Plans to build the 16' Rail Bird Poling Skiff
This poling skiff design came from a century old Rail Bird poling skiff on display in the Chesapeake Bay maritime museum. The originals were planked with solid lumber, but this model uses my modern ply-on-frame technique, so is a lot lighter and of course more durable than the traditional models.
The poling skiff is excellent for shallow, backwater areas that are sometimes choked with vegitation. They make great hunting and fishing vessels for the outdoorsman seeking to find a useful tool for plying these waters.
Photos of the Rail Bird Poling Skiff
Free Study Plans for the Rail Bird Poling Skiff
Our study plans are two of the actual construction drawings. They're not enough information for you to build the boat, but they do give you the overall boat size, shape and construction methods. This is a pdf file readable with the free Adobe Acrobat pdf file reader.
Purchase Construction Plans for the Rail Bird Poling Skiff
IMPORTANT - Read Carefully Before Ordering
If you are purchasing plans that you will be downloading in electronic format, you will NOT be emailed the plans. You must complete the download process yourself. After completing the purchase and having your payment accepted, use the Return to Spira International link to take you to a secure page on the Spira International site where you may download the plans and instructions. DO NOT USE THE [BACK] BUTTON! We will be notified of your purchase, but are not informed if you completed the download of your plans or not. If, for some reason, you cannot download the plans immediately after completing the transaction, e-mail us and we'll make sure you receive the approprite link to download your plans.
If you are purchasing printed plans that you expect shipped to you, use the appropriate button below. The plans will be sent via USPS Priority mail. Allow 1-2 weeks if in the US, and up to 4 weeks or more outside the US.
Want to Know about the Plans and the Difference Between E-Plans and Printed Plans?
Check out this blog post: What Comes With Your Plans and What's the Difference Between E-Plans and Printed Plans?
Electronic Construction Plans for 16' Rail Bird
Imperial (feet and inches) only
Downloadable PDF Plans
US$ 59.99
No Shipping - You Download Instantly
Printed Construction Plans for the 16' Rail Bird
Imperial (feet and inches) only
Paper Plans Mailed to You
US$ 69.99
+ Shipping ($8 USA, $35 International)
Mail, Phone or FAX Ordering Electronic or Printed Plans
If you wish to receive printed plans, or wish to pay by check, money order or credit card by mail, phone or FAX, just download the pdf order form and price list by clicking on the image below.
About Pooling Skiffs
Poling skiffs were used in the backwaters of the Chesapeake Bay for the past hundred years or so. They were used for hunting and fishing in skinny back water sloughs, and bayous. Only drawing a couple inches of water, these utility skiffs were the staple of self sufficient hunters and fishermen whose success in a boat may have made the difference in whether they had food for the family to eat.
These boats would be excellent wherever choked off slow moving water needs to be navigated. They make great layout hunting canoes also.
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