The Acorn skiff in all its length variants is a true Whitehall type modest load carrying rowing and (careful) a fast sailing skiff, no compromises.

Several have been built with sliding seats, most notably a very good 15 by John Willoughby, that I fell out of very ungraciously many years ago. Peter Furze, serial Oughtred builder, rowed his 11'6" Acorn in company with co professional (medico) John Willoughby around Hindmarsh Island about 10 years ago, proving the point beyond doubt. they traversed locks, head and cross winds and all with considerable camping supplies and provisions aboard. I think the trip was about 28 kilometers.

Joel Weatherald built a nice one (Isola) a while back, proving that even a butcher (as he was then) can be a good Oughtred boat builder.

One of the nicest rowing boats ever. It's often been said that kids don't row anymore because modern boats, like the ubiquitous tinnies are so bad to row; same goes for most of the club sailing classes. Have you ever tried to row a Mirror? Put any kid near an Acorn 15 and she will be rowing with joy in an hour. This thing, with it's long fine lines and crisp wineglass transom is rowing heaven. Several years ago I accompanied Peter Furze and John Willoughby as they rowed their home built Acorn 11'6" and 15'er, respectively, around Hindmarsh Island, the calcific and mud delta island of the mouth of the River Murray.

John had a sliding seat in his boat, 'Wet Dream'. It was interesting to observe how little that boat pumped as his weight shifted, as it does in a sliding seat, with each stroke. Peter on the other hand had a fixed seat; he still did very well. These 15' boats have been stretched to 17' by virtue of moving the stations equally; that would be even better. I have never seen one sailing. Another of our clients claims to be completing one this year, with sail. I look forward to that.