17' Rangeley Lake Boat (2018) - FISH SLAYER

By the early 1900’s flyfishing had put the sleepy town of Rangeley Maine on the map. The boats available at the time were not particularly well suited to meet the needs of the clientele that were flocking to these large mountain lakes. A new design was called for. One that was stable enough for a person to stand and cast from, be seaworthy enough to cope with the strong wind and 3 to 4 foot waves which accompanied summer thunderstorms, be easily rowed at a moderate pace for hours on end and be strong enough to hold up heavy use. Out of these requirements emerged the Rangeley Lake Boat.

Unlike the Adirondack Guide Boat, which is far lighter, the Rangeley was much more heavily built as it was not intended to be portaged. Rangeley’s were typically painted and lacked the ornate details and sailing rigs found on the St. Lawrence River Skiffs. They had oak ribs every 3 inches providing strength to the cedar planking. The outer stems and keel were considered wear items and could be unscrewed and replaced. But the most unique feature of the Rangeley are the seats. Instead of a flat board, a piano stool top kept the fisherman situated in the center of the boat when it was being rowed and the sides of the seat provide a secure spot to store the flies and tackle used for fishing. I tend to place my water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, chart and binoculars in this area.

Each summer, my wife and I spend several long weekends camping in the Rangeley Lakes and I wanted to build a boat which would honor the traditional boats of the region.
Fish Slayer is based on the plans shown in John Gardner’s Building Small Craft. But rather than building her traditionally, I made some modifications. As she would spend a great deal of time on a trailer, I opted to use glued lapstrake construction with 4mm marine plywood for the hull, laminated ribs and a full length seat riser. Another change was to forgo the flat transom which was common on Rangeleys built after the invention of the outboard motor, instead reverting to the original and far sexier double ender.

Fish Slayer swallows our gear, outpaces a canoe without breaking a sweat and is a delight when the waves kick up.