Winninghoff Boats: Pilot House Modified Vee Hull

These boats evolved during the early ‘80’s, being developed because many Rowley Skiff prospects wanted vee hulls rather than the nearly flat bottom of the 20 and 22 foot Rowley Skiffs. The first of these was designed by Pieter Kroon who had joined the company in 1981 and soon took over shop operations. Pieter, who was born in Holland, had come to the states with his family after WWII. He had a wood boat building yard in Holland, and was an accomplished boat builder (in wood) and a designer. His sense of what looked good of lines was influenced by his Dutch heritage. During the evolution of what were mostly 7.4 m (24 foot) pilot house boats, Gordon Graham, a local N.A. was responsible for what could be termed the Winninghoff style. Jack Winninghoff and Gordon seemed to see eye to eye on appearance.

The first 24 footer had a modified vee hull with less than 10 degrees deadrise. With a 70 HP outboard, she ran well, although more power was desirable. The 70 HP engine mounted was owner provided. The second such hull had slightly more deadrise and a 130 HP Volvo gas I/O. The engine was a marine version of the 4 cylinder high-speed (5,500 rpm) engines used in Volvo automobiles at the time. She was used as a lobster boat.

Gordon Graham took over the design of the next 24 foot pilot house boat in the series, giving it its present look and modifying the hull lines slightly by increasing the deadrise to 14 degrees. He got it right as the saying goes. The first of this model pictured was built for the Danvers Harbor Master. It has served them well. It is still powered with the original Volvo 4 cylinder diesel I/O which as this is written it is scheduled for engine replacement with a newer Volvo common rail diesel. Now painted blue, she has been well maintained.