Name/Title
Wilstead Woodcraft Skiff PuttEntry/Object ID
2018.2.1Description
Wilstead Woodcraft Skiff Putt
The motorized skiff, or "Skiff-Putt" as they were affectionately named due to the "putt-putt" sound their engines made, was an adaptation of the original St. Lawrence rowing skiff. The addition of the engine allowed the boat to cover much more distance on the river which was greatly welcomed by the many fishing guides who used them at the time. Before the advent of the motorized skiffs, the guides would have had to row to all of their favourite fishing sports with their clients. The first St. Lawrence rowing skiffs date back to the late 1860's when a gentleman named Xavier Colon of Clayton, New York built one as a workboat for a local fishing guide. Several years later the St. Lawrence River Skiff, Canoe and Steam Launch Company as formed with the financial backing of a group of wealthy American businessmen and produced many different types of pleasure craft from the factory in Clayton, including the St. Lawrence Skiffs.
This "Skiff Putt" was built at Wilstead Woodcraft in 1992 by Charlie and Mollie Cliffe. The boat is a reproduction of a sixteen foot rowing skiff with an additional two feet added on. The design of the craft was heavily influenced by the original works of Jack Mallette, a renowned Gananoque boat builder. It is constructed of white cedar planks over oak ribs and was built using the traditional method of fastening the planks to the form created by the keel an custom-made mould. The steam bent ribs were carefully laid in place after the mould was removed and were attached with copper nails. The skiff is powered by a three horsepower, single cylinder, two cycle engine with a top speed of around 12 MPH. This particular engine was manufactured by the St. Lawrence Engine Company wich produced two-cycle marine engines at their Brockville facility from 1905 until approximately 1949. The design of this skiff includes an elegant S shape stern to accomodate the shaft and propeller. The rudder was hand made out of a solid piece of walnut. Charlie had estimated he and Mollie spent will over 100 hours of labour building the boat.
George Smith (donor) was a former mayor of Brockville and his family had shares in the St. Lawrence Engine Company which is why the engine was specifically ordered from there.Collection
Boat CollectionMake and Manufacture
Manufacturer
Cliffe CraftManufacture Place
* Untyped Manufacture Place
Wilstead, ONManufacture Date
1992Dimensions
Width
43 inDepth
16 inLength
18 ft