Chessy: A 15 ft Cedar Plank Skiff for Oars or Outboard

Chessy is a traditional plank skiff with a straightforward, working-boat character. Ernest Tucker drew it at 15 ft (4.6 m) with cedar or cypress plank sides, ten ribs per side and a cross-planked bottom. You can row it or fit an outboard. It is the kind of boat that suits fishing, crabbing and shore exploring, and it rewards builders who enjoy working with real timber rather than sheet goods.

Chessy at a glance

Detail	Chessy
Type	Skiff
Length	15 ft (4.57 m)
Construction	Cedar or cypress plank sides, 10 ribs per side; cross-planked bottom
Power	Oars or outboard
Designer	Ernest Tucker
First published	Mechanix Illustrated, p. 66
Plan sheets	5

Built for rough work

Cedar and cypress are classic boatbuilding woods, naturally resistant to rot and pleasant to work. Ten ribs per side give the hull a sturdy framework. A cross-planked bottom is a time-tested method for skiffs, with short boards running across the hull that are easy to fit and replace. Five sheets explain the build.

The original plan sheets

These are the 5 original sheets, scanned from the magazine. For building, use the full-size PDF in the download section below.

Who designed it

Ernest Tucker designed Chessy for Mechanix Illustrated, where it appeared on page 66. The five sheets cover the plank sides, ribs and cross-planked bottom. It is a solid, traditional plan for builders who enjoy real timber.

Before you build

• Let cross-planked bottoms swell before relying on them, as new planks may weep until they take up.
• Set seats and oarlocks for a comfortable rowing position before final fastening.
• Use a modest outboard and fit flotation under the seats.

Download the plan

Chessy's five original sheets in one file, ready to print full size or open on a tablet in the shop.

Download the complete plan (PDF, 5 sheets, 3.7 MB)