Few period plans or detailed drawings exist and, as the designs developed from boat to boat, the blueprint for the next boat was taken from measuring and the experience of building the last boat, or from half-hull scale models which were then adapted. Hull shapes varied greatly. Transom sterns and square counters were common before 1890. Elliptical counters were introduced in later years. Similarly, some had plumb stems, whilst others were slightly raked. Later-built skiffs included some with rounded stems and cut away forefoots. The lines varied according to local preferences and the opinions of the owner; the only common feature being high bows.
