Owner’s Description
Whisp’R is a 15’7″ ultralight sharpie skiff built from plans penned by the designer, Steve Redmond. The design name is ‘Whisp’. Lapstrakes made of Occume marine plywood, stern is Sapelle, ash gunwales, and other hardwoods sourced from Port Townsend’s ‘Edensaw Woods Ltd.’. The cane seats were made by ‘Shaw & Tenney’, and the club-footed sprit sail was a kit from ‘Sailrite’ on which I learned to sew using an old all-metal Kenmore sewing machine. The skiff uses a lee board when under sail.
Tom J. Hill and Steve Redmond’s all spruce build weighed in at just 68 pounds; my build using pieces of oak, purple heart, and other hardwood bits and pieces brought the dry weight up to 105 pounds. I shaped the mast and sprit boom out of a decent length of Sitka spruce.
The lettering font I chose for the name board I built was cut out on a laser NC machine programmed by a young man by the name of Tyler Fishbone; a Seattle resident. Thanks Tyler!
This is my first boat build and although I bought the plans in 1987, I did not start the build until 2017 and finished the build in 2019. I learned a lot about patience, perseverance and process! I am very proud of the work I have done and hope I get to enjoy the craft for many years to come.
As a ‘finishing touch’, I took a chunk of basswood to try my hand at woodcarving. Made a dragon for my boat’s bow and built a circuit to power 12 volt LEDs for Smok Wawel’s eyes, mouth and heart. Red for port eye, green for the starboard eye, blue for his heart and white to light the ‘Pearl of Wisdom’ laying on his tongue. I found the circuit on:
The circuit fades power in and out for his heart and mouth. The red and green lights are controlled by a digital dimmer pot. Smok’s job is to keep the sea serpents from harming me or my boat! lol
I also took the time to cut down three styrofoam shipping containers using a hot wire cutter, fiber glassed, and painted them white. Each one strapped beneath a cane seat to provide extra flotation in case my novice sailing ability causes a capsize; just a little extra insurance!Photos
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6 thoughts on “16' Redmond Whisp Skiff (2019) - WHISP'R”
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6 thoughts on “16' Redmond Whisp Skiff (2019) - WHISP'R”
Gilbert, thanks for the complement! I wish I had used Pettit products. I am sure the application of their products wouldn’t give me the headache of the the marine product company I chose; I won’t mention who it was….
I just have conventional oars I found new in a Marine Surplus store years ago. Perhaps I will splurge someday for a good set of spoons.
Very nice rendition of the Whisp. I love the whimsical add ons! I built one in 2005. And it was painted the same yellow as yours, at least it looks the same. Pettit Brightside yellow. They row very well and is fast with spoon blades. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you ‘daughter of mine’! Can’t wait to try my hand at sailing on the local lakes! I need to improve on my rowing technique for sure. I am also anxious to go about exploring the local fresh waters on the Olympic Peninsula.
Such a beautiful boat! Proud of you for completing what has been a wonderful project – and a gorgeous piece of art! <3 Can't wait to see you sailin' on the coastal canals! <3
Hi Ted, glad you like it!
Believe you me, I’d like to see it under sail soon too. This winter weather needs to be done with and gone.
I’m really glad to be in the show amongst all these beautiful craft; great ‘armchair sailing’ and good for the soul!
Absolutely beautiful, and thoughtfully festooned with touches of craftsmanship and cleverness. It was such a pleasure to see the boat over the summer, Rich, and I’d love to see her under sail sometime soon. Great to see Whisp’R in the show!