I am lifting questions from our forum and emails related to the PT SKIFF and listing them here basically in alphabetical order. You can scroll down to find what you are looking for or try the search box to the right…. If you have a question not found here, please email us. Our email info is on our website PTWATERCRAFT.COM or use INFO@ in front of that. Pardon the code but bad-b0ts just love to abuse email addresses.
BUILDERS?? Who can I hire to build a PT Skiff for me?
Builder’s who have put themselves forward as candidates to build for customers are: Formula Boatworks in Mystic CT Jim Hansen 860-536-9309
Water Baron of Old Warf Dory in Wellfleet MA 508-349-2383
Symphony Boat Company Deluth MN 218-213-0698 The NW School of Wooden Boat Building in Port Hadlock WA:360-385-4948
COST? How much will it cost to build the PT Skiff?
The base kit costs $3950 plus shipping. This kit includes more than 120 ply parts, many lumber parts, water ballast components, long boards & assorted specialty “tools”, a very detailed photo manual, a complete set of drawings, USCG decal and HIN, multiple patterns and more. Add the cost of epoxy, fiberglass and various options available from PT Watercraft, consumables, deck plates, a 20HP motor with steering arrangement, finishing paints, a trailer, and a few odd items easy to buy locally and you should have a nicely finished, serious 18.5ft motor boat for $10,000 to $12,000. Personal choices and resources will be what make the difference for each builder. See the website for options costs and please write or call with your specific questions.
ELECTRIC PROPULSION? How would the PT Skiff do with an electric motor such as the Torqeedo…?
-Because of the hull shape of the PT Skiff and its ability to operate well also at lower speeds, it would be a good candidate for an electric motor. The battery bank could be located below the middle seat. You might not get more than 8knots in speed and it might not plane but it would be a very seaworthy, lightweight commuter.
Epoxy hazzards? Westsystem.com has lots of information including safety information. See this page for information about over-exposure.
HOIST POINTS? Are there attachment points to launch the boat with a crane/hoist?
-Yes, there are hoist points near the center under the side decks and at the transom.
HORSE POWER? The PT Skiff is designed and rated for a maximum of 25HP.
A 20 HP gives maximum speeds around 20knots.
Being the lightweight boat it is, heavier and more powerful motors would create issues with the boat.
Ideally, for fuel efficiency and clean power, 4 stroke is preferred but 2 stroke or 4 stroke is the builder’s choice.
MANUAL? Is the Builder’s Manual available for purchase?
-YES, The builder’s Manual is available for sale individually. There is an order form on the website and you can pay using PAY PAL secure invoice.The price is $40 credited when you buy a kit. Add $5 for shipping. WA residents should add their local sales tax to the $45.-
PLANS? Are there plans for the PT SKIFF?
–No. The PT SKIFF was specifically designed for CNC cut stitch and glue kits. The designers at this time do not intend to create a set of plans as an alternative.
SELF BAILING? While the PT Skiff was not designed to be truly self bailing, there is a relatively simple option which will allow it to self bail at speed and drain while on the trailer.
Because the PT Skiff does not have a sealed floor above the waterline, this self-bailing method relies on a device called, an “Elephant’s trunk”. This is simply tubes coming out of the back of the hull (see images) with “lay flat” hoses attached. These hoses are held vertically against the transom by a quick-release control line and released when draining or bailing is needed.
The hose used in an “Elephant’s trunk” will open up to allow water to escape when the boat is on a plane, but will pinch itself closed when the boat is not planing.
You can see great images of all this on the website from the “PT Skiff” page or find a link also on the “Other Stuff” page of links.
SHAFT LENGTH? The PT Skiff needs a long shaft outboard. The transom height is 21.5 inches. The Yamaha 20 HP 4 stroke lists the long shaft as being 20inches. This sounds confusing but depending on how it is mounted, when physically measured, one may come up with anywhere from 20 to 22 inches from clamp to the plate above the prop.
SHIPPING? Quotes for shipping clear across the USA have been in the range of +/-$300 to $470 for 2011. Delivery to a commercial address is cheaper than a residence. Interestingly, OVERSEAS Ocean Freight is quoted at about the same but this is PORT to PORT and does not include clearance/duties into the country not transport from the port to residence. The kit boxes and weights are described on the PT Skiff and Kit Details pages of the website if you have alternative shipping options.
SHIPPING OVERSEAS? How Much to ship a kit overseas?
-As of the end of 2010 we have reasonable shipping overseas Port to Port. We are looking into assigning distributors to handle group shipments so that the end receiver would pay less for transport and thus offset importation costs. This would be ocean freight with delivery of 5 to 6 weeks. This price is no higher than quotes for trucking the kit across the USA 
Other destinations including New Zealand and Australia are expected to be just as affordable. Those of you interested should look into the nearest major ports to your area and what is involved in clearing a kit into the country and getting it then to your door. Kit package dimensions and weights are posted on the website.
SKILL LEVEL? You should be comfortable using wood working machines and some experience in building things out of wood is strongly advised. The manual is very detailed and is 2/3rds photographs and includes a lot of technique valuable for any epoxy and wood skill building. This is a fairly challenging project but if you can read directions and follow them, you should be able to build this boat.
SPACE NEEDED? The skiff measures 18.5 ft x 6 ft, you need space for a 4ft wide table, and as the easiest way to build much of the skiff is on edge, you need more than 8ft clearance. That said, at least 16ft x 20 or 22 ft space makes sense since you need some space to move around too.
SUNSHADE? The weight and windage of a permanent dodger or bimini top would negatively affect such a light weight boat. An alternative for shade would be a commercial articulating umbrella like those used in out door cafe’s. It would mount on the side of the console and the driver could control the angle and it could be stowed when it is too windy or not in use. Also, making use of the forward upper coaming, lightweight canvas dodgers can be designed by your local canvas shop.