Name/Title
Skiff, PuttEntry/Object ID
1972.018Description
At the turn of the century when small gasoline engines were adapted to marine use, St Lawrence rowing skiff owners were intrigued by the potential application to their boats. They loved the wonderful way in which their skiffs had served them in so many ways. However, if a small engine could provide a measure of relief from rowing long distances against the current of the River, it would be a welcome opportunity. With this bit of regional interest the Skiff Put was introduced.
Engine info from Everett Smith 1994.
Lady Lynedoch is a nice example of the well-developed skiff putt and an example of the transition from the pure skiff to a craft intended for motor power.
Skiff builders found that they needed to reinforce the bottom a bit to handle the additional weight and thrust of the little engine. They also learned that the performance could be improved by adding a bit more keel and by widening the bottom a bit above the propeller. The engine is connected directly to the propeller. There is no transmission, so there is no reverse or neutral. Most prudent operators would cut the engine with enough leeway to use their oars to dock safely. However, many of the old timers were clever enough to slow the engine so it was just kicking over, hit the kill button and pull the spark lever over to one side as they let up on the button and the engine would fire again and start up backwards in reverse. A two-cycle engine will do that, but the operator had to know what he was doing to pull the maneuver off successfully.Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
1972.018Source or Donor
DePuy, CharlesMade/Created
Manufacturer
Elgin Boat WorksDate made
1930Place
Location
Brockville, Ontario, CanadaNotes
Early Date: mid 1930s
Propulsion: Inboard, gasoline
Engine: St. Lawrence Marine Engine Co., 2-cycle gas, serial 6562
Cylinders: 2
HP: 6
Field 13: 23"L 21"H 14"WOther Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Old NumberOther Number
405Location
Gallery
*Miller S. and Adelaide S. Gaffney GalleryBuilding
*Small Craft Building
