Information AboutThames Skiff |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT THAMES SKIFF | |
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CONSTRUCTION OF A SKIFF The Thames Skiff owes its origins to the Viking Boat Building method of over-lapping timber planking known as Clinker construction. Planks on either side of a wooden Keel are laid down following the outline of a Timber pattern placed across the keel. Plank s are nailed in place and then a strengthening Framework added. The boats are launched and over the course of several days the wood absorbs water and expands forming a water-tight shell. Many of the terms used for parts of the skiff are of Scandinavian origin – “tholes”, “thwarts”, and “sax”. Blades are made of wood with leather collars. They are held in place in thole pins at the side of the boat rather than rollocks or outriggers. Skiffs following the traditional Thames design are to be found in Holland and Argentina , although Argentinian skiffs usually have outriggers instead of tholes. The shallow depth of the boat below the Waterline enables it to be used as a Ferry directly off a shoreline or beach. USES AND TYPES OF SKIFF Skiffs are both leisure and working boats on the Thames. They can be seen used for Swan Upping and other general purpose duties. Skiffing is a recreational sport using specially built racing skiffs. A camping skiff has an easily erectable Canvas cover and is used for outdoor recreational activity holidays, often in conjunction with other activities such as walking, swimming and Fishing . The cover can be used for shelter from the sun and rain during the day and at night converts the entire craft into a cosy floating tent. It enables the occupants to experience nature and river life up close and is featured in Jerome K. Jerome's comedy Three Men In A Boat . EXTERNAL LINKS AND REFERENCES |
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