Description
The Bevin's Skiff is a classic, small American rowing and sailing skiff designed by Joe Youcha in 1997 at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation in Virginia. Inspired by traditional Chesapeake flattie skiffs (like Uncle Gabe’s skiff from Sam Rabl's Boatbuilding in Your Own Backyard) and the Westport Skiff by Bob Baker, it was developed as an educational tool for boatbuilding programs, particularly for youth and community groups. Named after Youcha's dog, Bevin (the shop supervisor), the design emphasizes simplicity, affordability, and versatility for DIY builders. Constructed from plywood (stitch-and-glue method), it's lightweight and trailerable, ideal for solo or small family use (1–3 people) in protected waters like bays, lakes, marshes, or calm coastal areas. The spritsail rig and daggerboard make it forgiving for beginners, while the flat bottom provides excellent stability for rowing or teaching.
