Skeeto Ski Boat: A Laminated-Stem Plywood Ski Boat
William D. Jackson's Skeeto Ski Boat combines sawn frames, 1/4 and 3/4 in. plywood and laminated stem and sheer plates.
Skeeto is a ski boat from William D. Jackson's drawing board, built with the kind of solid joinery that towing demands. Sawn frames set the shape, and the hull uses both 1/4 in. and 3/4 in. plywood where each makes sense. The stem and sheer plates are laminated, a stronger approach than solid timber for curved parts. Twelve sheets of plans make this a satisfying project for a builder ready for something more involved.
Skeeto Ski Boat at a glance
| Detail | Skeeto Ski Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Ski boat |
| Construction | Sawn frames, 1/4 and 3/4 in. plywood, laminated stem and sheer plates |
| Designer | William D. Jackson |
| Craft Print | No. 354 |
| Plan sheets | 12 |
Built to pull
Laminating the stem and sheer plates from thin layers gives curved parts that are stronger and less likely to split than pieces sawn from solid wood. That matters on a boat that will be towing skiers. Combining 1/4 in. and 3/4 in. plywood puts strength where the loads are and saves weight elsewhere. Twelve sheets provide plenty of detail on the frames and laminations.
The original plan sheets
These are the 12 original sheets, scanned from the magazine. For building, use the full-size PDF in the download section below.
Who designed it
William D. Jackson drew Skeeto Ski Boat, preserved as Craft Print 354. The twelve sheets cover the sawn frames, plywood layout and laminated stem and sheer plates. It is a sturdy design made for towing.
Before you build
- Fit a strong tow point and back it up inside the hull, as ski loads are considerable.
- Always carry a spotter as well as the driver when towing a skier.
- Glue up the laminated stem and sheer plates on a sturdy jig and let them cure fully before fitting.
Download the plan
All twelve Skeeto Ski Boat sheets in one file, ready to print full size or open on a tablet in the workshop.
Download the complete plan (PDF, 12 sheets, 9 MB)
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