Manly/Belmont - NextGen 16ft Skiff
Welcome to the new production 16ft Skiff, commissioned by Manly and Belmont 16ft Skiff Clubs.
The main objectives of the project has been to offer production 16ft Skiffs that meet supply, quality and performance requirements of the Australian 16ft skiff sailors.
The committee (made up of representatives from both clubs) engaged Damic Design to design a new deck, tooling, oversee production and manage customer service.
The clubs engaged with sailors for initial concept feedback (via information sessions held at the major clubs over the winter of 2024) and settled on a new deck design which maintains the original one design Craig Hughes/ASSA hull shape. The new deck significantly reduces manufacturing complexity while offering setup of different configurations that suit individual sailor preferences.
The clubs also invested in precision carbon tooling to ensure longevity and consistency of skiffs produced using the latest pre/preg carbon manufacturing processes.
Some of the key features include:
Easy integration of a spinnaker chute as an upgrade option
Hidden control line take ups for a clean and modern deck layout
Strong emphasis on improving hull stiffness with class leading quality control measures
Moulded kick-off bars that extend further aft for improved ergonomics
View our list of Frequently Asked Questions if you’d like to learn more.
KEY INFORMATION
Financially backed by joint partnership between Manly and Belmont 16ft Skiff Clubs, endorsed by ASSA
Australian made by our building contractor in NSW
Project managament, sales and design work by Luka of Damic Design
Key decisions by Manly/Belmont Partnership Committee
Production scheduled to commence as soon as practically possible post prototype testing
NOTE: The production boat may vary slightly from the above prototype Images
Pricing TBC
Base package will include a painted white hull (no foils) in cradle with basic hardware like mast step, rudder gudgeons and jib track supplied attached. Additional items available as optional extras.
Payment SCHEDULE
$5,000+GST - To secure build slot
50% - At production commencement
Balance - Prior to delivery
BUILD SLOTS
—————Batch 1—————-
HULL 1 - confirmed
HULL 2 - confirmed
—————Batch 2—————-
HULL 3 - confirmed
HULL 4 - confirmed
—————Batch 3—————-
HULL 5 - available
HULL 6 - available
DESIGN FEATURES, MATERIALS & FINISH
3 component boat with hollow side-tanks and floor under foredeck
Precision machined tooling verified by scan to +/-1mm accuracy view 3D scans
Supplied as standard spinnaker bag configuration or optional upgrade to spinnaker chute (at additional cost)
Estimated bare hull weight of less than 62kg (white boats only)
FEA engineered frame layout for increased stiffness and longevity
Integrated kick-out bars that extend further aft for sheethand
Unobstructed hiking for skipper due to kick-out bars matching the side-tank profile
Access for under-deck rigging and customisation by customer
Hull shape, geometry and layout based on the ASSA “China” skiff
Pre/Preg Carbon over 10mm Nomex/Foam Construction
2K polyurethane painted finish in standard white or a choice of 5 upgrade colours (at additional cost)
Supplied as a bare painted hull in cradle as a default option
Additional items include: Foils, Ronstan hardware package, ropes package and installed Deckgrip
Project Gallery & Updates
Week of Sep 7: Prototype testing
Week of June 23: Secondary bonding of frames complete, gluing flanges complete, deck de-moulded
Week of June 16: Chainplate solids installed, floor fitted, deck skin layup
Week of June 9: Frames bonded, deck layup preparation
Week of June 2: Hull and floor fully cured, frames loose-fitted and prepped for bonding, peer review completed
Week of May 26: Boat orders confirmed, hull nomex and floor foam lay up, deck layup preparation, frame lamination and templating
Week of May 19: Deposit invoices issued, hull skin and core layup, floor skin layup, frame panel layup
Week of May 12: Prototype production commenced & boat draw completed for eligible EOIs
Week of May 5: Prototype build preparation & boat draw announcement
Week of April 28: Post-cure of moulds and prototype build preparation
Week of April 21: Hull and floor moulds are finished, deck mould framing in progress.
Week of April 7: Deck mould infused, hull mould frames trim/fit and secondary bonding. Gunwale flange lamination completed.
Week of March 3: Mould manufacturing is underway with the hull mould being prepped for infusion
Skiff floor plug machining - Nov '24
Skiff deck plug after rough finish - Nov '24
Skiff deck plug complete - Dec '24
Skiff hull plug complete - Dec '24
Skiff hull plug delivered - Dec '24
Hull plug prep before layup - Mar '25
Cockpit floor mould - Mar '25
Hull mould infusion - Mar '25
Hull mould nearing completion - Apr '25
Nomex/Carbon panel samples for prototype - Apr '25
Finished hull mould - April '25
Hull layup - May '25
Floor skin & solids - May '25
Hull outer skin - May '25
Hull shell complete - June '25
Floor de-moulded - June '25
Hull with frame layout - June '25
Prototype testing - Sep '25
Interested in getting a new skiff?
Please fill out the Skiff Order Form and we’ll be in touch with you on next steps and a deposit.