skinonframe

Skin-on-frame is a traditional and modern method of building small hulls in which a lightweight skeletal frame is constructed first and then covered with a stretched skin. The frame is usually made from straight-grained wood such as spruce, cedar, birch, or ash, and is lashed together with cord or sinew rather than fastened with nails. The skin, which can be animal hide (such as seal or caribou) or a durable fabric such as canvas or modern polymer-coated cloth, is stretched over the frame and secured at the edges. Seams are typically sealed with sinew, sealant, oil, or wax to shed water. The resulting hull gains rigidity from the tension of the skin and the geometry of the frame.

Historically, skin-on-frame construction has been used by many cultures, most famously in Arctic regions for kayaks and umiaks. The technique also appears in other parts of the world in canoes and small boats, reflecting a practical approach to lightweight, portable watercraft that can be repaired in remote locations. In contemporary practice, builders sometimes combine traditional frames with modern skins, or use plywood frames with synthetic skins, yielding vessels that preserve the classic form while benefiting from modern materials.

Advantages of skin-on-frame boats include light weight, ease of repair in the field, and simple tooling requirements. They are valued for portability and performance in calm to moderate conditions. Maintenance focuses on protecting the skin from punctures and UV damage and resealing seams as needed. The method remains popular among heritage craftspeople and contemporary paddlers seeking low-tech, customizable hulls.