Acorn Skiff (11'9)

Description

The Acorn Skiff 11'9" (also sometimes referred to as the 11'8" Acorn in design evolutions but standardized as 11'9" in plans) is a classic, elegant small boat designed by renowned naval architect Iain Oughtred. It's primarily a rowing skiff with excellent sailing capabilities, inspired by traditional Whitehall designs. Known for its lightweight construction, slippery hull, and beautiful lines, it's ideal for solo or light tandem use on calm waters like rivers, lakes, or coastal areas. The boat emphasizes simplicity, low windage, and ease of handling, making it a favorite among amateur builders and enthusiasts of glued-lapstrake plywood boats. No lofting (full-scale drawing) is required for construction, which lowers the barrier for builders with basic to intermediate woodworking skills. This design evolved from Oughtred's earlier work, starting with a 7'10" dinghy, refined into the 11'9" version for better rowing and sailing balance, and later stretched to a 13' variant by spacing molds wider. It's often praised as a "sweet-lined, slippery little jewel" that's light enough for easy transport but robust for occasional rough handling.