modern boats based on traditional designs

Yaffle Craft at the Southampton International Boat Show

Yaffle - a traditional alternative name for the green woodpecker with whome we feel an afinity for tapping on wood

This is our first year exhibiting at the Boat Show and we have a range of self-designed wooden recreational watercraft on display. If you want time to think more about our boats, our Boat Show prices will remain valid until the end of October 2026.

We are based locally in the New Forest and, as well as creating our own boats, are available for boat repairs in the local area or custom dinghy builds over a wider area.

Killieleepsie - a traditional alternative East Lothian name for the sandpiper

Our Killieleepsie is a 9 1/2 ft dinghy made from strip-planked western red cedar on a marine ply box frame with oak ribs and details and weighs around 55kg. In its most basic form it is a rowing dinghy but it has been designed from the keel up to be sailable, with fixing points built into the hull. Choices abound from the layout of the thwarts to optional lockers and camping accessories. We are also looking into the possibility of producing a fibreglass version which is likely to be lighter and cheaper to produce. We expect it to be available from mid-October 2026. Please let us know if you are interested.

Cwtiar - Welsh for the coot

Our Cwtiar is a western red cedar cold-moulded coracle with oak finishing. It measures 4ft in diameter, weighs around 20kg and comes with an appropriately sized paddle. With three layers of 2mm western red cedar and sheathed in fibreglass it is ideal for paddling from a single location. For those wishing to travel further we are also able to produce a two-layer version which would be lighter. If anyone is interested in either a three-layer or two-layer version with a transparent bottom we are currently determining whether this is practical so please make your interest known to us.

Brongie (pr. brung-gi) - a traditional alternative Scottish name for the cormorant

Our Brongie is large enough for two people to stand on. Made from strips of western red cedar and marine ply built around a hollow western red cedar frame it comes with a fin and appropriately sized paddle. It also features a fixing point for an ankle leash and a carrying trough along the underside of its keel.

Our main webpage is a little under the weather at the moment but we hope to have it up and running soon.

All weights are approximate due to the variations in the material and individual construction of the craft.