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How much depth does the bulwark provide amidships to the Console Skiff? Are there any bulwark patterns for the Wee Hunk, or could they be easily constructed?

Could I leave the center console out of the skiff or Wee Hunk and make it a tiller model? Would I need to change the transom at all, or could I change the transom to make it easier to stand and run the motor by tiller?

Essentially, I'd like to build a boat akin to the Willie or Alumaweld jet sleds prevalent on NW rivers.

If I remember correctly the bulwarks add about 9" or 10" to the height. In my opinion I don't think adding them to the Wee Hulk would be any problem without patterns. On the Cabin/Console Skiff they are 3/8" plywood strips that simply lap the the top edge by 3". I would cut a couple of 16" or 18" wide by 8' lengths of cheap plywood (luan) and temporary clamp and/or screw them along the sheer line leaving at least 3" of overlap. Then use the top edge of the hull as a guide and run a pencil line length of the strip. This will give you a curved line that matches the needed contour. Then use a divider set to 9" or 10" and run it along the hull top which will mark the contour line for the top cut off. Remove the panel and make another line 3" below the first curved line. This will be the bottom edge cut off line. Cut the pieces to shape and temporarily reattach and use the bottom of the panel to make a pencil line all the way down the hull. This will greatly assist when attaching the finished panels.

It will take two pieces per side and the joints can be butted or scarfed which ever you prefer. I butted mine but if you scarf be sure to allow extra length lost by the joint.

Now use the luan templates to make the permanent panels out of you good plywood. Cut them out and screw and glue them to the top of the hull. You will need to fabricate a bresthook for the bow to join the panels and add reinforce with hardwood inner and outer sheers along the top edges of your new bulwarks. I think the Skiff called for about 1 1/2" x 1" strips on each side.

Sounds more complex than it really is.

Personally, I can't think of any reason the console could not be omitted and a tiller O/B used. My only thought is the weight of the pilot will probably be a little more aft but probably not enough to worry about.

The height of the transom (in the center anyway) is dictated by the outboard. Most std outboards are considered "short shaft" and require about 20" from the bottom of the hull to the top of the transom. For some O/Bs a "long shaft" models are available and raise top of the transom to 25". The powerhead would then sit 5" higher and might help. If looking for used the long shaft models are harder to find.

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So Many Rivers,
So Little Time....

I have the console skiff video. And from what I remember, it said because the console is not structural to the hull, any configuration can be used.

I checked today and the bulwark panels on my Cabin Skiff measures about 9" to 10" TOTAL. This means with the 3" lap it raises the height about 6" or 7". It also means the test panels could be narrower than I suggested.

_________________
So Many Rivers,
So Little Time....

Thanks, Ray, I appreciate you going to that trouble. Does the bulwark parallel the sheer the entire length?

I have the plans to the Wee Hunk, so I'll stitch it together and then get a feel for the depth. Another 6" of cockpit depth would surely make one feel more secure when standing up to fight/net a fish.

Yes, it does stay parallel the entire length. If you look close you can see it in this construction photo of my hull. The photo in the left is without it and on the right with it installed.

_________________
So Many Rivers,
So Little Time....