[Chris Morejohn]

I am now setting up shop in Mt. Olive NC to build this winter 3 skiffs of my design. Eric Kimes owns the shop where I will be building the Beryllium skiff along with a Boron skiff. I will assist Eric as he builds my PUFFER FISH 19 Glades Spliff edition in strip cedar and epoxy.
The shop is in a space in the back of an old Feed, fertilizer hardware store. Rachel and I live 4 blocks away now so it’s a great setup.
I will be photographing the builds so I have gone a bit extra in building the deck strong back and having a nice cutting table and cloth rack to be able to show how things can be done.
I am used to building outside and in real limited spaces and conditions so this setup is a dream come true. Real quiet here other than the Pickle trucks getting their loads of pickle jars next door once in awhile.
The Beryllium skiff is going to Capt. Robert Alexander in Beaufort SC once I am finished. I will as I go along post all the design elements that will be built into this skiff along with the others.
I will build the cored skiffs using epoxy resin and Basalt cloth on the exterior skins and finish the insides and deck in polyester resin.
Eric will build the PUFFER FISH in epoxy, cedar and Ocumme plywood with core being used sandwiched between ply in the ring frames.
The PUFFER FISH skiff design is about getting into the deepest reaches of the Everglades under all those overhanging branches that makes it impossible to get a regular skiff into. Years ago with my wife we paddled the length of the Everglades in an aluminum canoe taking 10 days. We got into many incredible bays by sitting in the bottom of the canoe and pulling ourselves along by the overhanging branches to reach theses bays. You have to abide by the spiders though. The fishing in these untouched bays was unbelievable, but we had to move on to the next dry campsite. With the PUFFER you can stay aboard as there’s enough room in her. No more permits and if it’s good just anchor for the night.
The Puffer is designed to carry up to a 15 Hp which should give around 20 knts speed empty in flat water. She will carry a 2,000lb load as shown. The design is to be able to cross large rough bays, staying dry and out of the weather and to be a sneak box extreme for duck hunting and other pursuits. This design gets built in 2 halves and then glued and glassed together. This will be a fun build.
Will be posting as I go along.

 

[bryson]

So great! I can't wait to see the progress. This will be a tremendous resource for those wanting to build their own skiff.

 

[lemaymiami]

You're going to have quite an audience... I'm looking forward to each and every report....

 

[tailchaser16]

Puffer fish, Spliff Edition. hahaha

 

[firecat1981]

Really looking forward to the Beryllium build.

 

[NativeBone]

Really looking forward to the Beryllium build.

Ditto!

 

[LowHydrogen]

I'm looking forward to each and every report....

Same! Going to be awesome!

 

[Bonecracker]

Love it!

 

[CKEAT]

Can’t wait to see this thread unfold!

 

[flyclimber]

Really looking forward to the Beryllium build.

This!!

 

[bryson]

I think the Beryllium is going to be where it's at for new skiff builders. The most challenging area of the Conchfish (in my opinion) is the "pocket" chines, especially where they end near the bow. A hull with traditional chines may be a little less daunting for a first time builder.

 

[Chris Morejohn]

Got the Beryllium skiff strong back made today and the Pufferfish stations up. The Puffer fish skiff is a vision in my head so will fair the stations to suit tomorrow morning as I see things evolve in its concept. I have decided to make the hulls bottom as efficient as possible for speed under power. Will have the Beryllium stations up after recovery day.
Have a great eating to excess day.

 

[BassFlats]

Geez Chris, it looks like you've done this before.

 

[omegadef]

Geez Chris, it looks like you've done this before.

Yeah, that's the way its done. I guarantee I would have spent more time trying to find straight 2x4's than he did building the whole thing.

 

[Backcountry 16]

Looking forward to seeing the pufferfish

 

[GaG8tor]

Really looking forward to seeing this unfold. May make a stop by on my next trip up to the OBX. Sweet shop setup too.

 

[Chris Morejohn]

Not much progress since Turkey day. I will be off to the Bahamas for a week as my house is sold there and I have to go over and get my belongings. End of an era for me.
You get an idea of the waterline beam on the Beryllium skiff with these photos. More beam at the waterline than my past HB Professional design, along with the Lithium skiff, 10 Weight design. But not as wide as my Guide design.
I am putting in the tunnel plug for a future build if someone wants to build off this jig. This skiff will not need the tunnel.

 

[Surffshr]

Loving that tunnel

 

[firecat1981]

CM, I'm not sure if you can divulge this, but what is the waterline beam of the Beryllium?

 

[SeaDrifter]

Dadgummit CM...I had to replace my blasted keyboard because it shorted out from all the drool. I see an 18-20' build in my future and I really dig the lines you have going!




Michael
(Skinny Dipper Fishing)