I can't tell you how many people have asked me for a simple skiff with an outboard motor to "mess-about" with. They wanted something big enough for a small family, safe, not fussy to maintain, not too expensive and most important they wanted the look and feel of a traditionally built boat. The flat-bottom skiff fits the bill perfectly and I can think of no better designer than William Atkin to turn to for such a boat.  I have long been a fan of his and he was well known as the master for this type of craft. Here is what Mr. Atkin had to say about this boat when he designed her in 1952.

"A Smart, Able and Low-Powered Fishing Skiff. Flat-bottomed skiffs after the general model of Maude and Emeline are not only easy to build, but have proved to be satisfactory craft. Properly designed and built, this type of boat, whether under oars, sails or motor, will prove to be the equal of the general run of all small boats. This latest design is 14'0" over all, 13'2" on the waterline, 4'6" in breadth and 5" draft. Her freeboard at the bow is 1'11", the least freeboard is 1'1" and at the stern 1'4". The dimensions outlined indicate she is a burdensome little packet safely able to carry three persons of average weight, a 3 to 5-hp. outboard motor weighing about 30 to 50 pounds, and the miscellaneous gear carried by boats of this size and type. Speed that may be expected in moderately rough water with the 3 hp motor is a good 7 mph; with the 5 hp motor, approximately 11 mph."

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