Iain Oughtred

Iain Oughtred (1939–2023) was a Scottish-born naval architect and boat designer celebrated for his elegant, lightweight, traditionally inspired small craft that blended classic clinker (lapstrake) aesthetics with modern glued-plywood construction techniques. Raised in Australia and later settling in Scotland, he trained in naval architecture and built a global reputation through meticulously detailed plans for rowboats, sailboats, and dinghies—many under 20 feet—designed for amateur builders. His portfolio includes over 60 designs, among them the iconic Acorn series of skiffs, the Grey Seal cruiser, the Tammie Norrie sailing dinghy, and the ultralight Feather Pram, all characterized by graceful sheer lines, efficient hull forms, and seaworthy performance in compact packages. Oughtred’s influence extended through his books—Clinker Plywood Boatbuilding Manual (1990) remains a definitive guide—and his plans, distributed worldwide via outlets like Wooden Boat and Jordan Boat Kits, continue to inspire builders long after his passing in 2023.