skuffes

Skuffes are a type of lightweight, shallow-draft boat that originated in Northern European maritime cultures, particularly in Norway and Denmark. The word derives from Old Norse “skúff,” meaning a small fishing vessel, and entered modern Scandinavian languages as “skuffe.” In English, the term is occasionally used to describe similar craft in North America, especially within coastal fishing communities of Canada and the United States.

These vessels are built with a narrow hull and a relatively flat bottom to allow navigation in shallow waters such as fjords, estuaries, and coastal bays. Traditional construction methods employ a lashing technique with spruce planks and pegs, while contemporary skuffes may be assembled from plywood or composite materials. Their simplicity makes them economical for small-scale fishing, recreational use, or short‑distance transport of goods and personnel.

Skuffes are typically propelled by oars, a small outboard motor, or a modest sail. Because of their shallow draft, they can beach themselves, facilitating easy loading of catch or supplies onto shore. The design also permits a spacious hold, often accessed via a hatch or a removable side panel, supporting the storage of nets, fish, and other equipment.

In modern contexts, skuffes are sometimes revived by enthusiasts of traditional sailing for heritage festivals, coastal tourism, and educational workshops that demonstrate historic shipbuilding techniques. The vessel’s blend of functional simplicity and cultural heritage makes it a distinctive component of maritime history in Scandinavia and beyond.