Single Shell FIREFLY 18ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

The 18 Single Shell Firefly is a refined wooden rowing craft designed for speed, efficiency, and graceful glide. Measuring 18 feet in length with a slender 2′ 10″ beam, this single scull embodies the elegant proportions of traditional racing shells. Its narrow waterline reduces drag, while the shallow 4″ draft allows it to move effortlessly across calm water. Built for performance yet retaining classic wooden beauty, the Firefly achieves a lightweight rigged displacement of approximately 90 lbs., striking a careful balance between structural rigidity and responsiveness. The hull form is optimized for smooth tracking and efficient power transfer, making it ideal for fitness rowing, training sessions, or recreational sculling. General Specifications: - Length Overall (LOA): 18ft - Beam: 2.1ft - Draft: 4inches - Displacement: Approximately 90 lbs. (rigged) - Propulsion: Oars This wooden boat crafted by us is built from woodenboat.com plans, with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the vessel to order-offering both full-size boats and finely detailed scale models. Disclaimer: Single Shell Firefly 18ft Custom Built Boat is a design by Ken Bassett. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ken Bassett. The Firefly offers a responsive yet stable rowing experience. Its long, fine entry promotes clean water separation, while the lightweight structure allows quick acceleration with each stroke. Combining traditional craftsmanship with athletic performance, the 18 Single Shell Firefly stands as a striking example of wooden rowing shell design-built for those who value both speed and timeless aesthetics. The 18' Single Shell Firefly emerged from the late 20th-century revival of wooden rowing craft, when builders and designers sought alternatives to mass-produced composite racing shells. While fiberglass and carbon fiber dominated competitive rowing, a parallel movement celebrated the aesthetic warmth and craftsmanship of traditional wood construction. The Firefly was conceived within this context-designed to deliver efficient sculling performance while preserving the visual elegance of classic wooden boats. Its 18-foot length and slender beam reflect long-established principles of single-shell design: maximizing waterline length for glide while minimizing beam to reduce drag. Designers carefully balanced hull stiffness and weight, achieving a competitive 90-pound rigged displacement-light enough for responsive acceleration yet strong enough for durability. The Firefly was intended not only for racing aspirations but also for fitness rowing and recreational sculling, broadening its appeal beyond elite competition. Over time, the Firefly has become appreciated among rowing enthusiasts who value tradition as much as performance. It stands as part of a broader heritage of handcrafted rowing shells-boats that connect modern athletes with the historic artistry of wooden boatbuilding. Today, the 18' Single Shell Firefly continues to represent the harmony between precision hydrodynamics and timeless craftsmanship.