Description:
The Stony Lake 16' is a traditionally inspired open rowing and sailing skiff designed for relaxed recreational use and family outings. With a length overall of 16 feet and a generous 42? beam, this versatile craft offers excellent initial stability and comfortable interior space. Its shallow 4.4? draft allows easy launching and operation in protected lakes, calm rivers, and nearshore waters, while the moderate displacement of approximately 400 lbs ensures a solid and confidence-inspiring presence on the water.
Our workshop faithfully recreates this classic small craft using premium marine materials-including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and high-grade marine plywood reinforced with U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass cloth, sealed with marine epoxy and finished with System Three marine spar varnish. Each hull is handcrafted using traditional stitch-and-glue construction, resulting in a durable yet refined wooden boat that balances structural integrity with elegant lines. Typical build time ranges from 3-5 months depending on interior layout and finish specifications.
Clients may customize seating arrangements, sailing rig configuration (if specified), storage compartments, trim details, wood combinations, and protective finishes-allowing each Stony Lake 16' to reflect personal preferences and intended use.
General Dimensions:
- Length Overall (LOA): 16'
- Beam: 42?
- Draft: 4.4?
- Displacement: Approximately 400 lbs
- Propulsion: Oars and optional sail rig
Performance & Use:
Designed primarily for sheltered waters, the Stony Lake 16' delivers steady tracking and reassuring stability, making it ideal for family recreation, light fishing, or casual rowing and sailing. Its shallow draft enhances accessibility to beaches and quiet shorelines, while the wide beam supports comfortable movement within the cockpit. Combining timeless wooden aesthetics with practical modern construction, the Stony Lake 16' is well suited for relaxed cruising and traditional boating enjoyment.
This wooden boat crafted by us is built from woodenboat.com Plans, with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the vessel to order-offering both full-size boats and finely detailed scale models.
Disclaimer: Stony Lake 16ft Custom Built Boat is a design by Steve Killing. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Steve Killing in any way.
Contact us to explore specifications, finish options, and build schedules for your Stony Lake 16'.
History:
The Stony Lake 16' traces its roots to the tradition of practical North American lake skiffs-simple, stable boats designed for fishing, transportation, and relaxed family outings. Boats of this type were commonly found in cottage regions and freshwater communities, where shallow draft, generous beam, and dependable handling were essential for everyday use.
As recreational boating expanded in the mid-20th century, designs like the Stony Lake evolved to emphasize comfort and versatility. Builders refined hull shapes for improved tracking and load capacity while maintaining straightforward construction methods that could be achieved in small workshops. The result was a dependable 16-foot platform well suited to rowing, light sailing, and quiet exploration of sheltered waters.
In recent decades, renewed interest in classic wooden boats has brought designs such as the Stony Lake 16' back into focus. Modern stitch-and-glue and marine plywood techniques allow contemporary builders to recreate these traditional forms with improved durability and reduced maintenance, preserving the spirit of the original lake skiffs while adapting them for today's recreational boaters