On Saturday, October 16, craftsmen began building a 14-foot skiff as part of the CSS Neuse Interpretative Center’s “Shipbuilding Saturday.” The program ran from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. that Saturday as builders worked to construct an example of “Uncle Gabe’s Flattie Skiff,” a type of boat built by the thousands in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Sam Rabl drew the plans used for constructing this boat in the 1940s. Rabl copied a skiff built by an African American boatwright who lived in the Botkin’s Creek area of the Chesapeake Bay. Rabl said this skiff proved to be one of the easiest pulling boats he had ever rowed.

Another builder gave these words of praise:

“Around 1976 I bought Sam’s book and built one 14+ feet long of ¾-inch pink planks, oakum and caulking cotton, using basic hand tools, the block plane being the most used. I estimated it weighed in, with a coat of marine paint, at 240 pounds. It rows easily, turns on a dime, and is stable.”

The Interpretative Center’s skiff features locally sawn timber, old-fashioned cut nails, and pine tar. The builders are assembling the boat inside the museum using the same types of tools used by 19th-century boat builders. The skiff can accommodate two adults and all the fishing tackle and refreshments needed for a lazy day on a pond or river.

If you have ever wanted an easy-to-manage boat, the CSS Neuse Gunboat Association (GBA) has good news for you. The association is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win the skiff. Tickets are $10.00 each or three for $25.00. The drawing is set for March 11, 2022, at a ticketed dinner. You do not need to be present to win.

A word about the Gunboat Association is in order. The CSS Neuse Gunboat Association, known formerly as the CSS Neuse Restoration Committee, Inc., is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt corporation whose purpose is to support the CSS Neuse State Historic Site through advocacy, volunteer support, programming, and membership.

To accomplish these goals takes money. The GBA uses the money it generates to provide programming, market the site, and provide merchandise for the gift shop. All these functions lie outside of the funding the state provides.

Helping to plan and fund programs is an essential function of the GBA. Recent programs focused on female spies, boat construction, Civil War medical care, symposia, lectures, guest authors, and battlefield tours. Living History programs are another significant part of programming the GBA funds. The GBA, like most non-profits, must plan fundraisers to generate the necessary capital. COVID knocked fundraising in the head during 2019 and 2020.

The “Uncle Gabe’s Skiff” raffle is one part of a fundraising effort planned for mid-March in connection with the unveiling of the final exhibits at the Interpretative Center. Another part of raising money is a dinner scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, March 11. The catered meal will offer a choice of roast beef, chicken alfredo, or pasta primavera for those who prefer a vegetarian dish.

Only 100 tickets for the unveiling and dinner are available. The price is $50 per person. Remember: This event is a fundraiser.

You can obtain tickets for the skiff raffle from GBA board members and staff at the Interpretative Center. I have 50 to sell – actually, 47 after I buy my three for $25.

Make Uncle Gabe proud and support this most worthy cause.

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.