Building the Ocean Pointer

This is a two-week class ending Friday

When visiting the coastal communities of New England, one immediately takes notice of the number of outboard-powered skiffs along any given waterfront. One of the prettiest is the Ocean Pointer – a 19’6” center-console skiff designed by David Stimson. Based on Alton Wallace’s 18’ inshore lobster skiff, the Ocean Pointer is designed for strip-built wood construction. The hull has a flared bow and transitions to a tumblehome at the stern. The bottom is a soft chine with a small keel, which allows for good tracking and a comfortable ride. Ocean Pointer also features a spacious, self-bailing cockpit and center-console steering station. A transom-mounted outboard engine of approximately 50 hp seems to be the ideal choice for a motor.

In this two-week course taught by professional boatbuilders John Karbott and Bob Fuller, students will build one of these beautiful skiffs. The strip construction technique utilizes epoxy adhesive and edge-nailing. You will learn how to laminate the stem, forefoot, and keel. Lofting, panel development, and patternmaking will also be key facets of this project. The self-bailing cockpit and framing are an integral part of the construction and allow the boat to be built without a complex set of molds.

John and Bob will arrive with a partially built skiff that will be set up upside down with framing in place. Students will begin fitting planks, gluing and fastening them along the keel, stem, and transom, and continuing up to the sheer. The hull will then be faired and sanded, and flipped upright. You’ll then sheathe the cockpit with fiberglass and epoxy; construct the foredeck and side decks; make and install the coamings, gunwales, and rails in place; and build the center console and seat box.

This will be an exciting, rewarding experience, keeping everyone busy the entire two weeks! With John and Bob’s guidance, you will learn how to start a project and see it through to completion in an organized, efficient manner. Upon returning home, you may be inspired to begin building your own Ocean Pointer or similar strip-planked powerboat. Previous woodworking experience is required for this course.