Skin on Frame Build Diary Index

The Build Diaries: Skin-on-Frame CRAFT

This archive is a record of my builds. My process starts with the macro design process, and then I build the boat, refining the design details as I go. This then lets me redesign any parts or processes that didn't quite work as I thought it would at the drawing board.  Each entry documents the transition from design theory to seaworthy reality, focusing on the specific engineering challenges of Skin-on-Frame (SOF) construction, lightweight timber framing, and natural materials.

Once the frame is built and skinned, it hits the water. These sea trials let me finalise the design, and if I'm happy, I draw the design up and release it.

Unlike modern production methods, these builds prioritize mechanical simplicity, repairability, and minimal environmental footprint. From the decision of whether to use a strongback, to the final tensioning of the hull skin, these diaries serve as a reference for builders and showcase what issues or decision's you may need to make as you go, and my thoughts on them.