sailing rig was completed the following summer.
Her design is John Atkin’s “Cabin Boy Skiff”. During lofting, a lines plan error in way of the forefoot was discovered. Correction of this problem resulted in “Seal” having a straighter, more upright lower stem than is shown in the published “Cabin Boy” plans. It looks fine, and provides a slightly longer waterline for more speed potential!
“Seal’s” topsides are clinker planked using western red cedar and copper rivets. The bottom planking is of occume plywood in lieu of the traditional cross-planked construction shown in the plans. The transom and cutwater are Honduras mahogany, and the keelson, frames and stem apron are yellow cedar. Chines and wales are white oak. The breast hook and quarter knees are laminated yellow cedar. Spars are made of Sitka spruce.
This boat is small, but she wasn’t easy to build! Due to the pronounced topside curvature in the forebody of this design, it was found necessary to steam bend the chines and wales, as well as the topside planking. The result is a rugged looking little craft with loads of character. A further reward came when “Seal” was judged “Best Small Boat – Modern Construction” at the 2001 Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival.
“Seal” is rigged with a sprit mainsail, and she also has a tiny asymmetrical spinnaker for use off the wind. She has a good-sized dagger board, and a rudder to match. With one adult aboard, the boat is very stable, and I estimate that she could easily carry 50% more sail area under normal sailing conditions. Despite this modest sail area, she sails nicely, and goes to windward remarkably well. I feel that her ample, carefully shaped, ‘board and rudder are major contributors to her windward ability. Sailed with a bit of heel, she rides on her chine and doesn’t pound very much. I have spent many pleasant hours sailing her on the warm waters of Vaseux Lake in BC’s Okanagan Valley.
Before beginning construction of your own “Cabin Boy”, be warned that this is a very small boat. She rows well with two adults aboard, but for sailing, any more that one person is a crowd. She’s well suited for use as a tender for a larger cruising boat, or to be sailed single handed on small lakes or sheltered bays. All boats are compromises!