“It has been 3 weeks since I took delivery of Russell's first kit. This is not my first boatbuilding project, nor my first kit. I can without reservation say that this project is the most thought out and detailed kit and manual I have seen. The parts fit together flawlessly and if you follow Russell's manual verbatim you will end up with a beautiful looking and well built boat. There are lots of little tricks and steps in the manual that, while they may take more time initially, will crate a stronger and better finished boat later.” JB Seattle, WA, Feb. 2010

“Hello all,

 We kept our little skiff very busy last weekend here in Los Angeles Harbor as a coach boat in our LAYC Harbor Cup regatta.  I had the sailing coach for the US Merchant Marine Academy on board Friday, Saturday and Sunday while they competed with nine other college teams.  The skiff was a really neat boat for the task, and in about 12 hours of use Friday and Saturday, burned 5.1 gallons of fuel.  We had fun surfing on other boat's wakes, and enjoyed many, many compliments on how attractive the skiff is.  It leaves very little wake compared to Boston Whalers and RIBs with their 50 and 70 HP engines.  I have attached several photos of us taken during the regatta.

All in all, a very satisfying boat!  I hear lots of members in Los Angeles Yacht Club now have skiff envy.”

JM, CA;owner of the first prototype, March 2010

“....  We have towed our skiff up to Huntington Lake in the Sierra's for the High Sierra Regatta 2 weekends ago, and it has been through the Golden Gate earlier this season.  Also several outings here in LA harbor.  The boat is just great! “

JM, CA;owner of the first prototype, July 19th, 2010

See a review by Aaron Porter: Professional Boatbuilder review July 2010

Overall the build process from picking up my kit at Russell's shop to getting on the water was 22 weeks. This included time off on Sunday's for skiing with the family in winter, and soccer games in spring. However, 5-6 months is a reasonable build time for anyone with a regular job and some family commitments.

Hey, I enjoyed it, and now I enjoy being on the water. PIKA has exceeded our expectation in her utility as a runabout and camping boat for the Puget Sound area. We have powered her with a new 25hp E-Tec, which proved plenty powerful. On a recent trip to Deception Pass, fully loaded with 3 adults, 1 child, 8 gal of fuel, and food/gear for the day we averaged 1.25-1.5 gal/h running between 15-18 kn. I am still learning when its best to use the water ballast since so far we have been running loaded for every outing.

One thing is certain, she turns heads wherever she is. Paul and Eric drew a beautiful and functional hull, and Russell provided the insights and experience to build her strong and light. Thanks guys, we are having a blast. The PIKA crew

Novemeber 2, 2010

“We took our little skiff up to the High Sierra Regatta earlier this summer.  The event is held on Huntington Lake, which is east of Fresno up in the mountains.  Our kids were racing their Opti's, and mom and dad got to try fishing and sightseeing from the skiff.  Here are a couple of shots to prove we were there.

Still nothing but rave reviews where ever we take the boat!

Thanks for a great ride”, JM, CA;owner of the first prototype

“Its not a case of if ill build this boat but when I can start it. I cant remember when I last saw a design that jumped off the page at me like this one.” MB Jan.2011

About the PT Skiff Manual

“I've read many boatbuilding books and never thought that I would label any a page-turner, but your Building the PT Skiff comes pretty close. You have created by far the most informative, thorough, and clear boatbuilding manual I have ever read. Kudos to you and thank you.

W.H. Mentor, Ohio” 2011

Wooden Boat Magazine’s 2012 “Small Boats” issue currently contains a really nice article about the PT Eleven by Tom Jackson. Lots of great small boats are featured so please look for it on your news stand!

or here:

http://www.woodenboatstore.com/WBs-SMALL-BOATS-magazine-2012/productinfo/201-007/