Saving Old Seagulls

Jack Palethrope in his 29lb 6 foot skimmer, built in 1933.
This is an old design but has anyone had a go with a boat like this?

I realise it would not cope well with any sort of waves, but flat calm it could be fast.

One sheet of ply, sorted.
Build cost could be as low as £50.00

H-A

Here are plans for an 8' version:

http://www.instantboats.com/skimmer.htm