Thames skiff

A Thames skiff is a traditional

The Thames skiff owes its origins to the clinker boat building technique, of over-lapping timber planking, that's known to have existed in the region from before the 6th century Anglo-Saxon Snape and Sutton Hoo ship burials. Many of the terms used for parts of the skiff are of Germanic origin – "

Skiffs usually provide for one or two scullers but because they have been built to individual customer's specifications, there can be a wide variety of designs. There are skiffs with three or four rowing positions. Skiffs with more than one sculler have a seat for a coxswain who steers the boat by ropes attached to a rudder. Single scullers usually steer themselves, but some single skiffs allow for a cox/passenger as well. Some skiffs also provide for a sail to be used.

Skiffs following the traditional Thames design are to be found in the Netherlands and Argentina, although Argentinian skiffs usually have outriggers instead of tholes.

Uses and types

Skiffs are both recreational and working boats on the Thames. They can be seen used for

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Thames skiff.

• Thames Traditional Boat Society - Plans for skiffs and punts
• Docklands Museum collection
• Thames skiff holiday providers

• The Skiff Racing Association
• The Skiff Club, Teddington