22' Dutch Scow

In Progress

Designer:Howard Chapelle·Design:22' Dutch Utility Scow

Ben Hedquist
by Ben Hedquist

Howard Chapelles 22' Dutch Utility Scow. From "Boat building" by Howard Chapelle. Plate 28. & 29.

Modified for plywood construction.

I was taken by this boat after immersing my self into Howard Chapelles book, "boat building". I spent days looking, thinkng, dreaming. So, I decided to do something about it. I'm still not sure if it was a good idea

Chapter 1

The Beginning.

Introduction

December 14, 2025

Howard Chapelles 22' Dutch Utility Scow. From "Boat building" by Howard Chapelle. Plate 28. & 29.

Modified for plywood construction.

I was taken by this boat after immersing my self into Howard Chapelles book, "boat building". I spent days looking, thinkng, dreaming. So, I decided to do something about it. I'm still not sure if it was a good idea?

After checking with my wife, to make sure she wouldn't divorce me if I started another boat, we headed to Eden saw in Port Townsend for 13 sheet of 9mm. Marine ply.

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Lofting

December 14, 2025

I took the book to a print shop. They blew up the pages to make print legible and laminated a big copy.

Washable markers were nice for keeping spot on table of offsets, or making notes.

I tried to avoid lofting the entire keel, but quickly realized it was nessesary. My strong back providede a good space to draw it.

From there I was able make paterns for the front and back skeg. Don't forget to acount for the thickness of the planking!

I Spent alot of time lofting. I enjoyed it way more than I thougt I would. Helped me understand the design and provides ability to make patterns for any thing.

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Forms & pattens

December 26, 2025

Spiling....and...

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Chapter 2

Glue, and more glue.

Joining panels, butt blocks and edge glueing.

Glassing the inside sides.

January 19

This time I'm pre glassing the inside sides.

Seams way easier on a flat bench.

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Butt blocks and edge glueing.

January 19

Joined all panels.

Pumped, mixed, planed sanded and shaped till my fingers and wrists swelled up.

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Fiberglass

two weeks ago
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Fairing, rub rails, and paint.

last Friday
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